RuggedCom Inc., which makes rugged communications solutions for outside networks in areas like the energy industry, has offered to pay $2.1 million for the electrical substation automation business of Bow Networks Inc. Calgary-based Bow Networks' solutions are used to retrieve and analyse data from intelligent electronic devices used by utilities. When integrated with RuggedCom's portfolio of utility-grade communications platforms, the solutions provide an information backbone for use in Smart Grid applications, the companies said in a press release.
Bow's eLAN offering for substation integration was one of the first to address the need for managing non-operational data, the release said, while its CrossBow security software delivers NERC compliance solutions for remote access.
“We are always looking for ways to expand our Smart Grid offering in a way which builds upon the strong communications foundation we've already established in the substation,” explained RuggedCom CEO Marzio Pozzuoli in the release. “With the acquisition of key personnel and technologies from Bow Networks, we are now adding the ability to manage data, perform analysis and deliver critical information securely from end-to-end to whoever needs it.
Bow Networks now becomes the RuggedSolutions division of Cancord, Ont.-based RuggedCom, which has offered to hire 10 of Bow's staff.
The deal is expected to close in 30 days.
