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SmartSynch Participates in UtiliPoint Webinar Highlighting the Role of Internet Protocol in the Development of the Smart GridProfessionals Representing Utilities, Vendors, Regulators and Other Energy and Utility Organizations Participate in Record Numbers Jackson, MS — January 30, 2008 SmartSynch's participation in the recent "IP-Enabling & Smart Grid" Webinar hosted by UtiliPoint® International, Inc. (UtiliPoint) helped attract an audience of more than 220 utilities, vendors and regulators from the energy and utility industries. The Webinar, which was held on Jan. 10, explored recent trends in the development of the Smart Grid and provided viewpoints on the role of IP during Smart Grid advancements. It also allowed attendees to learn how the Smart Grid might evolve and be implemented, the factors that could affect its development and the role AMI will play in this process. “Utilities and regulators are interested in AMI and the Smart Grid,” said Patti Harper-Slaboszewicz, director AMI/DR of UtiliPoint. "It’s important to have a path forward that takes both into account. The Smart Grid includes AMI, distribution automation field devices, customer devices connected via the home area network, and should extend all the way to wholesale supply, allowing for two-way interactions between customers and supply.” According to Dr. Henry Jones, SmartSynch's chief technology officer, virtually all industries either use or are moving to an IP infrastructure, and it's time for the Smart Grid to get on the bandwagon. "IP has become a basic component of communication for many types of networks," said Jones. "By 2012, IDC estimates that approximately 17 billion IP-enabled devices will have cropped up in the relatively brief time that IP-based networks have been created, utilized and refined because major manufacturers such as Microsoft, Cisco, Intel, Hewlett-Packard and Dell have recognized IP’s immense growth potential." Jones noted that IP-enabled devices seamlessly integrate into higher-level systems and networks (PCs, LANs, etc.) and will continue to do so. "At some point, at some level, in every application, you are going to have to interface with an IP-enabled system," he said. "Every single technology trend points to better, faster, broader, easier and less expensive adoption of IP connectivity." Jones added that trillions of dollars will be spent during the next twenty years on the evolving IP ecosystem: improving equipment, developing expertise, building applications, refining tools and discovering new uses. “The overwhelming turnout for the Webinar clearly indicates IP's role in the development of the Smart Grid, which is becoming more and more prominent," said Jones. "Utilities making major investments in new Smart Grid technologies are realizing the only way to make these investments 'future-proof' is to enable standards-based IP connectivity to every SmartMeter deployed in lieu of a proprietary addressing scheme. Doing so allows them to interface with other computers and IP-enabled devices and capitalize on today's tools and tomorrow's technologies." For a copy of Jones' Webinar presentation, please call 601-362-1780, ext. 1059. About UtiliPoint® International, Inc. UtliliPoint is a leader in providing analysis and consulting services to the energy and utility industry. Its 75-year history and over 500 clients worldwide have led to its current operation as an energy and utility consulting and issues analysis firm. UtiliPoint's staff is comprised of leading utility and energy experts with diverse backgrounds in utility generation, transmission and distribution, retail markets, mergers and acquisitions, new technologies, investment capital, information technology, outsourcing, renewable energy, regulatory affairs and international issues. About SmartSynch Headquartered in Jackson, Miss., SmartSynch has been developing successful Smart Grid Intelligence solutions for the utility industry since 2000. The company’s clean-tech innovations in the two-way delivery of real-time energy usage data over public wireless networks (AT&T, Rogers, etc.), in lieu of private network build-outs, have to date simplified SmartMeter deployments for 65+ major North American utilities, while enabling green-energy initiatives and delivering significantly higher Returns on Resources. Unlike proprietary, closed-architecture solutions, SmartSynch's SmartMeters represent future-proof investments in technology. The standards-based IP connectivity enabled in every SmartMeter deployed makes them adaptable and remotely upgradable to support today’s sensor and communications needs, as well as tomorrow’s opportunities, better than any alternative. For more information, contact SmartSynch Media Relations at 601-209-1315, or visit smartsynch.com.
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