MEDIA RELEASE PR38279
Digi Introduces An Industry First Smart Energy Gateway
MINNETONKA, Minn., Feb. 10 /PRNewswire-Asia-AsiaNet/ --
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ConnectPort X2 for Smart Energy is first gateway to seamlessly connect ZigBee Smart
Energy certified devices before or with Smart Meter deployments -
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.
"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
X2 for Smart Energy, visit
w
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
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
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
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: kylie.chan@digi.com
SOURCE Digi International
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