SCIENCE

IBM has announced that it will help utilities modernize the underlying communications networks that enable them to deliver energy resources. By providing complete consulting, design and implementation services with network technology from industry partners, IBM will deliver the first-ever comprehensive communications services offering of its kind. This new offering will allow utilities to transform their networks and make the transition from traditional to "smart" grids.

With secure and scalable communications infrastructure integrated from the data center all the way to the sensor or smart meter, utilities can maximize service levels, better consolidate and manage security, execute network monitoring and management functions, manage assets, meet regulatory requirements and further accelerate the deployment of smarter grids – all while meeting cost objectives.

"One of the keys to success of any smart grid initiative is having the right communications networks in place," said Bill Moroney, President and Chief Executive Officer of Utilities Telecom Council (UTC).  "It is good to see a firm like IBM investing in global communications services to help utilities realize the full investment of their smart grid programs."  

IBM is now able to consult, design, integrate and implement a secure and scalable communications network. This universal approach allows utilities to have a complete view of their communications network, a network that provides the right bandwidth, availability and security measures for their smart grid projects.

"IBM was among the first companies to recognize the benefits of marrying information technology with the electricity grid," said Guido Bartels, General Manager, Energy & Utilities Industry at IBM and Chairman, GridWise Alliance. "Given our experience with more then 150 smart grid projects around the world, we are now building on that leadership by providing the first comprehensive global communications services offering of its kind."

Partner ecosystem gives utilities one stop shop

IBM is making a global commitment to helping utility clients address their communications network challenges with a single consultative systems integration approach rather than a piecemeal offering.  Recognizing that an array of technologies are required of smart grid communications networks, IBM has established partnerships that span core, backhaul and neighborhood area network requirements – both terrestrial and wireless.  

These services are supported by partners ADVA Optical Networking, Alvarion, Ciena, Cisco, Itron (in North America), Juniper Networks, Landis+Gyr (in North America), Motorola, RuggedCom, Sensus and Trilliant.  All partners are either IBM SAFE (Solution Architecture for Energy & Utilities) validated or committed to validation as part of participation in the partner ecosystem.

IBM clients are recognizing the benefits:

"A telecommunications backbone is the foundation for a smarter energy system," said Adrian Clark, Smart Grid Manager, Energy Australia. "An integrated and future-proof communications platform is a fundamental enabler of the Smart Grid."

IUN Communications Services

As part of IBM's Intelligent Utility Network solution, IBM IUN Communications Services offering leverages IBM's worldwide Global Technology Services Integrated Communication Services organization consisting of more than 5,000 experienced network consultants, architects and project managers.  IBM also brings energy and utility industry experts, a robust partner ecosystem and regulatory expertise along with customized payment plan options to help utility companies transform and maximize smart grid deployments.

IUN Communications Services includes:

Assessment and development of a utility-wide smart grid communications strategy and plan

Solution architecture and design of smart grid communications network infrastructure

Implementation planning, integration and deployment services

Complementary IBM products and services address the needs of our customers for data center networks, campus and local area networks, network security, network maintenance and network management and performance monitoring.

IBM is involved in more than 150 Smart Grid engagements in mature and emerging markets.