GridWise requires powerful Information Technology (IT) across all levels of the energy system. This provides the IT industry with a variety of business opportunities and market incentives.

Information Technology is an integral part of todays energy system; however, it is used only in discrete applications. To the IT industry, GridWise offers tremendous business opportunities and market incentives to create new applications, apply existing ones more effectively, expand its markets, and take advantage of evolving needs in all markets for different IT products and services - all while helping to create a fully integrated, enterprise-wide energy infrastructure.

Implementing IT in as broad, deep and safe a manner as possible is critical to realizing the full potential of GridWise. The GridWise enterprise approach depends on the availability of real-time information for all participants across all levels of the energy system, and requires IT at each and every level. Through GridWise, IT organizations can enjoy new inroads into the energy industry and actively participate as valued stakeholders.

A significant business transformation is possible with GridWise. With unprecedented real-time information and newly established markets for monetizing the benefits of coordinated operations, GridWise enables the creation of cross-industry business models in the energy industry. Both within and across industries, participants will have the means to dynamically collaborate and influence how businesses operate.

In addition, as the lines that delineate today's utility organizations change, new organizations with few recognizable features will emerge and be able to integrate various aspects of different businesses. For example: if a broadband communications company merges with an electricity provider, the new entity could have the ability to lease or contract its wires, electricity production and fiber optic communications services.

When fully implemented, GridWise will require the communication of an enormous amount of data - information that will need to be transmitted, secured and stored. The solution to this challenge will come in part from the Internet and its ever-increasing ability to support business-to-business commerce. GridWise leverages the capabilities of Internet protocols, enhancing value for all parties and encouraging solutions that will deliver and improve reliability, performance and security.

As with all revolutionary ideas, GridWise is possible only through the contributions of technology leaders and visionary thinkers. Those who participate in the initial development and implementation of GridWise will promote increased innovation in their areas of expertise, help set industry standards and be able to pursue a greater diversity of opportunities.