Utilities must bridge the gap between the information and operation technology

The need to support smart meters has already caused significant changes in the area of information technology used by utilities. Uncertainty as to how to incorporate new IT systems into network operations, however, slows down the development of smart grid technologies.

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According to a recent report from Pike Research, the need to define and deploy new IT systems is driving greater collaboration between the information technology and operational technology departments. Utilities try to solve this challenge in various way. In some utilities, operational teams take the lead in defining requirements, with the IT organization adopting the system provider role.

North America is leading the initial market in many smart grid IT innovations, but the European and Asia Pacific markets will become more significant over the next five years.

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Article source ElectricNet - information source for electrical power professionals
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