Itron to use Microsoft Azure as its cloud platform

Itron will use Microsoft Azure as its cloud platform for Itron Analytics to benefit from cloud storage, backup and recovery capabilities.

The cloud computing and infrastructure platform will provide a secure, reliable and cost-effective option for hosting Itron Analytics, Itron’s analytic application that harnesses the value of the data generated by utility smart grid and smart distribution investments.

Microsoft Azure maintains the infrastructure and performs routine maintenance, patching, load balancing and health monitoring for continuous availability. Itron Analytics can either be installed locally, run by the utility in the cloud environment or operated and managed by Itron as a part of its Itron Total Services.

Jon Arnold, managing director, worldwide utilities industry at Microsoft, said: “By selecting Microsoft Azure as Itron’s platform for cloud analytics, customers will gain access to massive computing power across a global network of datacenters to run the most complex analytics that utilities need on a secure, scalable and cost-effective platform that will provide greater value and increased efficiency to Itron and its customers.”