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Cisco to acquire smart-grid applications developer

Arch Rock

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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Cisco (Nasdaq: CSCO) is making an acquisition, but the target is not Internet telephone services provider Skype as has been rumored lately.

The buy is Arch Rock Corporation, a developer of wireless smart grid solutions.

Privately held Arch Rock is based in San Francisco. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Cisco is moving aggressively into the smart grid market.

On Wednesday, Cisco announced a partnership with Itron, a smart meter manufacturer to develop what they firms called “a definitive 21st century Internet Protocol (IP)-based communications platform to the smart grid market and help advance more consistent and reliable delivery of energy across the electric distribution system and into homes and businesses.”

"Arch Rock's wireless mesh technology enhances Cisco's IP-based, end-to-end smart-grid offerings," said Laura Ipsen, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco's Smart Grid business unit, in a statement. "This acquisition further positions Cisco as a strategic partner to utilities working to better manage power supply and demand, improve the security and reliability of energy delivery, and optimize operational costs."

Arch Rock focuses on technology to link smart meters and other devices over two-way wireless networks,

Cisco employs more than 4,000 people in RTP.

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