Cisco on Thursday announced its intent to acquire privately held Arch Rock Corporation, a pioneer in Internet Protocol-based wireless network technology for smart-grid applications. Based in San Francisco, Arch Rock will accelerate Cisco's ability to facilitate the utility industry's transition to an open and interoperable smart grid by enabling Cisco to offer a comprehensive and highly secure advanced metering infrastructure solution that is fully IP and open-standards based.

"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. "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's technology is designed to enable utilities to connect smart meters and other distributed intelligent devices over a scalable, highly secure, multi-way wireless mesh network. The acquisition complements the recently announced strategic alliance between Itron and Cisco to develop solutions that enhance smart-metering technology.

Arch Rock brings to Cisco a proven team that has been a leader in the research and development of wireless networking for smart-grid applications. Upon the close of the acquisition, the Arch Rock team will become part of Cisco's industry-leading Smart Grid business unit. Financial terms of the transaction are undisclosed. The acquisition is subject to various standard closing conditions and is expected to be complete in the second half of calendar year 2010.