http://www.hp.com/pressrel/21feb96.htm (PC Press Internet CD, 03/1996)
Palo Alto, California/San Carlos, California. February 21, 1996
To help utility companies differentiate themselves from their competitors, Hewlett-Packard Company and CellNet Data Systems, Inc., today announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will enable them to jointly deliver innovative services and solutions as the utility industry shifts from a regulated to an open market.
Under the terms of the MOU, CellNet Data Systems, Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Company will work together to deliver solutions that leverage CellNet's wireless communications technology and HP's open, client/server computing, communication and test-and-measurement products, services and technology.
"Utilities are preparing for deregulation and are looking for better ways to manage assets, operate more efficiently and stave off multibillion dollar investments in additional capacity," said John M. (Mick) Seidl, president and chief executive officer of CellNet. "Together we will deliver new solutions that enable comprehensive efficiency and service improvements being demanded by customers and required by utility regulators."
CellNet and HP plan to explore ways to deliver end-to-end energy information solutions, such as real-time automated metering; managing and monitoring power usage; and a communications infrastructure, including data processing. All of these will enable utilities to improve customer service, increase the efficiency of their operations, retain their current customer base and offer new ways to grow their revenue.
"We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with CellNet, a leading-edge provider of network communications system for utility automation, as our first non-exclusive partner for these emerging markets," said Robert E. (Bob) Stringer, general manager of HP's Telecom Utilities Media Sales Group. "Together we have the potential to deliver exciting solutions to the utility industry."
"HP's open, client/server and distributed-information architecture can greatly enhance the systems we currently offer customers," Seidl said.
CellNet's system is one of the fastest-growing applications of wireless technology. CellNet currently operates the largest, fixed-point wireless network commercially deployed to the utility industry. Unlike other automated meter reading technologies that provide monthly meter reads, CellNet's network delivers a wide range of on-line, real-time customer service options and applications.
CellNet Data Systems, Inc., with headquarters in San Carlos, Calif., markets a flexible, cost-effective, wireless data communication system to the utility industry. CellNet's network collects timely sales and usage data and delivers information to utilities enabling them to create a strategic, competitive advantage. The network can also be used for other commercial wireless data applications such as monitoring widely distributed low-cost assets where the cost of communications must be commensurate with asset value. Status monitoring of vending machines, home security systems, office machines, traffic lights and personal safety devices are examples of such applications. CellNet employs approximately 450 people worldwide.
Information about CellNet and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.cellnet.com.
In 1993, HP began focusing its effort toward meeting the needs of the utility industry to address growing market demand for open-systems and client/server solutions. Deregulation of the utilities industry in the United States and United Kingdom and the need to meet growing demand for electricity in Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Africa have created a significant market opportunity for HP's industry-leading open-systems client/server computing solutions. HP's Utilities Business Unit is supported by a group of professionals who have industry-specific knowledge and who work with utility clients to present and implement world-class enterprise solutions.
Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing, communications and measurement products and services recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 102,300 employees and had revenue of $31.5 billion in its 1995 fiscal year.
Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.
