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March 21, 2012
JIM GARDNER OF FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES TO PRESENT AT THE NACE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SECTION DINNER MEETING
Industry leader to discuss the benefits of distributed hybrid technology
WHO: Jim Gardner
Oil and Gas Industry Manager
FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
(www.freewave.com)
Jim Gardner is a seasoned industry veteran in SCADA and data collection technologies and the oil and gas industry manager at FreeWave Technologies, Inc. Gardner has worked in the oil and gas industry since 1975 in various management positions, including as Regional Manager, AMF Tuboscope; as senior vice president and general manager at PRS; as senior vice president and general manager at Remote Operating Systems (ROS); and, as product manager at ABB Totalflow. He joined FreeWave in 2001 as an oil and gas sales manager responsible for launching the company’s products into the oil and gas industry. He currently is a member of ENTELEC, ASGMT and ISHM.
WHAT: Bringing It All Together – Hybrid Wireless Systems Can Be Leveraged to Your Advantage
Traditional systems have either been too large to manage or too costly on a monthly, per point basis. The implementation of high speed backbone networks, strategic backhaul devices/services and multiple master locations or “access points” make it possible to drive maintenance/monthly costs down, decrease polling cycle times and eliminate single points of failure. The days of large, unmanageable networks are behind us. Today, we have distributed technology that strengthens networks and allows us to better consider manageability, expandability, costs and speed. During his presentation, Jim Gardner will discuss the benefits of deploying hybrid systems that make use of multiple technologies.
WHERE: NACE Rocky Mountain Section Dinner Meeting
The Hickory House Restaurant
10335 S. Parker Road
Parker, CO 80134
WHEN: Thursday, Mar. 22, 2012 5:30 p.m. MDT
CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave, or to set up an interview with Mr. Gardner, please contact Christin Jeffers at Catapult PR-IR 303-581-7760, ext. 19 or cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com.
March 19, 2012
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES EXTENDS WARRANTY ON ALL FGR2, FGR2-CP AND FGR2-IO WIRELESS DATA RADIOS TO THREE YEARS
The warranty extension for products further emphasizes FreeWave’s commitment to quality and customer service
BOULDER, Colo., March 19, 2012 — FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, today announced that its entire FGR2, FGR2-CP and FGR2-IO family of wireless data radios as well as IO Expansion solutions now are under warranty for a period of three years from the date of purchase, beginning March 19, 2012. Previously, all of FreeWave’s wireless data radios were warrantied for only two years. The FGR2-based radio solutions, the company’s most recently introduced and highly popular product line, are a cost effective solution that enable customers to incorporate wireless communications into a wide variety of industrial applications. Its IO Expansion modules offer users a scalable solution to meet the growing demands of their automation requirements.
“The extension of our product warranty from two to three years signifies FreeWave’s never-ending commitment to its customers, partners and our engineering excellence programs,” explained Ashish Sharma, CMO at FreeWave Technologies. “While other industry players are maintaining (or even decreasing) their warranties, FreeWave is increasing its guarantees to continue providing the best possible service to its customers around the world.”
FreeWave’s FGR2 wireless data radios are fully backwards-compatible with the earlier FGR Series of radios and are capable of accurately transmitting and receiving data up to 60 miles with a clear line of sight. FGR2 provides tremendous flexibility for use in applications around the world ranging from smart grid to oil and gas to golf carts, water systems and more. The FGR2 models offer the lowest power consumption in the industry.
FreeWave’s IO Expansion products help customers achieve optimal performance, faster ROI and customization for communication networks. FreeWave’s IO Expansion modules increase the degree of monitoring, control and optimization, and offer the most flexible and easily expandable wired and wireless IO available in the market today. The extended warranty applies to the entire IO Expansion family, including its Serial Models.
To learn more about FreeWave’s FGR2 family of wireless data radios, please visit: (http://www.freewave.com/PRODUCTS/ALLPRODUCTS/FGR2.aspx).
To learn more about FreeWave’s suite of IO Expansion modules, please visit: (http://www.freewave.com/PRODUCTS/ALLPRODUCTS/IOEXPANSION.aspx).
About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com or connect with the company via Twitter: @freewavetech.
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Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 19
March 12, 2012
FREEWAVE TO SHOWCASE LATEST WIRELESS DATA RADIO OFFERINGS AND SHARE WAYS TO OVERCOME PIPELINE INTEGRITY CHALLENGES AT NACE CORROSION 2012
Industry expert Craig Held to speak on Exploring New Options for Cathodic Protection Remote Monitoring
SALT LAKE CITY, UT, NACE CORROSION 2012 (Booth #2300), March 12, 2012 — FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, will showcase its latest technologies for cathodic protection at the NACE Corrosion 2012 Conference and Exposition (http://events.nace.org/conferences/c2012/index_overview.asp). Besides demonstrating its latest products for cathodic protection applications in oil and gas, water/wastewater industries, among other marketplaces, industry expert, Craig Held, will be speaking on new options for cathodic protection remote monitoring.
“Protection of our pipeline and waterway infrastructure is vital to the overall safety, day-to-day commerce and operation of our country,” explained Craig Held, general manager, international at FreeWave Technologies. “Mitigating problems before they happen can avert disasters from occurring and ensure safety and protection of our critical infrastructure that we all rely upon each and every day.”
FreeWave will be showing a number of its latest product offerings, including its popular FGR2 Family of Radios, HTplus, IO-E, Battery Powered Waterproof Unit (BPWU) and the GX-CP, its newest cathodic protection wireless radio at 2.4 GHz frequency.
- FGR2 Family of Radios: The FreeWave FGR2 is the next generation of the FGR serial family. The FGR2 is a cost effective solution that allows customers to incorporate wireless communications into a wide variety of applications. Products in the FGR2 family include the FGR2-CE, FGR2-CU, FGR2-IO-IOE, FGR2-CP and FGR2-PE.The FGR2-PE is unique because offers industrial serial and Ethernet wireless connectivity using license-free spread spectrum for data communication over long distances. The future-proof combination of two serial ports and two switched Ethernet ports give customers the ability to transition from serial to Ethernet data communications without having to replace their existing wireless communications infrastructure.
- HTplus: The HTplus is a leap forward for customers who need an industrial grade high-speed Ethernet radio that operates in harsh environments and noisy RF conditions. Designed to have the same high level of quality that FreeWave’s products are known for, the HTplus is a rugged and reliable solution that performs in situations where other products fail.
- IO-E: The IO Expansion Module offers a scalable solution to meet the demands
of customers’ automation requirements. The IO Expansion Module may either be stacked on an applicable IO radio or serve as expandable remote IO modules through a serial connection. Regardless of the configuration, up to 16 modules may be stacked on the radio or base module. The IO Expansion Module is Class 1 Division 2 UL approved and adds significant flexibility to an existing Modbus IO network. - BPWU: The BPWU offers more than a two-year battery life making it perfect for difficult-to-access locations with pipe-to-soil measurement intervals that are measured in weeks not days. The waterproof and submersible capabilities of the unit enable installation where water is present, further enhancing corrosion monitoring in water/wastewater applications.
- GX-CP: The GX-CP system offers the potential to monitor rectifier operations, pipe-to-soil potentials, as well as supply supplemental analog inputs to allow for pipeline scrubbing, compressor functionality and other operational parameters. The GX-CP comes in 2.4 GHz frequency.
In addition, Held will be presenting a paper entitled “Exploring New Options for Cathodic Protection Remote Monitoring” on Monday, March 12 at 2:30 p.m. in the Salt Palace Convention Center, Room 155 F. Held will examine key considerations for implementing an automated remote monitoring solution. To help operators make the right cathodic protection choice, he will review the most effective security offerings, discuss seamless integration of multiple pipe-to-soils with IO Expansion technologies and highlight the A/C signal interference detection.
About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com.
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Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers Catapult PR-IR 303-581-7760 ext. 19 cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.comFebruary 17, 2012
BRET DIANICH OF FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES TO PRESENT AT THE COLORADO RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Business development executive to dispel myths regarding spread spectrum technology and its advantages in the water/wastewater industry
WHO: Bret Dianich
Business Development Executive, Water/Wastewater and Renewable Energy
FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
(www.freewave.com)
Bret Dianich joined FreeWave Technologies as a business developer in 2010 and is responsible for servicing the water/wastewater and renewable energy markets. Applications include SCADA telemetry for lift stations, chlorination and filtration systems, solar panel tracking and wind turbine condition monitoring.
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies is a world leader in the innovative design/manufacture of license-free spread spectrum, licensed band radios and wireless data solutions that are trusted for mission critical applications around the world (www.freewave.com).
WHAT: “Southern Utah Water SCADA Project and Dispelling Myths regarding 900MHz Spread Spectrum Technology”
Each year, the water/wastewater industry deploys an increasing number of spread spectrum communication solutions. Previously, the use of wireless telemetry in water/wastewater SCADA systems was almost exclusively in the licensed radio realm. However, the scarcity of available licensed channels as well as its improved technology has made the spread spectrum radio an increasingly popular choice. With the install base of spread spectrum devices rapidly increasing, there have been a number of urban legends, superstitions and myths that have circulated. With the introduction and advancement of any new technology, misconceptions and misunderstandings will always surface. Spread spectrum, like any technology, can be an extremely valuable tool when used in the correct environment and with correct network deployment.
This presentation will explore these “myths” and provide a better understanding of how to use spread spectrum technology in water/wastewater applications and also show where an operator can expect to succeed with spread spectrum communication solutions. In addition, Steele will provide a real-life, case study example of this technology by exploring the Southern Utah Water SCADA Project.
WHERE: Colorado Rural Water Association Annual Conference (CRWA)
Crowne Plaza Hotel
2886 S. Circle Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO
WHEN: Advanced Training Track
Thursday, Feb. 16
1 p.m. MST
CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave, or to set up an interview with Mr. Dianich, please contact Christin Jeffers at Catapult PR-IR (303) 581- 7760, ext. 19 or cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com
February 15, 2012
CRAIG HELD OF FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES TO PRESENT AT THE MIDDLE EAST CORROSION CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION
General Manager of International markets to present on the increased efficiency and cost savings offered by battery powered remote monitoring for pipe-to-soil measurements
WHO: Craig Held
General Manager, International
FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
Craig Held is general manager of FreeWave Technologies’ international operations and also serves as cathodic protection product manager.
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies is a world leader in the innovative design/manufacture of license-free spread spectrum, licensed band radios and wireless data solutions that are trusted for mission critical applications around the world (www.freewave.com).
WHAT: “Applications and Innovations for Battery Powered Remote Operating”
Today, when it comes to cathodic protection remote monitoring, automation is making its way as a leading solution. A relative new comer to automated remote monitoring is the use of licensed and spread spectrum wireless data radios that collect mission-critical data. Battery-powered remote monitoring is a new solution that is available for pipe-to-soil measurement. Unlike a traditional wireless system, this automated remote monitoring system option can be submersed and installed underground. This allows operators to more effectively protect their assets in extremely difficult environments. Battery-powered remote monitoring eliminates the need for manual measurements and provides real-time data from the field directly to the user’s fingertips to the point where it’s feasible to eliminate most, if not all, pipe-to-soil manual monitoring.
This presentation will discuss remote monitoring options that are available and affordable in a secure proprietary network with no connection fees. In addition, it will provide a real-world case study example of how technologies, like this are being deployed at a major international airport to improve its automated monitoring.
WHERE: Middle East Corrosion Conference and Exhibition (MECCE) 2012
Gulf International Convention Center-Gulf Hotel
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
WHEN: Applications and Innovations for Battery Powered Remote Operating
Tuesday, Feb. 14
11:50 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. AST
CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave, or to set up an interview with Mr. Held, please contact Christin Jeffers at Catapult PR-IR (303) 581-7760, ext. 19 or cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com
February 13, 2012
FreeWave Technologies Pays 34th Consecutive Bonus to Employees
Wireless company continues growth path and achieves significant milestones in 2011
BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 13, 2012 – FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed wireless data radios for critical data transmission, today announced it has paid its 34th consecutive round of bonuses to its employees. The company has consistently distributed the semi-annual bonuses since July 1995 based on achieving certain financial goals and overall profitability.
Since its beginning, FreeWave has believed that hiring and retaining top talent is key to its overall success. It has an aggressive benefits program that includes a superior retirement plan, commitment to employees’ personal growth and a work culture that, while demanding, is highly rewarding.
“Our employees are the reason that we can continue to invest in FreeWave’s growth and overall success,” noted Ashish Sharma, CMO of FreeWave Technologies. “Because of their contributions, FreeWave continues to receive accolades from industry sources and its customers.”
In line with its continuing success, FreeWave achieved a number of significant accomplishments during the past 12 months, including:
- Receiving industry recognition for several of its products, including Control Engineering Magazine’s Engineer’s Choice Award; Plant Engineering Magazine’s Finalist for Product of the Year Award; TMCNet’s Smart Grid Excellence Award; and, receiving company praise by the Communication Technology Professionals (CTP) Ascent Award.
- Introducing the industry’s first wireless, battery-powered, submersible cathodic protection radio. A game changer in cathodic protection remote monitoring, not only does it help operators work toward regulatory compliance with monitoring, but is a step toward reaching active mitigation.
- Continuing to expand – both in growing its employee base as well as geographically. In 2011, the company increased its staff by 24 percent spurred by growth in key markets.
“At FreeWave, every single employee knows it is his or her job to focus on the customer. Whether that is through the design of our radios to their manufacturing, testing or support, 100-plus percent commitment to customer satisfaction is engrained in our culture,” Sharma said. “By adhering to these high quality standards and rewarding our employees for going above and beyond in serving our customers, we have built a company that has withstood economic, industry and financial challenges where many others have failed. This achievement is a testament to our employees and we are grateful for their hard work and efforts.”
About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed wireless data radios for mission-critical data transmission. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com or connect with the company via Twitter: @freewavetech.
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Press & Analyst Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 19
February 6, 2012
FreeWave Technologies Selects Greg Veintimilla as CTO and VP of Engineering
Veintimilla brings more than 25 years experience in RF product design, including securing six U.S. Patents, and looks to develop new wireless data radio innovations for FreeWave
BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 6, 2012 — FreeWave Technologies, ( http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, today announced it has hired Greg Veintimilla as its Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Engineering. Veintimilla brings more than 25 years of Radio Frequency (RF) experience underscored by technical innovation, product vision, technology strategy, system architecture and complex software and hardware development. Veintimilla currently holds six U.S. Patents and looks to build upon his past success by creating and executing company product development and design strategies to achieve a high rate of return on investment for FreeWave’s customers.
“We are very pleased to have Greg join our team, as we look to further improve upon our engineering excellence programs here at FreeWave,” said Steve Wulchin, co-founder and CEO of FreeWave Technologies. “Greg has a strong track record of successfully leading development teams and we will rely on him to help roll out new world-class products that our customers deserve and expect.”
Prior to joining FreeWave, Veintimilla was President and CEO of Vintrana, Inc. where he provided development services to Fortune 100 telecom Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and developed multiple software design concepts for leading edge applications in wireless data optimization. Veintimilla earned degrees from two world-renowned engineering schools: a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech University and a masters degree in Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University.
“I am excited to join such a prestigious company in the wireless data communications industry,” said Veintimilla. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking and innovative management team and will use my strengths to help FreeWave continue to make its technology the best in the industry.”
About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com or connect with the company via Twitter: @freewavetech.
Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 19
cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com
January 24, 2012
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES HIGHLIGHTS WIRELESS DATA RADIO APPLICATIONS FOR THE SMART GRID AT DISTRUBTECH 2012
FreeWave to speak, exhibit and showcase its latest technologies for smart grid and utilities at annual conference
SAN ANTONIO, DISTRIBUTECH (Booth # 247) Jan. 24, 2012 – FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, will showcase its technologies for a variety of communication applications in the Smart Grid at DistribuTECH Conference and Exposition (http://www.distributech.com/index.html). Smart Grid applications that FreeWave solutions enable include transformer monitoring, AMI backhaul, substation automation, demand response, capacitor bank control monitoring, fault detection and isolation, Volt / VAR optimization and distribution automation. FreeWave, one of the conference’s car giveaway sponsors and exhibitors, will have several of its products on display and available for demonstration at booth 247. Additionally, FreeWave expert, Dan Steele will present, “Addressing the Water Utility SCADA Network Problem: What’s In Your Radio Communication Tool Box?” in the water utility track on January 25 at 1:30 p.m. CST.
“We have hit the ground running with our efforts in the Smart Grid and utility markets for 2012,” said Ashish Sharma, chief marketing officer at FreeWave Technologies. “DistribuTECH is a great opportunity to showcase the technologies we can offer customers in these markets. What separates us from more traditional wired communication solutions is a significant cost saving in both installation and over the lifetime of use, while maintaining secure and dependable data transmission. Wireless is becoming recognized as a sustainable option for Smart Grid applications in particular, and FreeWave’s radios have a legacy of offering the greatest reliability and flexibility in the industry.”
FreeWave’s industrial radios are trusted by top government and defense contractors to operate in extremely remote locations with high RF noise, making them a viable option for many Smart Grid applications, such as transformer monitoring. By monitoring critical data, including pressure, temperature and oil levels on a real-time basis, a utility is better equipped to mitigate transformer issues before failure. With an effective system in place, a utility can dramatically decrease the incidents that cause power outages, costly damages and dangerous explosions. The ability to automate and monitor key processes in the Smart Grid helps ensure efficient and effective delivery of power, while offering a cost-effective solution to the utilities.
Please be sure to visit FreeWave’s booth (#247) to learn more about its latest technologies in the Smart Grid and for a chance to enter the DistribuTECH car giveaway. FreeWave will have several product lines on display, including the FGR2-PE, FGR2, I/O Expansion, LRS 455, MM2 and HT Plus series of radios. Also, if you would like to learn more about industrial radios within the water industry, please be sure to attend Dan Steele’s presentation on Wednesday, Jan. 25 in Room 215.
“At DistribuTECH, we will share our excitement about FreeWave’s latest technology developments for the Smart Grid and other utilities,” said Sharma. “These markets continue to offer many opportunities for wireless data radios. Our ability to automate a variety of applications contributes to our focus on establishing FreeWave as a top communication solution in the Smart Grid.”
About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com.
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Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 19
January 19, 2012
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES SEES WIRELESS M2M TAKING HOLD IN MANY INDUSTRIES FOR 2012
Wireless data radio communications is gaining traction for many applications in oil, gas, military and smart grid markets, among others
BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 19, 2012 – FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, said today that 2012 will be a banner year for wireless data radio communications across many industrial and geographical markets. As one of the early pioneers of 900 MHz wireless technology in 1993 (which now has expanded into additional multiple spectrums), FreeWave has seen the evolution of wireless machine-to-machine (M2M) communications grow and gain traction across both traditional and, more recently, newer growth markets, such as the Smart Grid. M2M communications are widely regarded as a strong growth opportunity not only by FreeWave, but by businesses that are recognizing that by wirelessly connecting machines, devices, sensors, equipment, etc. they can make their existing processes more productive and open entirely new ways of using data.
“In the past, myths about security concerns and overall reliability issues with wireless technology had to be hurdled, but today, it is clear that wireless is here to stay,” said Ashish Sharma, chief marketing officer of FreeWave Technologies. “Many diverse and dynamic markets, such as oil and gas, utilities in electric power and water and government/defense will continue to look for ways to streamline their operations and as a result there will be exciting, new innovations for addressing issues previously deemed cost-prohibitive, not technically feasible or lacking in sufficient reliability.”
These sentiments are echoed across the world because wireless increasingly is becoming the top solution for communications technology due to growing demand and innovation. In addition, people and companies will continue to have a large appetite for data and knowledge, and therefore will want more of it, faster. This idea, in conjunction with increasing security standards and lowering the power consumption necessary to effectively run wireless communication devices, will continue to be a key driver of demand and innovation as well. More sophisticated ways of doing things – such as asset tracking and machine-to-machine communications (at lower costs) – will continue to emerge in the wireless industry and particularly in three key industrial markets, FreeWave sees the following trends taking shape as well.
OIL AND GAS:
In 2012, there also will be a greater shift to hybrid network systems that utilize more than one wireless solution for the communications network. Traditionally, companies with large and geographically dispersed communications networks, such as those in the oil and gas industry, typically have selected one technology, one source, one vendor to collect, retrieve and report data to assess the health of their network. However, there is a new paradigm today in which organizations are breaking away from tradition and deploying multiple communication technologies to create a hybrid communications network that can better serve an organization’s needs. A hybrid approach also has a positive impact on reducing an organization’s investment, operating costs and more. Ultimately, a company will be able to use the least expensive modality until they run into a barrier where wireless technology will be able to better serve the application’s requirements.
ELECTRIC POWER/SMART GRID:
Sharma says the key to any successful smart grid operation is reliable, secure communications. One outlook he says for 2012 is that utilities will rely on real-time assessments of both the overall health of the power grid and the vital assets and systems within the grid as well. As utilities continue to invest more resources in AMI deployments and distribution automation, reliable and secure data communications are going to continue to be a top focus because of the need to effectively and efficiently deliver information for demand response and condition-based monitoring applications. Key applications in distribution automation that FreeWave’s wireless solutions address include AMI Backhaul Distribution Management (DMS); Capacitor Bank Control Monitoring; Fault Detection and Isolation; Volt/ VAR Optimization; Substation Automation (SSA) and Demand Response (DR). Additionally, wireless data communication solutions that have been tested and proven in markets, such as oil & gas and water/wastewater, will enable utilities with multiple functions (gas, electric and water/wastewater) to improve their total cost of ownership by implementing a cross-functional solution.
GOVERNMENT AND DEFENSE:
Wireless solutions have been essential for the government and defense markets, but industry standards are continuing to evolve in order to mitigate issues related to security and safety. Measures are being taken to increase the number of layers of security within a network as well as the sophistication of the security measures themselves, such as increased scrutiny on encryption methods and protocols. For certain applications like unmanned vehicles, robotics and soldier training, the size and weight of wireless data communication solutions also is a huge focus moving forward. A major value proposition for wireless solutions in the industry for 2012 is being able to provide a more compact, lighter weight solution without sacrificing security or performance.
“Our customers depend on wireless data communications for operational success and there are enormous societal impacts if critical infrastructures – like utilities, government/defense and oil and gas markets – fail,” Sharma said. “We take pride in the dependability of our solutions, which further is emphasized by the most rigorous testing methods for every single radio that comes out of our world-class manufacturing facility in Boulder.”
About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com.
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Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303.581.7760, ext. 19
CURT GOLDMAN OF FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES TO PRESENT AT THE IEEE PES INNOVATIVE SMART GRID TECHNOLOGIES 2012
Utility market manager to present on secure wireless data communications for distribution automation in the Smart Grid and the need for security and reliability
WHO: Curt Goldman
Market Manager – Utilities
FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
Curt Goldman is the market manager of utilities at FreeWave Technologies and leads FreeWave’s partnership with Rockwell Automation. He is responsible for directing activities in the energy markets for the company including water and electric power. Before FreeWave, Goldman was the regional accounts manager for Two Technologies, Inc. He has more than 25 years experience building and managing direct and indirect sales channels in the technology sector. Goldman has a Bachelor of Science degree from Shippensburg University and also has a Master of Business Administration degree from La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA.
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies is a world leader in the innovative design/manufacture of license-free spread spectrum, licensed band radios and wireless data solutions that are trusted for mission critical applications around the world (www.freewave.com).
WHAT: “Secure Wireless Data Communications for Distribution Automation in the Smart Grid”
For many utilities operators, making their electric grid smarter is an increasingly important task with the goal of creating a system that is optimized for efficient delivery of electricity. Automation has been the primary driver and many electric utilities have already implemented SCADA systems for control over transmission-level equipment. At the distribution automation layer, many critical functions and actions are automated, such as the monitoring of critical feeders, fault detection, isolation and restoration to reduce the duration and impact of outages, supporting the shifting of loads between sources to help avoid or alleviate overload conditions or controlling capacitor banks. There is no single technology that satisfies all of the requirements of system managers, especially for SCADA systems as complex as those for the Smart Grid. The recent increase in copper theft, often impacting data communication lines, makes wireless data communication solutions an attractive alternative to copper and fiber.
WHERE: IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies (ISGT) 2012
Washington Marriott Wadman Park (DC)
2660 Woodley Road NW
Washington, District Of Columbia 20008 USA
WHEN: Communication for Smart Grid Paper Session
Tuesday, Jan. 17
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST
CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave, or to set up an interview with Mr. Goldman, please contact Christin Jeffers at Catapult PR-IR (303) 581-7760, ext. 19 or cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com
