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AMI management systems will continue to grow. AMI technology is a component of a larger smart water grid network that is slowly developing in North America. The smart water grid network is composed of automated meter reading (AMR) and AMI technology, combined with the information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure required to manage automation and control data. Overall, the smart water grid market is growing at a moderate level as larger municipalities gauge the long-term need for this type of water management infrastructure. According to ongoing Frost & Sullivan research, the total smart grid network market in North America was estimated to be approximately $2.32 billion (2011), which is composed of ICT infrastructure ($469.7 million), automation and control systems ($350.0 million), and smart water infrastructure ($1.50 billion). Based on this research methodology, AMI technology has overlapping applications in each market subsegment, but can be defined as part of the smart water infrastructure market subsegment, which also includes all types of meters, pumps, valves, pipes, data loggers, and transmitters. Derived from this ongoing analysis of the AMI technology subsegment, key technologies sought after by the industry include: ultrasonic measurement meters, electromagnetic measurement meters, mechanical measurement meters, smart pressure reduction valves, and smart pumps. The ability to utilize a two-way communication with these AMI technologies ensures reliability, optimal performance, and preventative wateronline.com event management within the water and wastewater treatment and distribution network. Conclusion Even though the North American economic downturn has slowed the short-term investment enthusiasm surrounding AMI technology and the larger implementation of smart grid network technologies, the long-term need to address service and operational challenges persists. As water scarcity issues continue, and are combined with further growth of large urban centers across North America, the demand for AMI technology solutions will become more viable. With a solid North American competitive landscape consisting of major players such as Xylem, Sensus Metering Systems, Neptune Technology Group Inc., Badger Meter Inc., Itron, Elster Group, and Master Meter, competitive innovation and product development will continue to advance improvements to AMI technologies. ��� Eric Meliton is an environmental technologies industry analyst for Frost & Sullivan. His expertise includes industrial and municipal water/wastewater treatment technologies, regulatory affairs, and compliance. Meliton holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Environmental Science from the University of Western Ontario. ��� Water Online The Magazine 13