Itrons Mobile amr system has encountered quite a fvew problems in field deployment. The basis of these problems are the laptop based software running on an older buggy version of windows 2000. Everyone,including microsoft acknowledges that windows,none the less Windows 2000, is not the most secure and desirable software for data that is valuable for utility companies. Until Itron corrects the internal software problems with their amr system,it will always be looked upon as a system that is not only potentially hackable, but could just simply shut down on any given day. Itron has historically had repeated problems with their handheld meter reading devices. To transform the same problems into a software laptop based program that contains valuable customer data is a sincere concern. There has also been reported problems of some meters no even able to transmit a reading. and a few reports of the automatic meter reading that is transmitted not matching the physical manual meter reading. These issues could become a big concern with customers and investors alike.

Itron is one of the leaders and forerunners of smart meter technology.Itron, Inc. provides products and services to utilities for the energy and water markets worldwide. It produces electricity, gas, water, and heat meters; and various other associated metering products for residential, commercial and industrial (C&I), and transmission and distribution customers. The company offers electronic electricity meters with and without automated meter reading (AMR); gas and water AMR modules; handheld, mobile, and network AMR data collection technologies; advanced metering infrastructure technologies; electromechanical electricity meters; mechanical and ultrasonic water and heat meters; diaphragm, turbine, and rotary gas meters; one-way and two-way electricity prepayment systems, including smart key, keypad, and smart card; and two-way gas prepayment systems using smart card. It also provides solutions for residential and C&I meter data management; consulting and analysis services; professional services that assist customers in installing and maintaining meter reading systems; managed services that include the issuing of prepayment devices, automated processing of transaction details, customer account management, maintenance of historical financial transactions, business to business call centers, and personalized mailing services. In addition, the company offers software knowledge applications, including modules for C&I complex billing; Web-based usage analysis for customers with advanced metering data; distribution asset analysis; load research and management; revenue protection, including theft detection and identification of unbilled revenue; and central market data collection and load settlement. Itron sells its products through direct sales force, distributors, representative agencies, partners, and meter manufacturer representatives, as well as through original equipment manufacturer arrangements with various meter manufacturers. The company was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Liberty Lake, Washington