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RuggedCom and Current Group collaborate to deliver integrated Smart Grid apps for distribution automation

CONCORD, ON — RuggedCom Inc., a leading provider of rugged communications networking solutions designed for mission-critical applications in harsh environments, and Current Group, Inc., a provider of intelligent and optimized solutions to monitor and manage the distribution grid, announced this week that they will collaborate to jointly deliver integrated Smart Grid infrastructure and advanced applications for distribution automation. The integrated solution will enable electric utilities to improve the reliability and efficiency of the distribution grid, speed integration of renewable and distributed energy resources, and reduce technical losses and total load of their distribution system in a timely, more secure and more cost-effective manner.

Through this collaboration, electric utilities will be able to quickly adopt Smart Grid capabilities by combining RuggedCom's utility grade IP-based communication networks which include the RuggedMAX family of utility grade WiMAX IEEE802.16e compliant broadband wireless products with Current's intelligent sensors, OpenGrid utility element management system, and System Optimization and Reliability analytical software solutions.

"We are seeing an increasing number of electric utilities around the world choosing WiMAX for multiple applications as part of their Smart Grid solution," said Elik Jaeger, Vice President, RuggedWIRELESS. "We believe that a reliable utility grade communications infrastructure is critical to creating a dependable Smart Grid implementation. Our award winning, field proven, utility grade communications technology, coupled with our experience with over 700 utilities around the world allows us to offer a comprehensive communications solution to both wireline and wireless products capable of being the communications backbone of any Smart Grid application."

"Utilities are faced with increased pressure to improve distribution system performance and efficiency while at the same time assuring they invest in technology that is reliable, secure and scalable to handle the business needs of today and the increasingly demanding needs of an emerging energy paradigm," said Current CEO Tom Casey. "Current's technology solutions are communications agnostic and allow us to partner with leading communications solutions providers such as RuggedCom whose market growth in the energy sector is a leading indicator of where utility communications are going. We believe WiMAX is one of the communications solutions utilities may consider and we are pleased to be able to offer an integrated solution to those customers."

This collaboration will leverage the core experience of both companies to deliver key building blocks for an IP-enabled smart grid and provides electric power utilities process information securely, reliably and in real time.

For more information, visit www.currentgroup.com/ and www.RuggedGRID.com

March 24, 2010  By EM Staff