GridSense’s launch of its Grid InSite software tool highlights the increasing intersection between the network analytics and optimization capabilities required by smart grid energy operators and telecommunications network operators.
At the heart of the solution, Grid InSite applies link sensors and monitors to provide analytics data that smart grid operators can then use to optimize their distribution networks. This approach correlates almost exactly to the analytics solutions being employed by wireless telecom network operators to deal with the increasing complexity associated with delivering a growing mix of data-centric traffic over their networks
While the concept of network monitoring in energy distribution networks is far from novel, as with telecom networks, the dramatic increase of data associated with delivering services that require dynamic adjustments in real-time has created a disconnect between existing technology and operational requirements going forward. Take smart metering for example. Over the past decade, there have been enormous investments made in developing smart metering that can be deployed at the customer premise location. However, there is a disconnect between leveraging smart meter technology to intelligently manage and optimize network resources.
Analytics-based solutions are a clear step in the right direction in terms of applying the principles of gathering real-time network data for use in a broader ecosystem of data that can be used to make network performance more efficient. It also points to a material opportunity for telecom equipment and software solutions providers to play in increasingly important role in the smart grid vertical.
Already, a who’s who of widely known telecom players are into smart grid. IBM’s involvement needs no introduction. Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson and Huawei all address smart grid in a systematic way. However, aligning more with GridSense’s focus presents an opportunity for an array of telecom specialists ranging from larger analytics companies like Sybase to telecom-focused energy solution companies like Vigilent to specialists like SevOne that deliver niche capabilities such as flow analysis tools inside carrier-grade networks.
Clearly, this list is far from comprehensive. Nevertheless, as the concept of “Big Data” begins to encroach on smart grid networks, increasingly sophisticated network monitoring, provisioning and control solutions will be needed. GridSense’s launch shows that analytics will play a big enabling role in these solution. It also highlights the increasing intersection between smart grid and telecom at a somewhat granular level… and invites increased participation in Smart Grid by a wider range of telecom players than ever.
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