Most analysts agree that smart meters represent a small fraction of the total smart grid market. The big money is in IT - the computing to run everything - and even more so, in the gear that will attach to the grid.
That market is dominated globally by four companies: ABB, Alstom Grid, GE and Siemens. Who will be the big winner? Today ABB is out front, followed by GE and a newly resurgent Alstom Grid, with Siemens in fourth but running hard. Take a look at my quick scorecard, then post your own opinions.
ABB: After a slow start, the Swiss giant has jumped to the head of the pack. In addition to hardware, it has expanded its software portfolio with the acquisitions of Ventyx, Insert Key Solutions and Obvient Software.
Alstom Grid: Read what I said today about Alstom's plan to re-attack the US market and rearchitect its software.
GE: GE has an agglomeration of great technology. Although GE's smart grid division has never articulated a standalone strategy, it has successfully tucked itself under the parent company's compelling ecoimagination umbrella.
Siemens: Though it's still lagging the others in mindshare and visibility, Siemens may have the biggest ambitions of them all. Last year it announced the intent to double its rate of growth in smart grid. It better get moving.
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