Google to join IPSO Alliance

21 Dec 2009

Joining the IPSO Alliance, Google is part of a group of technology companies with the common goal of promoting the Internet Protocol for Smart Object communications, allowing items ranging from appliances to cars to "communicate" as individuals do over the Internet. The alliance now boasts 53 member companies, including Bosch, Cisco, Ericsson, Intel, SAP, Sun Microsystems and Texas Instruments.

According to Vint Cerf, Google's Vice President and Chief Internet Evangelist, the company's participation in IPSO is a result of its expectation that many devices will become part of the Internet environmen. "The IPv4 and IPv6 Internet protocols are well established and used for this purpose. Google's PowerMeter application makes use of this idea to help Smart Grid users capture and analyze their energy usage information."

Google's PowerMeter is an online freeware allowing users to view their homes' energy usage. In coordination with their energy partners, including TXU Energy and San Diego Gas and Electric, Google is now able to bring real-time energy use information to the consumer, enabling individuals to lower their utility costs and prevent waste.

"The addition of Google, and its PowerMeter service, to the Alliance really completes the Smart Grid circle within IPSO," explained Geoff Mulligan, Chairman of the IPSO Alliance. Consumers will be able to use the products and services of IPSO Alliance member companies to connect their home to the grid, they also will be able to monitor how those appliances, and their entire home, are consuming energy.