Quick Take: Companies such as Siemens and Accenture have literally hundreds of different marketing alliances. But this one illustrates the growing importance of analytics, and of a meter data management system as the "database of record." Sometimes when a smaller company is acquired, it disappears from view. In this case, eMeter – acquired in late 2011 by Siemens – is gaining in prominence as Siemens puts the eMeter MDMS at the core of new offerings.

We are unclear about the geopolitics of this move. Systems integrators such as Accenture are often expected to work with multiple systems for multiple vendors. Will this announcement make the ABBs, GEs and Schneiders of the world reluctant to work with Accenture because of its strong ties to Siemens? - By Jesse Berst

"This collaboration will ultimately lead to customized smart metering solutions that can be quickly integrated into a utility's existing infrastructure. These solutions will help utilities operate their systems more efficiently, thus giving them an economic advantage over their competitors" said Thomas Zimmerman, CEO of Business Unit Services, Siemens Smart Grid Division."

The partnership, Siemens says, will help utilities manage the massive amounts of data coming through smart meters to yield more precise information on the health of their distribution systems and power consumption. The data available from smart meters is a critical component in a variety of areas, including energy efficiency, renewables integration and outage response times.

Accenture Smart Grid Services will bring consulting, systems integration and managed services for smart meter and analytic solutions while Siemens will take contribute its eMeter Energy IP meter data management platform and Analytics Foundation, as well as related professional services.

"Together, we can help utilities unlock the value of their smart metering capabilities while reducing risk as they adopt these new technologies," said Jack Azagury, managing director for Accenture Smart Grid Services.

The partners are now working with a leading Canadian utility, SaskPower, on an AMI to help the utility provide more reliable power and improved customer service.

Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com, the industry's oldest and largest smart grid site. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the U.S. and abroad, he also serves on advisory committees for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Institute for Electric Efficiency. He often provides strategic consulting to large corporations and venture-backed startups. He is a member of the advisory boards of GridGlo and Calico Energy Services.