Google as a utility, and why the 'smart grid' is already 'smart' |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Can Microsoft overcome the smartphone app gap?
- Hey recruiters: Here's an R&D lab run by, and for, students
- Microsoft, Apple speak out on patents amid mobile-technology wars
- Apps that waste your time (in a good way): Execs' addictions
- Analyst sees 7-inch iPad in Apple future
- Social bookmarking site Faves.com to shut down
- Hey recruiters: Here's an R&D lab run by, and for, students
- Can Microsoft overcome the smartphone app gap?
- Keiretsu Forum NW invested $24 million in 36 startups in 2011
- Daptiv cuts staff; CEO Franklin departs
- Daptiv is latest tech company to cut jobs
- Daptiv's Pancottine resigns as company seeks new CEO
Mass High Tech
Google as a utility, and why the 'smart grid' is already 'smart'
Reynolds
Word that Google is entering your market can strike fear into executives at rival businesses. But Puget Sound Energy CEO Steve Reynolds, whose company provides natural gas and electricity throughout the Seattle area, welcomes the competition from the Internet search giant. Late last year, the Mountain View, Calif.-based Internet company created a subsidiary called Google Energy raising speculation that Google's next frontier might be the buying and selling of electricity.
"I think that is great. The more decentralized ideas and the more ideas that people are willing to pursue the better ... because ultimately something new and beneficial will emerge from that," said Reynolds, speaking at the Zino Green investment forum in Seattle Thursday.
Reynolds went on to say that the problem in the utility industry remains how to integrate all of the moving pieces, while maintaining a high level of service. He added that some new efforts tend to be a "little less reliable," telling the story of one of his Microsoft neighbors who has every energy-efficient gadget in the house but whose wife can't figure out how to use them.
OVP Venture Partners' Rick LeFaivre, the lone computer scientist on the panel, offered blunt support of Reynolds argument suggesting that you don't really want "computer types" delivering core utility infrastructure.
"Think about how infrequently your power actually goes out ... on occasion after a storm but other than that it just runs," said LeFaivre, adding that there are "no blue screens of death" which computer users have grown accustomed to.
"You talk about the 'smart grid,' maybe you talk about the 'smarter grid,'" said LeFaivre. "But it is pretty damn smart already, actually."
Related story: "McKinstry CEO Dean Allen on fostering clean tech innovation"
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
