Silver Spring Networks

The company's business model centered on providing the communications layer for critical infrastructure, enabling a two-way flow of information between utilities and their customers. Revenue was generated from two main streams: product sales and services. Product revenue included hardware like communication modules and network bridges, which were manufactured by third parties, as well as associated software licenses. The services segment included professional services for network deployment and a recurring revenue stream from Managed Services and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models, where Silver Spring would operate the network on behalf of the utility. Its target clients were large utility companies and municipalities, with major customers including Pacific Gas & Electric, Florida Power & Light, ComEd, and international utilities.

Silver Spring's core offering was an IPv6-based, wireless mesh networking platform that connects millions of devices. This platform, known as Gen5, was designed to be secure, standards-based, and high-performance, creating a unified network for multiple applications. It allowed utilities to implement advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), demand response programs, and distribution automation. A key feature was its ability to turn grid endpoints into a distributed intelligence platform, called the SilverLink Sensor Network, allowing devices to process and share data locally. For cities, the technology powered smart street lighting and other urban services. The platform's software, such as CustomerIQ, provided analytics and engagement tools for end customers, helping them understand energy usage. A major differentiator was the company's focus on being a pure networking provider, embedding its communication technology into hardware made by various meter manufacturers.