Elster Integrated Solutions, part of Elster Group, a world leader in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), integrated metering, and utilization solutions to the gas, electricity and water industries today announces they have entered into a collaborative initiative with Landis+Gyr Inc. to provide interoperable AMI solutions for greater customer choice.

The alliance will allow the two companies to develop an AMI endpoint that combines Elster's EnergyAxis® System mesh radio frequency technology with Landis+Gyr's solid-state, residential FOCUST meter platform. Once completed, the endpoint will offer utilities using the EnergyAxis System a choice when considering metering options. Already in development, the EnergyAxis-enabled FOCUS endpoint is expected to be commercially available in the second half of this year.

With this combined AMI solution, utility customers benefit by having true two-way communications, interoperability, choice of endpoints and the ability to extend their existing enterprise networks to a smart grid network.

"We are very happy to be working with a trusted metering company like Landis+Gyr to deliver choice to utility customers," said Victor Sitton, vice president, product marketing for Elster. "True system interoperability requires cooperation and coordination between premiere AMI solution providers like Elster and trusted device endpoint vendors. Elster is pleased to be leading the AMI industry and to provide interoperable AMI solutions with customer choice for electric, gas and water meter endpoints."

"This exciting alliance with Elster enables us to deliver FOCUS meter endpoints in the EnergyAxis System allowing utilities the benefit of Elster's AMI technology," said Steve Schamber, director of product management for Landis+Gyr. "The single-circuit board design of Landis+Gyr's FOCUS meter is well suited for AMI applications like Elster's and facilitates an easy and inexpensive retrofit, increased reliability and better overall endpoint performance. This is a winning combination."

The EnergyAxis System delivers proven AMI technology to manage installed smart devices and communicate related information. The system provides the foundation for energy conservation, demand response, smart home solutions and is part of the smart grid of the future. It supports gas, electricity and water while its open and interoperable architecture lowers investment risk by providing maximum flexibility for the integration of third-party solutions and emerging technologies via open and standards-based interfaces.

The EnergyAxis System is currently the most widely deployed two-way radio frequency mesh network AMI technology in the world. EnergyAxis systems are operating in urban, suburban, rural, residential, commercial and industrial applications and range from high density metropolitan environments to lightly populated areas including remote rural villages in Alaska. EnergyAxis System installations span the globe with deployments in North America, Central America, Australia, New Zealand and the Caribbean.

About Landis+Gyr
Landis+Gyr is a leading global provider of precision, commercial and industrial, and residential electric meters, as well as innovative metering systems. Globally, the company employs over 3,000 people, with the North American headquarters in Lafayette, Indiana responsible for marketing throughout the worldwide ANSI markets. The U.S. Company also oversees operations at its Reynosa, Mexico manufacturing facility. Landis+ Gyr Inc. is committed to maintaining its leadership position by manufacturing, marketing and delivering state-of-the-art, innovative, high-quality solutions to its customers on time, with value added, and at competitive prices. For more information about Landis+Gyr Inc., please visit the corporate website at www.landisgyr.us.

About Elster Integrated Solutions
EIS delivers AMR and AMI systems that help utilities improve revenue cycle services, customer service, and delivery reliability as well as implement demand response and conservation programs. EIS delivers and integrates metering automation solutions for utility customers so that they can better manage their business in the area of electric, water, and gas usage as well as facilitate new end-customer programs. Experienced in field-proven AMR and AMI system deployment, EIS enables business and customer management from metering information. Core to EIS solutions are the use of intelligent standards-based communications. For more information, visit www.elster-eis.com.

About Elster Group
A world leader in advanced metering infrastructure, integrated metering, and utilization solutions to the gas, electricity and water industries, Elster's systems and solutions reflect over 170 years of knowledge and experience in measuring precious resources and energy. Elster provides solutions and advanced technologies to help utilities more easily, efficiently and reliably obtain and use advanced metering intelligence to improve customer service, enhance operational efficiency, and increase customer benefits. Elster's AMI solutions enable utilities to cost-effectively deliver, manage, and conserve the life-essential resources of gas, electricity, and water. Elster has over 7500 staff and operations in 38 countries in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. For additional information, visit www.elster.com.

Thu Mar 06 09:58:00 CST 2008