ABB Announces New Release of EnergyAxis AMR Server; Customized Web-Enabled Reporting Available Over Intranets.

Business Editors & Energy Writers

RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 13, 2001

ABB Inc., a leading provider of electricity meters and IT system solutions throughout the world, announced today the release of the EnergyAxis(R) AMR Server version 2.4.

The 2.4 version adds an AMR Web Report Manager and enhanced features that address the need for cost effective metering operations and value-added services for utility customers. The EnergyAxis AMR Server provides utilities with a central meter data repository with advanced applications for collection and management of meter data.

With this version, the EnergyAxis AMR Server is further enhanced for performance and reliability. With assistance from IBM, ABB has optimized IBM middleware and transaction processing software. This distributed architecture allows cost effective deployment and scalability as the number of meters increases.

Based on extensive customer feedback, the graphical user interface of the EnergyAxis AMR Server has been enhanced for improved usability. The Java-based GUI uses familiar Microsoft Windows style guides for more user-friendly workflows for meter installation, meter reading and other server processes.

Information exchange can be performed using industry standard XML technology (eXtensible Markup Language). The EnergyAxis AMR Server is designed to be part of an enterprise application integration strategy for customer services -- billing, call center, distribution engineering, power quality, outage management -- as well as settlement processes in deregulated markets. The same export technology is used to publish meter data on Web sites like the ABB Energy Profiler Online (EPO).

Using the AMR Web Report Manager and a standard Web browser, users can create and view operational reports or customized reports using filters and various levels of sorting capability.

These reports can be viewed online in the browser, printed, exported as text or spreadsheet files or e-mailed. Users can generate scheduled reports that identify the status of meter communications during a specific period of time and meter audit information such as VEE and event logs. Users can also generate information reports on the various AMR entities such as accounts, meters, data collection groups, schedules and rates. This powerful system allows comprehensive reporting without degrading the performance of the EnergyAxis AMR Server.

The EnergyAxis AMR Server is a comprehensive meter information system that supports all processes and workflows for meter installation, meter data collection and publication. It addresses the advanced energy information management demands that are critical to utilities, energy marketers and customers for monitoring electricity usage, power quality and reliability. ABB continuously invests in research and development for the EnergyAxis AMR Server to support existing customers and to increase the value and benefits of automated meter reading and centralized meter data storage. Significant efforts are underway to support advanced ANSI standard meters and other commercial electronic meters.

The EnergyAxis AMR Server will be highlighted at the AMRA International Symposium to be held in Quebec City, Canada, Sept. 9-12, 2001. Demonstrations will be held daily in ABB's exhibit (No. 518) in the Quebec City Convention Center.

For more information about the EnergyAxis AMR Server, call 919/212-4800 or e-mail [e-mail]. The product specifications cited are those in effect at time of publication.

ABB, the global technology company, designs and develops advanced electricity meters and creates information technology solutions and infrastructure for meters and meter data management systems throughout the world (http://www.abb.com/metering). ABB's electricity metering business is located in Raleigh, N.C. It is part of the Automation Technology Products Division which supplies a complete range of automation and control products, robotics, sensors, meters, drives, motors, switches and accessories, and other low-voltage products and technologies.

ABB Inc. serves customers in manufacturing, process and consumer industries, utilities, oil and gas sectors and infrastructure markets. ABB's U.S. operations (http://www.abb.com/us) employ over 16,000 people at manufacturing and other facilities in 40 states. Worldwide, ABB employs about 160,000 people in more than 100 countries and reported revenues of $23 billion in 2000.