Quick take: If I had to pick a theme for 2013, I might well choose interoperability -- an idea that has been desirable for a long time but is finally within reach thanks to new standards and new attitudes. Interoperability is as important for software as for hardware and one way to accomplish it is by "pre-integrating" things. The latest example of this smart approach comes from Silver Spring and eMeter, as you will read below. -- Jesse Berst

Under the agreement, (which you can read more about in the press release on page 2), the two companies will fully integrate and certify eMeter EnergyIP with Silver Spring’s UtilityIQ head-end system – resulting in a standard adapter that is interoperable out of the box – the eMeter EnergyIP AMI adapter for UtilityIQ.

“Silver Spring’s open, IPv6-based Smart Energy Platform connects more than 12 million homes and businesses worldwide,” said Frank Mong, Senior Director of Global Alliances for Silver Spring. “This agreement allows customers to select this pre-integrated and tested solution knowing it will reduce costs and lower risks while delivering outstanding long-term value.“

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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.