Grid Net

Grid Net Embraces LTE for Smart Grid

Grid Net, the smart grid software maker, has officially moved beyond the wireless standard WiMAX and this morning announced that its software now supports the 4G wireless standard LTE (Long Term Evolution), the dominate next-gen wireless standard embraced by U.S. telcos.

Grid Net & Oracle Team Up Over Smart Grid

The smart grid is a network and one company can’t provide all of the end-to-end gear. That’s why strategic partnerships will be key for companies, particularly startups. This morning Grid Net announced that it’s partnered with software heavyweight Oracle to sell its network and meter management software.

Greenpeace Hugs Apple, Kicks Sand At Dell

Greenpeace is lauding Apple while chastising Dell this morning. The do-gooders sent out a note pointing out that, while Apple’s iPhone’s are free of chemicals, Dell still hasn’t implemented a previous commitment to eliminate chemicals by the end of 2009.

Apple’s Loose Ends

While Apple has been releasing fancy new products recently, like the iPad and the iPhone 4, this last week something brought my thoughts back sharply to some products that have been languishing for some time without an update.

The U.S. WiMAX Smart Grid: Cisco Backs Grid Net, Michigan Pilot

A smart grid powered by the wireless standard WiMAX has made major strides in the U.S. this week. GE (s GE) announced that it would work on one of the first smart grid pilot programs based on WiMAX in the U.S. with Michigan utility Consumers Energy. At the same time, WiMAX smart meter startup Grid Net announced that networking giant Cisco (s CSCO) has taken an equity investment in the company.

Intel: “Invest in America” & Greentech

Intel and a who’s-who list of VCs have a little stimulus package of their own — and green technology is high on their wish list. Intel CEO Paul Otellini said Tuesday that Intel Capital has a $200 million investment fund aimed at cleantech and other categories.

Goodbye Old Friend. R.I.P. Rajeev Motwani

Updated with additional details: Rajeev Motwani, one of the savviest angel investors in Silicon Valley, a Stanford professor and most importantly a close and personal friend passed away earlier today. My feelings and thoughts on the passing of one of the quiet influencers of Silicon Valley.

BPL bubble in the making

I have read more broadband-over-powerline stories this weekend than ever before. Barrons, Telephony, and every single magazine/newspaper is buzzing about BPL, despite…