- ConnectPort X2 for Smart Energy is first gateway to seamlessly
connect ZigBee Smart Energy certified devices before or with Smart
Meter deployments -
MINNETONKA, Minn., Feb. 10 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Digi International
(Nasdaq: DGII) today introduced the ConnectPort(R) X2 for Smart
Energy gateway. It is a ZigBee Smart Energy certified gateway that
easily connects certified ZigBee Smart Energy devices from a Home
Area Network (HAN) to an energy service provider via broadband. It
is the industry's first gateway that connects, controls, or gathers
data from ZigBee Smart Energy devices equally well before or with
Smart Meter deployments. When a Smart Meter is present the gateway
can make meter information immediately available to any energy
management application. As part of iDigi(TM) Energy, energy service
providers can use the ConnectPort X2 for Smart Energy and iDigi
platform to easily integrate thermostats, smart meters, in-home
displays, load controllers and other ZigBee Smart Energy devices
into complete energy management systems.
(Logo: http://www.prnasia.com/xprn/sa/200706131247.jpg
)
"The ConnectPort X2 for Smart Energy provides a sub-$100
integration point for thermostats, smart meters, in-home displays,
load controllers and other ZigBee Smart Energy devices in energy
management systems," said Larry Kraft, senior vice president of
global sales and marketing, Digi International. "It provides a
standards-based method to connect ZigBee Smart Energy devices and
iDigi provides a standards-based application interface. Utilities
can deploy energy management systems based on the ConnectPort X2
for Smart Energy and iDigi knowing they have maximum future
flexibility."
"Utilities will deploy millions of ZigBee Smart Energy metering
devices over the next several years," said Charles Porter, Chief
Strategy Officer, ista North America. "Our ista/net EMS platform
uses Digi's ConnectPort X2 for Smart Energy gateway to engage
consumers in real-time energy decisions, allowing them to save
money and improve the environment."
The ConnectPort X2 for Smart Energy can be deployed as a
stand-alone ZigBee Smart Energy HAN for areas without Advanced
Metering Infrastructure (AMI)/Smart Meter deployments or
participate in an AMI network providing broadband connectivity for
enhanced energy management services. Gateways deployed in advance
of AMI can join a Smart Meter based network once it is installed,
using iDigi to remotely make all software changes required for an
easy upgrade, and always preserving the simplicity of a single
Energy Services Portal (ESP) Smart Energy architecture. The
ConnectPort X2 also separates consumers' energy management data
from the utility's "cash register" meter network, adding to the
security and integrity of the AMI system.
Built on the XBee-PRO(R) ZB ZigBee module, the ConnectPort X2 for
Smart Energy gateway features ZigBee Smart Energy certified
firmware enabling compatibility with all devices defined in the
ZigBee Smart Energy public application profile. These include
energy service portals (ESPs), metering devices, in-premise display
devices, programmable communicating thermostats (PCTs), load
controllers, range extenders, smart appliances and prepayment
terminals.
"ZigBee Smart Energy offers consumers secure, easy-to-use wireless
home area networks for managing energy," said Benno Ritter, vice
president of marketing and business development at the ZigBee
Alliance. "Digi is a leader in the Smart Energy space by making it
easier for utilities and their customers to communicate with
thermostats and other Smart Energy devices."
The flexible ConnectPort X2 for Smart Energy offers Ethernet and
ZigBee connectivity. It also features easy-to-use local
customizable open scripting standards via Python. This allows
customers to leverage the in-home processing capability of the
gateway to optimize their energy service offerings. Professional
services are also available through Spectrum Design Solutions,
Digi's wireless consulting group, to speed development. All Digi
gateways can be remotely configured and upgraded using iDigi Energy
allowing new services to be offered after the system is
installed.
The ConnectPort X2 for Smart Energy is available now starting at
$99. ConnectPort X2 for Smart Energy Starter Kits that include
iDigi login and a ZigBee Smart Energy XStick(R) USB adapter for
demo and development environments are available now for $149. For
information regarding the Smart Grid, download a free white paper
at http://www.digi.com/pdf/wp_smartgrid.pdf . For more information
about the ConnectPort X2 for Smart Energy, visit
http://www.digi.com/products/wirelessdropinnetworking/gateways/connectportx2.jsp#overview
ZigBee: Control your world
ZigBee is the global wireless language connecting dramatically
different devices to work together and enhance everyday life. The
ZigBee Alliance is a non-profit association of more than 330
members driving development of ZigBee wireless technology. The
Alliance promotes world-wide adoption of ZigBee as the leading
wirelessly networked, sensing and control standard for use in
consumer electronic, energy, home, commercial and industrial areas.
For more information, visit: http://www.ZigBee.org .
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 offers the highest levels of performance, flexibility and
quality, and markets its products through a global network of
distributors and resellers, systems integrators and original
equipment manufacturers (OEMs). For more information, visit Digi's
Web site at http://www.digi.com , or call +852-2833-1008.
About ista North America
ista is the world's leading company in the metering, billing and
management of energy, water and ancillary costs. ista North America
serves multifamily, manufactured housing, commercial and utility
clients throughout the entire process chain, from delivery and
installation of equipment to meter-reading, billing and management
of utility and ancillary costs. Learn more: http://www.ista-na.com
.
All brand names and product names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
Press Contacts:
Kylie Chan
Channel Marketing Manager, Asia Pacific
Digi International
Tel: +852-2833-1008
Fax: +852-2572-9989
Email: [email protected]
SOURCE Digi International