Verizon Certifies Altair’s Chipset for its 4G Network

"Completing this certification process with Verizon Wireless is a strategic milestone for Altair," said Eran Eshed, Co-Founder and VP of Marketing, Altair Semiconductor. "We are looking forward to helping develop the next wave of LTE solutions, including M2M, fixed and mobile broadband applications, on Verizon's world-class wireless network."

Verizon Wireless' certification process is designed to improve time-to-market and reduce the cost associated with the introduction of new machine-to-machine (M2M) and 4G LTE devices. Verizon operates the world's largest 4G LTE wireless network, available today in over 330 U.S. markets.

The chipset is the core engine behind the LTE device, and certification is crucial for original equipment manufacturers, in minimizing the time it takes from investment to revenue in commercializing devices such as tablets, M2M applications and other LTE products.

Altair's FourGee-3100/6200 chipset supports both FDD and TDD variants using single software, and covers any LTE frequency band in the range between 700-2700MHz. The chipset implements a high performance MIMO receiver and is based on a proprietary OsquaredP(TM) Software Defined Radio (SDR) processor, offering performance that significantly exceeds traditional communications DSP cores, yet consumes a fraction of the power. The combined chipset offers terminal manufacturers a true global solution.

About Altair Semiconductor
Altair Semiconductor is a leading developer of ultra-low power, small footprint and high performance 4G semiconductors. Altair's chipsets can be found in approximately 30 end-user devices - ranging from USB dongles to smartphones.

Altair's comprehensive product portfolio includes baseband processors, multi-band RF transceivers for both FDD and TDD bands, and a range of reference hardware and product level protocol stack software.

For more information, visit www.altair-semi.com or contact matthew@finnpartners.co.il

Source: PRNewswire

Arduino GSM/GPRS Shield Enhanced by Telefónica Connectivity

This Shield, which marks a further development in the initiative presented at Valencia's Campus Party 2011, brings in notable new features. The hardware and associated software have improved both in terms of their usability and their capacities. Also, the libraries are smaller and additionally allow ‘asynchronous’ use. this means that Arduino is freed up to perform other tasks while the shield is communicating. Moreover, Arduino users using the shield can sign up to a communication service provided by Telefónica through which they can manage their Arduino remotely from the BlueVia website (BlueVia is Telefónica's global API program). The service includes its own Telefónica M2M SIM cards.

These new advances greatly benefit developers.  Arduino is at present the hardware of choice for producing prototypes of future systems. It is often used in making the initial versions of new products and prototypes as a prelude to making the required final hardware in miniature.

During the Campus Party in Berlin, Telefónica R&D and Arduino will present the new product at meetings and workshops on 24th and 25th August, where those present will be able to work directly using their own shields.

Source: Telefonica

Polkast 2.0 Ushers in Next Wave of Personal Cloud Computing

Polkast Offers a Simpler and More Secure Way to Access Files Without Uploading and Downloading Content via the Cloud

Polkast 2.0 includes several new features and a Pro subscription version. With this upgrade, Polkast enables a better solution for mobile file access than cloud storage.

Polkast delivers an evolution to the cloud model, using peer-to-peer over WiFi or Internet to optimize the way files are accessed and shared between multiple devices. Peer-to-peer allows unlimited file access without uploading and downloading via the cloud, making Polkast faster and more efficient than the triangular computer-to-cloud-to-device model.

Cloud storage is no longer necessary for mobile access when the user can connect directly to their computer. Polkast turns any connected computer into a personal cloud file server that allows access to all files shared on any device connected in the user's private personal cloud. Polkast does not need to sync files, and has no storage limitations, enabling fast, secure access to large files like photos and videos.

"We start where the cloud stops, delivering improvements in user experience and efficiency over WiFi," said Hong Bui, founder and CEO, Polkast. "Most people have hundreds of gigabytes of files. Polkast solves an important need for people who transfer large files or have a large library of photos and videos trapped on their computer."

Since files are never uploaded, Polkast creates a safe and secure access to personal content. Unlike competitors, the transmission of files is encrypted and Polkast never has control over or access to users' content. This makes Polkast an ideal solution for personal users, and for SMBs that need to keep their files or their clients' files confidential.

New features in Polkast 2.0:

• Polkast Pro subscription version. The standard free version of Polkast 2.0 allows unlimited mobile devices to connect to one computer or storage drive. The Pro version is designed for users with multiple computers and has no limit to the number of computers, storage or mobile devices connected in the personal cloud. Polkast Pro users can keep personal and work files separate yet always accessible.
• Dynamically renders images to optimize in high resolution for great photo viewing, including stunning retina display on iOS.
• View photos by Timeline, Album or Folder for fast access to unlimited photos.
• Enhancements to progressive video streaming from computer to mobile directly over WiFi.
• PC-to-PC now available on all Windows computers (Mac OS support coming soon).
• UI and user experience improvements give even non-technical users the easiest, fastest way to build their own personal cloud for anytime file access.

Polkast is on the web and can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store or the Google Play Store. For more information, please visit www.polkast.com.

About Polkast
Founded in 2010, Polkast is ushering in the next wave of personal cloud computing. Polkast apps connect consumer devices directly, letting users build their own personal cloud, bypassing the public cloud. Polkast is a smarter solution for file access and transfer, leveraging WiFi and addressing the problems of cloud size restrictions and security. Files are not stored on a 3rd party servers, and only the user has access to them. Polkast distributes apps on Windows, Mac OS X, iOS and Android direct to consumers and through device partners.

Polkast software lets you seamlessly connect the dots in your digital life, quickly, securely and without limits. For more information about Polkast, please visit www.polkast.com.

Numerex Provides Remote Monitoring of MicroMed Cardiovascular’s Heart Pump Technology

Numerex led the innovation and development of the new wireless monitoring connectivity and software application for the HeartAssist5 System, the latter consisting of two devices developed by MicroMed: the HeartAssist5® Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) and the MicroMed Controller.

The MicroMed HeartAssist5 LVAD was originally developed by the world famous heart surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey in partnership with NASA. It is the only LVAD with a precise, direct flow measurement system and cellular-based remote monitoring.

"The partnership with Numerex has been spectacular.  They provided the expertise we need along with their Numerex DNA solution to move our idea quickly and reliably to market," said Bryan Lynch, Vice President of product development at MicroMed.
Prior to Numerex implementing the new M2M technology, clinicians accessed device data after the body-worn external controller unit was physically plugged into the MicroMed Heart Attendant™ and transmitted via a local internet connection. This limited mobility and continuous reporting could not occur.

The MicroMed Cardiovascular team sought a solution to improve real-time visibility to the devices and engaged Numerex to integrate a cellular radio into the MicroMed Controller, provide cellular network services, and deliver a web-based application to consolidate and present the reported data for clinicians to review.

"This is a good example of the value-added services Numerex brings to their enterprise customers to deliver new solutions," said Mike Marett, Chief Revenue Officer of Numerex. "MicroMed brought their deep domain expertise and a strong core product to us. After which we applied our M2M expertise and leveraged our platforms to enable a rapid product evolution and ultimately enable the many new benefits associated with continuous connectivity and monitoring."

The MicroMed Cardiovascular M2M application was built using the secure, reliable Numerex FAST platform.  As part of the Numerex DNA solution, the firmware was optimized to reduce the size of the data packet transmissions, ultimately optimizing from over 50MB to less than 4MB per month and resulting in significant efficiencies and cost savings. Remote monitoring of the device is now continuous and consistent, allowing for relevant device statistics to be reported around the clock. More importantly, any anomalies in the device are reported in real-time.

About MicroMed Cardiovascular Inc.
MicroMed is a pioneer in the field of Mechanical Circulatory Support. MicroMed makes a powerful, miniature, implantable electric LVAD or Left Ventricular Assist Device (the HeartAssist5) that increases the cardiac output of a failing heart. The HeartAssist5 system is currently sold commercially outside of the United States and the wireless system is not yet approved for human use. 

About Numerex
Numerex Corp is a leading provider of machine-to-machine (M2M) business services, technology, and products used in the development and support of M2M solutions for the enterprise and government markets worldwide. The Company offers Numerex DNA that includes hardware and smart Devices, cellular and satellite Network services, and software Applications that are delivered through Numerex FAST (Foundation Application Software Technology). Customers typically subscribe to device management, network, and application services through hosted platforms. Business services enable the development of efficient, reliable, and secure solutions while simplifying and speeding up deployment through streamlined processes and comprehensive integration services. Numerex is ISO 27001 information security-certified. "Machines Trust Us®" represents the Company's focus on M2M data security, service reliability, and round-the-clock support of its customers' M2M solutions. For additional information, please visit www.numerex.com.

Opelika Partners With The Motive Group to Deploy Smart Grid and Broadband Services

This will enable very low latency for Smart Grid applications now, and in the future, and will benefit Opelika Power Services electric customers beyond the foreseeable future.

"The utility industry is challenged with solving a critical national problem where supply cannot meet demand for energy without a major network transformation that enables more efficient use of our energy resources," says Jennifer McCain, co-founder of The Motive Group.  "Smart Grid technology is an opportunity to modernize the electric system and can enable the delivery of modern broadband/triple play services to communities using the same network infrastructure."

This partnership will enable the city of Opelika to deploy advanced meter reading over fiber to each home and business in their service area, which reduces cost for truck rolls and provides real-time data energy usage.  This allows for cost savings in how the city manages its utility going forward.

The City of Opelika recognized the positive impact adding broadband services to their community could have on economic development and also understands the importance of implementing operational efficiencies when adding new competitive services.  To accelerate the deployment of the network, The Motive Group will help with the operational and organizational transformation necessary to ensure success.  Some of the responsibilities of The Motive Group include construction management, overall project management,  system Integration, public relations and marketing  and development of cost allocation methodology.

"Fiber Optic infrastructure is a key component to Opelika's ability to deliver next generation electric, voice, video and ultra-high-speed data services to the citizens and businesses of Opelika," says Gary Fuller, Mayor of Opelika.  "The data services alone are desperately needed to foster economic growth, generate revenues that pay for the advanced Smart Grid over time and enhance our education and healthcare systems.   I'm very confident The Motive Group has all the expertise we need to help Opelika build and fully deploy our fiber network.  We're excited about the future and what Fiber to the Home is going to mean for the future of our community."

About The Motive Group
With more than 100 years of combined experience in planning, funding and deploying critical advanced network infrastructure, the founders of The Motive Group are dedicated to helping communities move forward in the areas of Smart Grid and Broadband deployment.  The Motive Group helps communities chart the path through efficient use of fiber optic systems.  Our financial, technical, organizational and leadership expertise are unique and provide value to those wishing to prepare their organization and community for the future.  To learn more, visit www.themotivegroup.com.

About Smart Grid and Broadband
A Smart Grid is a digitally enabled electrical grid that gathers, distributes and acts on information about the behavior of all participants (suppliers and consumers) in order to improve the efficiency, importance, reliability, economics and sustainability of electricity services.  Roll-out of Smart Grid technology also implies a fundamental re-engineering of the electricity services industry, although typical usage of the term is focused on the technical infrastructure.

Contact: Jennifer McCain 205.876.5588

Source: The Motive Group

NEC and Wyless form Strategic M2M Service Partnership

18  April 2012 - NEC Corporation and Wyless Inc., a leading provider of global machine-to-machine (M2M) wireless connectivity solutions and managed services, announced today that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to form a strategic alliance to explore end-to-end M2M service opportunities.

Under this agreement, NEC will promote Wyless' advanced management software "Porthos(TM)" to mobile network operators and enterprises worldwide. In addition, NEC will add "Porthos(TM)" to its enhanced M2M CONNEXIVE solutions. This converged solution enables mobile network operators and enterprises to maximize user experience while minimizing their operating costs and optimizing their revenue from rapidly increasing M2M connectivity services. Furthermore, in return, Wyless will promote NEC's M2M CONNEXIVE solutions to its customers.

"This partnership with Wyless is an ideal opportunity to mutually extend our M2M business capabilities to customers throughout the world," said Mr. Shigeru Okuya, Vice President and Senior General Manager, NEC Corporation. "NEC is at the forefront of M2M and cloud technologies that require integrated network, IT and device technologies as well as inter-operable applications and device interfaces. NEC's CONNEXIVE solutions provide comprehensive control of M2M services and devices for a wide range of business fields."

"The benefits of this NEC/Wyless offering will provide MNO and Large Enterprise partners with both increased transparency and end to end solutions, allowing them to more effectively manage both the growth and risk of their M2M business," said Mr. Ryan Keefe, VP Global Business Development at Wyless. "We believe that the joint solution will offer the market a comprehensive suite of services that is unrivaled in the industry and we are looking forward to promoting our joint services with NEC."

About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company's experience and global resources, NEC's advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society.  For more information, please visit www.nec.com.

About Wyless
Wyless is a leading global M2M managed services provider. Its resilient platform, delivered in partnership with the world‟s largest network operators, provides secure, reliable communications with wireless devices in over 120 countries. Its powerful management tools offer real-time reporting and control over all devices connected to its network. For more information, please visit www.wyless.com.

Source: Wyless

NEC and Wyless form Strategic M2M Service Partnership

Under this agreement, NEC will promote Wyless' advanced management software "Porthos(TM)" to mobile network operators and enterprises worldwide. In addition, NEC will add "Porthos(TM)" to its enhanced M2M CONNEXIVE solutions. This converged solution enables mobile network operators and enterprises to maximize user experience while minimizing their operating costs and optimizing their revenue from rapidly increasing M2M connectivity services. Furthermore, in return, Wyless will promote NEC's M2M CONNEXIVE solutions to its customers.

"This partnership with Wyless is an ideal opportunity to mutually extend our M2M business capabilities to customers throughout the world," said Mr. Shigeru Okuya, Vice President and Senior General Manager, NEC Corporation. "NEC is at the forefront of M2M and cloud technologies that require integrated network, IT and device technologies as well as inter-operable applications and device interfaces. NEC's CONNEXIVE solutions provide comprehensive control of M2M services and devices for a wide range of business fields."

"The benefits of this NEC/Wyless offering will provide MNO and Large Enterprise partners with both increased transparency and end to end solutions, allowing them to more effectively manage both the growth and risk of their M2M business," said Mr. Ryan Keefe, VP Global Business Development at Wyless. "We believe that the joint solution will offer the market a comprehensive suite of services that is unrivaled in the industry and we are looking forward to promoting our joint services with NEC."

About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company's experience and global resources, NEC's advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society.  For more information, please visit www.nec.com.

About Wyless
Wyless is a leading global M2M managed services provider. Its resilient platform, delivered in partnership with the world‟s largest network operators, provides secure, reliable communications with wireless devices in over 120 countries. Its powerful management tools offer real-time reporting and control over all devices connected to its network. For more information, please visit www.wyless.com.

Digi International and Wind River Collaborate on Cloud-Connected Wireless M2M Solutions

27 March 2012 – Digi International and Wind River, today announced a collaboration to deliver a new family of cloud-connected wireless machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions. The M2M Solution Builder kits will include a combination of hardware, software, cloud connectivity and access to tailored M2M development services. This complete end-to-end solution, tailored for performance- and connectivity-driven applications, dramatically simplifies the creation of an M2M solution.

It is expected that by 2015, intelligent M2M systems will account for more than one-third of the volume of all embedded systems worldwide, according to IDC. From real-time traffic data communicated to a vehicle’s GPS, to remote health monitoring systems transmitting data to a doctor's computer, to smart meters transmitting data on utility usage, the spectrum of ways in which intelligence from remote machines can and will be used is vast. With these possibilities come opportunities for companies to use this data to become more efficient, cut operational costs, improve customer satisfaction, and create new revenue streams.

The M2M Solution Builder kits will include a combination of hardware, software, cloud connectivity and access to tailored M2M development services. This complete end-to-end solution, tailored for performance- and connectivity-driven applications, dramatically simplifies the creation of an M2M solution.

“We are excited to work closely with Wind River and Intel to create differentiated smart device solutions,” said Larry Kraft, senior vice president of global sales and marketing at Digi International. “In addition, the close relationship with Wind River allows us to offer customers a complete and field-proven software solution for smart connected devices.”

“The M2M industry is in need of a complete end-to-end solution to accelerate market adoption,” said Jim Robinson, general manager, operations and marketing for intelligent systems at Intel. “Complete solutions from industry leaders like Digi and Wind River will allow developers and OEMs to quickly build connected products and cloud-enabled services with confidence.”

“Wind River’s value proposition is built on streamlining and supporting the enablement of M2M services with our leading software and middleware, complemented by our extensive hardware and software M2M partner ecosystem,” said Roger Williams, vice president of alliances and business development at Wind River. “The integration of the iDigi Device Cloud will allow customers to build secure and cloud-enabled M2M solutions with Wind River software, adding cloud-based data analytics capabilities and remote device management to new and existing applications. The seamless integration of cloud-connected services and applications is a natural extension of Wind River’s proven software and services for smart connected devices.”

The M2M Solution Builder kit will integrate performance and connectivity in a fanless and compact form factor. It is suited for a wide variety of applications such as transportation, smart energy, building automation, access control, security/surveillance, m-health, digital signage, kiosks, and fixed/mobile asset tracking/management. The M2M Solution Builder kit will feature the following:

• Intel® Atom™ processor E6204.
• Wind River Linux environment with an M2M software development kit (SDK).
• iDigi Connector™ integration, which allows any device to integrate easily with the iDigi Device Cloud, a proven cloud infrastructure for remote device management and cloud-based information exchange providing “Any App, Anything, Anywhere™” capabilities to connected devices via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular connectivity.
• Wind River Workbench, a collection of tools based on the Eclipse framework.
• A wide range of connectivity options, including certification to 2G/3G cellular, dual-stream 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.15.4, dual HDMI, audio, USB 2.0, internal MicroSD card slot, up to four internal PCI Express Mini Card slots, and an integrated low-power three-axis accelerometer.
• Future options are expected to include 4G/LTE cellular connectivity, Bluetooth 3.0, ZigBee, and Solid State Disk (SSD) storage.

As part of the kit user experience, customers will be able to exercise complete iDigi Manager Pro remote management capabilities and cloud-based desktop and mobile web dashboard applications out of the box. In addition, through iDigi Application Development Services and Digi’s Spectrum Design Services, Digi offers custom iDigi web and mobile application development as well as full wireless and hardware design services, addressing needs from product customization to complete turnkey development.

The M2M Solution Builder kit is expected to be available in June 2012. Visit www.digi.com/M2MBuilder for more information.

Digi is demonstrating the M2M Solution Builder kit at DESIGN West 2012 in San Jose, Calif. at booth No. 1049. Wind River is also showcasing an M2M demonstration based on the M2M Solution Builder kit at booth No. 1623.

For more information about the iDigi Device Cloud, visit www.idigi.com.

About Wind River
Wind River, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel Corporation, is a world leader in embedded and mobile software. Wind River has been pioneering computing inside embedded devices since 1981 and its technology is found in more than 1 billion products. Wind River is headquartered in Alameda, Calif., with offices in more than 20 countries. To learn more, visit Wind River at www.windriver.com. or on Facebook.

About Digi International
Digi International is making wireless M2M easy by developing reliable products and solutions to connect and securely manage local or remote electronic devices over the network or via the Web. Digi markets its products through a global network of distributors and resellers, systems integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). For more information, visit Digi's website at www.digi.com.

Source: Digi International

Digi International and Wind River Collaborate on Cloud-Connected Wireless M2M Solutions

The M2M Solution Builder kits will include a combination of hardware, software, cloud connectivity and access to tailored M2M development services. This complete end-to-end solution, tailored for performance- and connectivity-driven applications, dramatically simplifies the creation of an M2M solution.

“We are excited to work closely with Wind River and Intel to create differentiated smart device solutions,” said Larry Kraft, senior vice president of global sales and marketing at Digi International. “In addition, the close relationship with Wind River allows us to offer customers a complete and field-proven software solution for smart connected devices.”

“The M2M industry is in need of a complete end-to-end solution to accelerate market adoption,” said Jim Robinson, general manager, operations and marketing for intelligent systems at Intel. “Complete solutions from industry leaders like Digi and Wind River will allow developers and OEMs to quickly build connected products and cloud-enabled services with confidence.”

“Wind River’s value proposition is built on streamlining and supporting the enablement of M2M services with our leading software and middleware, complemented by our extensive hardware and software M2M partner ecosystem,” said Roger Williams, vice president of alliances and business development at Wind River. “The integration of the iDigi Device Cloud will allow customers to build secure and cloud-enabled M2M solutions with Wind River software, adding cloud-based data analytics capabilities and remote device management to new and existing applications. The seamless integration of cloud-connected services and applications is a natural extension of Wind River’s proven software and services for smart connected devices.”

The M2M Solution Builder kit will integrate performance and connectivity in a fanless and compact form factor. It is suited for a wide variety of applications such as transportation, smart energy, building automation, access control, security/surveillance, m-health, digital signage, kiosks, and fixed/mobile asset tracking/management. The M2M Solution Builder kit will feature the following:

• Intel® Atom™ processor E6204.
• Wind River Linux environment with an M2M software development kit (SDK).
• iDigi Connector™ integration, which allows any device to integrate easily with the iDigi Device Cloud, a proven cloud infrastructure for remote device management and cloud-based information exchange providing “Any App, Anything, Anywhere™” capabilities to connected devices via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular connectivity.
• Wind River Workbench, a collection of tools based on the Eclipse framework.
• A wide range of connectivity options, including certification to 2G/3G cellular, dual-stream 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.15.4, dual HDMI, audio, USB 2.0, internal MicroSD card slot, up to four internal PCI Express Mini Card slots, and an integrated low-power three-axis accelerometer.
• Future options are expected to include 4G/LTE cellular connectivity, Bluetooth 3.0, ZigBee, and Solid State Disk (SSD) storage.

As part of the kit user experience, customers will be able to exercise complete iDigi Manager Pro remote management capabilities and cloud-based desktop and mobile web dashboard applications out of the box. In addition, through iDigi Application Development Services and Digi’s Spectrum Design Services, Digi offers custom iDigi web and mobile application development as well as full wireless and hardware design services, addressing needs from product customization to complete turnkey development.

The M2M Solution Builder kit is expected to be available in June 2012. Visit www.digi.com/M2MBuilder for more information.

Digi is demonstrating the M2M Solution Builder kit at DESIGN West 2012 in San Jose, Calif. at booth No. 1049. Wind River is also showcasing an M2M demonstration based on the M2M Solution Builder kit at booth No. 1623.

For more information about the iDigi Device Cloud, visit www.idigi.com.

About Wind River
Wind River, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel Corporation, is a world leader in embedded and mobile software. Wind River has been pioneering computing inside embedded devices since 1981 and its technology is found in more than 1 billion products. Wind River is headquartered in Alameda, Calif., with offices in more than 20 countries. To learn more, visit Wind River at www.windriver.com. or on Facebook.

About Digi International
Digi International is making wireless M2M easy by developing reliable products and solutions to connect and securely manage local or remote electronic devices over the network or via the Web. Digi markets its products through a global network of distributors and resellers, systems integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). For more information, visit Digi's website at www.digi.com.

Honeywell Helps Western Virginia Water Authority Reduce Costs and Emissions

Backed by a guaranteed system-wide water infrastructure improvement program with Honeywell, the $32-million project aims to increase meter accuracy, improve leak detection and reduce carbon dioxide emissions for the Authority — all without adverse impact to its operating budget.

The upgrades are expected to help the Authority save more than $1 million in annual electricity and operational costs, and add approximately $1.5 million in revenue through increased water meter accuracy, which is guaranteed by Honeywell. As a result, the improvements aren't expected to increase budgets or require additional taxpayer dollars to fund the capital outlay.

"Our previous water meter operation was essentially manual, leaving us with an unclear picture of how much water was lost due to leaks in customers' homes and our system," said Gary Robertson, Executive Director for Water Operations at the Western Virginia Water Authority. "The Honeywell upgrades are focused on helping us better manage our water supply and improve leak detection, which, in turn, will translate into better customer service."

Under the Honeywell program, technicians will replace approximately 58,000 residential and commercial water meters with new electronic meters that wirelessly transmit real-time readings back to the Authority. The new electronic meters are expected to improve meter accuracy, help identify leaks and eliminate bi-monthly estimation of residential meter readings. Although meters will not need to be manually read with the new system, there will be no loss of Authority jobs as staff will work on other projects within the organization.

Honeywell will also install a data management system to provide the Authority with a single, centralized view of its water systems, as well as enhanced detail previously unavailable, including hourly customer consumption data. In addition, the new zone-metering capabilities will help the Authority more effectively identify potential leaks in its water system and reduce water loss.

Along with the metering system upgrades, the program will include energy retrofits and other conservation measures at Authority facilities, including its pump stations and four main water supply plants. Honeywell will perform the following upgrades:

•    Thermostat replacements
•    Temperature control retrofits
•    Pump replacements
•    Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades
•    Lighting improvements
•    Peak-shaving generator installations

The water meter and building improvements are expected to have a sizeable impact for the Authority from a sustainability standpoint. The upgrades will trim its electricity use by nearly 5 million kilowatt-hours annually and decrease carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 8.8 million pounds per year. According to figures from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this is equivalent to removing more than 780 cars from the road.

"For water providers, accurately monitoring and measuring water use is paramount to reducing waste and improving efficiency," said Paul Orzeske, President of Honeywell Building Solutions. "By upgrading to newer, more advanced meters, the Western Virginia Water Authority is taking strides to account for a greater portion of its water supply, which should help to reduce both the strain on its own bottom line and overall costs for customers."

About Honeywell
Honeywell International is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., USA, Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com. Honeywell Building Solutions is part of the Honeywell Automation and Control Solutions business group, a global leader in providing product and service solutions that improve efficiency and profitability, support regulatory compliance, and maintain safe, comfortable environments in homes, buildings and industry. For more information about Building Solutions, access www.honeywell.com/buildingsolutions.

Source: Honeywell