Press Release

Raleigh, North Carolina, January 23, 2008 Elster Launches Partner Network Program

Elster Integrated Solutions, part of Elster Group, a world leader in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and integrated metering and utilization solutions to the gas, electricity and water industries, today announces the launch of the Elster Partner Network—an alliance program designed to strategically meld Elster’s technology partners around its proven AMI solutions to enhance customer choice and deliver end-to-end solutions for demand response, distribution automation and smart grid.

With this program, Elster will equip its partners with the tools, technology and resources to reduce integration costs, streamline applications and develop out-of-the-box solutions. “We’ve developed a formalized program to reinforce our continued investment in our partners,” said Sharon Allan, president of Elster Integrated Solutions.

“Partner Network will further assist our partners as they continue to bring our products and solutions into new markets by ensuring that all parties remain closely connected and continuously work together to provide innovative solutions to realize the smart grid of the future.”

The Partner Network Program features vertical categorization based on the partner’s product portfolio, industry presence and fit within Elster’s overall AMI architecture. Industry categories include distribution automation, prepayment, WAN solutions, home automation, enterprise systems, installation services, IT infrastructure and second-source meters, among others.

The program's tiered levels reward partners for providing executive oversight, planning, coordination, information sharing, joint go-to-market strategies and executive oversight. Partner awards and recognition at various levels—silver, gold and platinum, is based on mutual commitment, achievement of joint milestones and implementation of joint customer solutions. Benefits include access to one-on-one account managers, attendance at Elster’s EnergyAxis® User Group Conference, the ability to attend Elster sponsored events, training and consultation as well as joint marketing campaigns, industry presence and messaging programs.

Elster’s Partner Network Program allows partners and Elster to launch strategic initiatives, such as the Advanced Grid Infrastructure (AGI) Initiative and jointly offer AMI solutions to their customer base in a way that best fits customer needs and reduces their overall cost of implementing a solution.
 
“Our partners are the best-in-breed,” said Allan. “This is a win-win for everyone—our partners, our company and most importantly our customers. This program will unite multiple technologies to bring choice to our customers and provide end-to-end solutions. The goal is to bring the right people and the best technologies to build exceptional AMI solutions for the grid.”