Smart grid is one of those buzz phrases that has become closely tied to sustainability. So much so that companies are tripping over each other to help tackle the energy-saving technology head on.
CIMple is trying to do the same but do so by sneaking in the back way. The Ann Arbor-based start-up, founded just this summer, is working on providing
ingregration services for IT systems that will help manage the backend of smart grid technology. That means while big utilities are making headlines by implementing smart meters, CIMple plans to be creating the magic behind the curtain that makes the system work.
"All of the large utilities are doing pilot programs with smart
grid technology," says Marty Byle, business development manager
for CIMple. "But what they haven’t done is integrate
the back-end business systems."
He adds that the $787 billion federal stimulus package is poised to start "shoveling money" toward the smart grid cause. That means there is a lot of room to grow for a small three-person firm like CIMple.
"We're looking at a huge market over the next decade," Byle says.
The plan is to start as a consulting company for this process. Long-range plans include creating tools and utilities to help speed the integration
of back end systems for the smart grid. Right now CIMple, which is working out of Ann Arbor’s Tech Brewery, is looking to form partnerships with large utilities and utility co-operatives as it prepares for a September launch.
Source: Marty Byle, business development manager for CIMple
Writer: Jon Zemke
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