Kepware Is Named as Technology Partner for Itron Inc., a Winner of Managing Automation's 2008 Progressive Manufacturing 50 Awards

Kepware Technologies, the leader in Communications for Automation, announced today that it was selected as a technology partner for Itron Inc., a winner of the fourth annual Progressive Manufacturing 50 Awards, presented by Managing Automation, a Thomas Publishing Company, LLC media brand.

The Progressive Manufacturing 50 Awards Program recognizes 50 projects that have leveraged technology to create business value in at least one of the eight core disciplines defined by Managing Automation as critical to business success in the years ahead. These disciplines include: Business Model Mastery, Customer Mastery, Supply Network Mastery, Data & Integration Mastery, Innovation Mastery, Training & Education Mastery, Leadership and Operational Excellence. Project nominations were reviewed by an independent judging panel chaired by David Brousell, Editor-in-Chief, Managing Automation. Judges included Lisa Bodell, CEO, FutureThink; Bill Canis, Vice President for Research and Innovation, The Manufacturing Institute at the National Association of Manufacturers; Douglas A. Engel, Former Vice Chairman and Manufacturing Industry Practice Leader, Deloitte; Chris Knuffman, Lean Manufacturing Champion, Quincy Compressor (2006 Award Winner); Larry Lapide, Ph.D., Director, Demand Management, MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics; Paul E. Martin, Global Chief Information Officer, Rexam Plc (2005 Award Winner); Bruce McKay, Executive Vice President, Livingston & Haven (2007 Progressive Manufacturer of the Year); Scott Mingus, Global Director, New Project Development, Glatfelter (2007 Award Winner); Eric Middelstadt, CEO, The National Council of Advanced Manufacturing (NACFAM); James A. Robbins, Partner, Accenture Industrial Equipment Practice; Maureen Steinwall, President, Steinwall Inc. (2006 Award Winner); and Steven Vidakovic, Ph.D., Technology and Knowledge Integration, Global Supply Chain, Pfizer Inc. (2007 Award Winner).

Judges evaluated and scored nominated projects based on the following criteria: project scope, business impact, customer impact, technology use and scale. Progressive Manufacturing 50 winners were the companies receiving the highest total scores in their respective categories. Technology Partner Winners are those companies that played a significant role in enabling the Progressive Manufacturing award winners.

"This new crop of Progressive Manufacturing winners reflects the amazing creativity and determination alive today in the manufacturing community," said David R. Brousell, Editor-in-Chief of Managing Automation. "These companies are taking bold steps to rethink their business models and processes, their relationships with customers and partners, and to create new advantages for themselves in business speed and value. In doing so, they are positioning their organizations for greater success now and in the years ahead."

"Kepware is proud to have been chosen as Progressive Manufacturing Technology Partner by Itron Inc., the world's leading manufacturer of solid-state meters -- electricity, water, gas and heat," says Roy Kok, VP of Sales and Marketing for Kepware. "Being highlighted as a significant reason for their success and winning the Technology award from Managing Automation is a real testament to the value we deliver. We know our products have a significant impact in the world and it is very rewarding to have a company like Itron Inc. validate our feelings and highlight us in such a public forum."

The Progressive Manufacturing 50 award winners and Technology Partners were honored and presented with their awards at the 2008 Progressive Manufacturing Summit, June 12 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas.

"We looked forward to recognizing and celebrating our winners in front of an audience of their peers, across all facets of manufacturing, at the Progressive Manufacturing Summit in Las Vegas," said Managing Automation Publisher Heather Mikisch. "Winning this award is a tremendous honor that not only helps these manufacturers demonstrate their progress and success in the marketplace, but also sets them apart from the competition."

About Kepware

Kepware is the world leader in communication software for automation and offers a unique experience in both OPC and embedded device communications. Since 1995, Kepware has focused on the development of communication drivers to automation controllers, I/O and field devices. Applications include M2M (Machine to Machine) and M2C (Machine to Computer) communications. Operating system support includes; Microsoft Windows Desktop, Windows Server and Windows Embedded (Windows CE and Windows Embedded NT/XP). Today, with over 130 communication protocols, and through the efforts of our direct sales, distribution and embedded partners, Kepware is the leading provider of communications with annual shipments exceeding 100,000 units. Kepware's responsiveness to customer needs and strong partnerships with other leading automation suppliers ensures that your next application will be a success. Ask around and you'll hear why automation professionals everywhere consider Kepware Technologies "Automation's Best Friend." www.kepware.com

About Managing Automation

Managing Automation, published by Thomas Publishing Company, LLC, provides a complete set of decision-support informational tools for progressive manufacturers -- companies who are using information and automation technologies to transform their businesses and create a sustainable competitive advantage. Its monthly magazine, website, information technology comparison and match database, and executive conferences reach the entire integrated technology buying team -- executives, line-of-business managers and IT management -- at every stage of the technology buying process. Additional information can be found at www.managingautomation.com.

All product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.

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