Cisco announced it wants to further its participation in the smart grid space by acquiring Arch Rock Corporation, a provider of IP-based wireless network technology for smart-grid applications.
Cisco said Arch Rock, which is based in San Francisco, would enable Cisco to offer a metering infrastructure solution that is fully IP and open-standards based.
"This acquisition further positions Cisco as a strategic partner to utilities working to better manage power supply and demand, improve the security and reliability of energy delivery, and optimize operational costs," said Laura Ipsen, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco's Smart Grid business, in a statement.
Arch Rock's technology is designed to enable utilities to connect smart meters and other distributed intelligent devices over a scalable, multi-way wireless mesh network. The acquisition complements the recently announced strategic alliance between Itron and Cisco to develop solutions that enhance smart-metering technology.
Financial terms of the transaction are as yet undisclosed. The acquisition is subject to various standard closing conditions and is expected to be complete in the second half of calendar year 2010.