NEW YORK, NY and SAN FRANCISCO, CA /PRNewswire/ -- GainSpan, a leading provider of ultra-low power Wi-Fi technology, and Grid Net, a leading provider of open, interoperable, policy-based network management software, and communications product reference designs for the utility industry's Smart Grid, announced a collaboration for providing innovative Smart Grid home area networks (HAN).
In this initial collaboration, the two companies are developing standards-based Smart Grid connectivity that offers easy HAN access to utilities deploying Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) solutions using Grid Net's PolicyNet NMS. AMI provides energy savings for consumers through management of devices and appliances in the home area network. The net result: energy savings through improved demand management, lower energy costs to consumers, and a more efficient, "greener" environment.
"GainSpan and Grid Net share a vision in which open collaboration and technology innovation will deliver on the promise of the Smart Grid," said Ray Bell, CEO of GridNet. "The combination of GainSpan's ultra low-power Wi-Fi chips and GridNet's leading Smart Grid software and firmware enables utilities to benefit from cost-effective, secure Smart Grid home energy management solutions."
Grid Net's broadband smart meter HAN interface, coupled with GainSpan's ultra low-power chips that leverage the widely-deployed Wi-Fi infrastructure, will enable programmable, connected devices (such as thermostats and smart appliances) to optimize the control, delivery, and usage of power. Over time, the companies plan to extend these capabilities to enable intelligent gas and water metering.
"Grid Net has an extraordinary portfolio of Smart Grid hardware and software," said Vijay Parmar, CEO of GainSpan. "They are working with a vibrant, open ecosystem of leading utilities, technology and consumer products vendors to develop best-in-class Smart Grid solutions."
About GainSpan
GainSpan is an embedded Wi-Fi semiconductor company providing a low power single-chip solution. Whether companies are developing sensor networks or entering new markets enabled by low-power Wi-Fi, GainSpan provides the most cost-effective, energy-efficient approach. Founded from within Intel in 2006, GainSpan is the first company to develop a complete system-on-a-chip that runs reliably for up to 10 years on a single AA battery. GainSpan is headquartered in Los Gatos, CA.
About Grid Net
Founded in 2006 by Ray Bell, Grid Net is a leading provider of open, interoperable, policy-based network management software, and communications product reference designs for the utility industry's Smart Grid. Applying broadly adopted, proven innovations from enterprise software and telecommunications networking, Grid Net's PolicyNet Smart Grid NMS software enables the delivery of secure, scalable and high-performing Smart Grid services, including Smart Metering and Distribution Automation. In 2008, Grid Net licensed its WiMAX smart meter reference design to GE Energy, for use in GE's advanced meter product family based on the PolicyNet software. Privately held Grid Net is backed by world class investors Intel Capital, GE Energy Financial Services, and Catamount Ventures. Grid Net is headquartered in San Francisco, CA.