Cisco this morning announced its intent to acquire privately-held Arch Rock, which specializes in IP-based wireless sensor network technology with a focus on energy and environmental monitoring and Smart Grid applications.
Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.
Based in San Francisco, Arch Rock will help Cisco accelerate the company’s ability to facilitate the utility industry’s transition to an open and interoperable smart grid and enable Cisco to offer a fully IP and open-standards based advanced metering infrastructure solution.
Arch Rock’s technology is designed to enable utilities to connect smart meters and other distributed intelligent devices over a scalable multi-way wireless mesh network. The acquisition complements the recently announced strategic alliance between Itron and Cisco to develop solutions that enhance smart-metering technology.
Upon the close of the acquisition, which is expected to follow in the second half of calendar year 2010 pending regulatory approvals, the Arch Rock team will become part of Cisco’s Smart Grid business unit.
Arch Rock raised $15 million in venture capital from New Enterprise Associates, Intel Capital and Shasta Ventures.