Nearly four years ago, Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates told me the software giant had no interest in playing a direct role in the development of “smart-grid” technologies. In fact, he seemed rather uninformed about its potential.
That, of course, was before the U.S. Department of Energy set aside nearly $4 billion (U.S.) to throw at smart-grid development and demonstration projects. As one of the hottest areas of venture capital investment these days – similar in many ways to the early days of the Internet boom, thanks to an energy-literate U.S. president – the smart-grid opportunity is now drawing some big names, including Microsoft.
The company announced on June 24 a new web-based home energy management application called Hohm, “an easy-to-use tool that helps consumers lower their energy bill and reduce their impact on the environment.” It is a rather simple application but it gets Microsoft inside the smart-grid bubble, where Google Inc. is also hoping to establish its brand through the launch earlier this year of its PowerMeter home energy management tool.
If the smart grid is to become the next big area of technology investment – some say even bigger than the Internet – then it is understandable that Microsoft, Google, Cisco Systems Inc., IBM Corp. and other giants of the computing and networking world want some flesh in the game. It also means there is a chance for new Googles and Microsofts to emerge, and some are already making that attempt.
via TheStar.com | sciencetech | Old and new players chase smart-grid technology.
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