Itron Inc. announced its intent to use Microsoft Azure as its preferred cloud platform for Itron Analytics. The cloud computing and infrastructure platform will provide a secure, reliable and cost-effective option for hosting Itron Analytics, Itron’s analytic application that harnesses the value of the data generated by utility smart grid and smart distribution investments.
With Microsoft Azure, Itron will have access to available, scalable and durable cloud storage, backup and recovery capabilities. Microsoft Azure maintains the infrastructure and performs routine maintenance, patching, load balancing and health monitoring for continuous availability. This will allow Itron and its customers to focus on running Itron Analytics rather than upgrading and maintaining hardware. Itron Analytics can either be installed locally, run by the utility in the cloud environment or operated and managed by Itron as a part of its Itron Total Services.
“With Microsoft Azure, Itron can provide even better and faster service to our customers, accelerating the deployment of Itron Analytics while reducing costs,” said Jeff Carkhuff, vice president of global product management for electricity at Itron. “We look forward to benefiting from the expertise of our partner and a world leader in cloud services as we work with our customers to better manage energy and water resources.”
“Microsoft is pleased to expand our strategic partnership with Itron as it utilizes Microsoft Azure to better serve its customers,” said Jon Arnold, managing director, worldwide utilities industry at Microsoft. “By selecting Microsoft Azure as Itron’s platform for cloud analytics, customers will gain access to massive computing power across a global network of datacenters to run the most complex analytics that utilities need on a secure, scalable and cost-effective platform that will provide greater value and increased efficiency to Itron and its customers.”
Source: Itron Inc.
