Thanks as I did just that. Below confirms that IFXY and Itron, Inc. (ITRI:NASDAQ) has signed a Technical Information License Agreement per their 10-K filed below of which I think it has finally gotten to a position to where IFXY will very soon be able to license the communications module to Itron and sell the product directly as an Itron-compliant like what was stated within the 10-K below:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1380277/000118518512002282/infrax10ka063012.htm To meet the needs of the market, we have entered into a Technical Information License Agreement with Itron, Inc., the leading manufacturer of smart meters. The license agreement allows us to design our SNIC and communications module for inclusion in the Itron Centron I & Centron II meters. We have been working closely with Itron during this process to ensure that we are fully compliant and the results to date have all met Itron’s criteria. When the qualification testing process is finished, we will be able to license the communications module to Itron and sell the product directly as Itron-compliant.
To fully understand more the magnitude of the importance of this deal, read more per the IFXY 10-K below which reflect some key thoughts regarding their Secure Network Interface Card (SNIC) for electric meters, which is their flagship product, that I think all should quickly familiarize themselves with:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1380277/000118518512002282/infrax10ka063012.htm In today’s environment of increasing threat sophistication and regulatory pressures, managing risk has become a primary concern for Utility IT organizations. Today, a single breach can cost millions, be devastating to industrial, commercial and residential consumers, and create a threat to national security. Infrax’s Secure Network Interface Card (SNIC), GridMesh and GRid Intrusion Management (GRIM) products provide a secure solution for complete grid, network and intelligent device management. ...
Our SNIC and GRid Intrusion Management (GRIM) systems provide an enhanced Cyber Security platform which prevents unwarranted intrusion into any part of the electrical grid. Using advanced encryption algorithms, a secure virtual network can be created over a private or public network. Infrax's GRIM technologies will evolve to include software and hardened hardware solutions for substation deployment. ...
The market for Infrax’s SNIC and GRIM solutions includes over 3,400 electric utilities in the United States, several thousand more globally, large consumers of commercial power, as well as power producers and utilities providing water and gas.
According to the research-based business strategy firm Zpryme, Smart Grid IT hardware and software spending in the U.S. was $15.2 billion in 2009 and is forecasted to increase to $39.4 billion by 2014. ...
Communication Devices: • Secure Network Interface Card (SNIC). Our SNIC is a combo card that resides inside the utility power meter. The meter data such as usage, voltage, current etc. are encrypted and transported to the collector via a wireless module over proprietary mesh architecture. The wireless devices, operating in the 2.4 GHz spectrum link devices in the neighborhood area network to a utility’s back office or data center over the wide area network. • Collectors, concentrators and repeaters. Our collectors are devices that communicate to the SNIC on one side and transport the data over an appropriate wide area network (WAN) to a concentrator, typically installed at a utility’s substation. Repeaters are devices that extend the reach of our network. Collector has the option to support a variety of WAN modules such as RF, cellular, WiMax etc. These devices are engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including wind, lightning strikes, and rain, snow, and temperature extremes; are packaged in a standard form factor; and can be installed in a variety of locations such as a power pole.
Networking Software: • GridMesh: Our proprietary mesh software for the SNIC is powerful software based on clustering concept to help build a dynamic mesh network between the meters and the collector. GridMesh allows our hardware devices to securely join the network and communicate with each other. GrdiMesh provides a comprehensive set of advanced networking features including network discovery, network addressing and address management, advanced routing, and secure communications. GridMesh also allows our devices to be remotely programmable over the air, enabling device upgrades without costly maintenance visits.
Secure Network Interface Card (SNIC)
Our advanced metering solution provides utilities with two-way communications from our communications module integrated into a third-party meter to their back office, enabling utilities to remotely perform such functions as reading meter usage, capturing time-of-use consumption data, connecting and disconnecting service, and detecting power outages. Our current version of the card is made for Itron’s Centron II meters, with the ability to modify the geometric design to fit inside other third party meters. Our advanced metering solution comprises communications modules that are integrated into partner meters and our UtilityIQ software applications. We do not manufacture meters; instead, we partner with various meter manufacturers to provide a range of meter options for our utility customers. We are in the process of completing a Security and Network Interface Card (SNIC), based on higher levels of encryption, which can be imbedded in all intelligent end devices including Smart Meters and sensors. We plan to offer our SNIC in a variety of configurations; all equipped with standards based encryption with robust authentication schemes. Data traffic passing through our SNIC will be encrypted using AES 256, once the devices are authenticated. These keys are periodically rotated to negate “man in the middle” attacks. When combined with our security based software and management tools, our SNIC will create an impenetrable barrier against cyber-attacks. Our SNIC coupled with our Grid Intrusion Management (GRIM) system, will provide an enhanced cyber security platform which prevents unwarranted intrusion into any part of an electrical electric power grid. Using advanced encryption algorithms, a secure virtual network can be created over a private or public network. We believe our SNIC is the next generation of electric power grid security products. SNIC addresses the advanced metering infrastructure requirements of electric power utilities and provides the highest level of meter security available to date. SNIC employs military grade encryption, meeting or exceeding current and emerging security standards. The universal host interface board carries a single wireless module for both home area networking (HAN) and for communicating the data to the electric power utility’s control center using standards based communications technology called gridMesh. ...
