Itron and Ambient Partner to Increase Smart Grid Functionality for Both Companies

Itron and Ambient Partner to Increase Smart Grid Functionality for Both Companies


LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. - June 30, 2009 - Itron Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) announced today it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ambient Corporation for integration of Itron smart grid and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) solutions, and components, with Ambient Smart Grid® communications platform. The partnership enables a comprehensive and complete suite of smart grid functionality that Itron and Ambient will jointly market to utility customers.

Under terms of the agreement the companies will closely integrate Itron's leading advanced metering application for the smart grid, OpenWay®, with Ambient Smart Grid communications technology to seamlessly connect legacy equipment as well as advanced smart energy applications to the nation's power grid.

Itron North America senior vice president and chief operating officer Philip Mezey said, "This is further proof that the OpenWay architecture is adaptable to multiple networks in support of smart grid deployments. Building the smart grid requires unprecedented collaboration. Our partnership with Ambient will help both our companies extend smart grid benefits to more energy users."

The agreement covers multiple technologies from both companies, including Itron ERT® technology, used for automated meter reading (AMR); as well as Itron Fixed Network and OpenWay RFLAN communications. The partnership leverages Ambient's X-3000 node and AmbientNMS®, key components of Ambient Smart Grid solutions, and network capabilities utilizing Verizon Wireless' cellular networks.

John J. Joyce, president and chief executive officer of Ambient, said, "This partnership brings together Itron's core consumer and commercial AMI technologies with Ambient's high-capacity communications network for a complete 'utility to the home' smart grid solution."

Itron is a leading, global solutions provider to energy and water utilities, with more than 14 million OpenWay meters under contract.

Ambient designs, develops, and markets Ambient Smart Grid equipment, technologies and services.

About Itron:
Itron Inc. is a leading technology provider to the global energy and water industries. Our company is the world's leading provider of intelligent metering, data collection and utility software solutions, with nearly 8,000 utilities worldwide relying on our technology to optimize the delivery and use of energy and water. Our products include electricity, gas, water and heat meters, data collection and communication systems, including automated meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI); meter data management and related software applications; as well as project management, installation, and consulting services. To know more, start here: www.itron.com.

About Ambient Corporation:
Ambient designs, develops and markets Ambient Smart Grid communications technologies and equipment. Using open standards-based technologies along with in-depth industry experience, Ambient provides utilities with solutions for creating smart grid communication platforms and technologies. Headquartered in Newton, MA, Ambient is a publicly traded company (OTCBB: ABTG). More information on Ambient is available at www.ambientcorp.com.