E.ON Metering, part of the 130bn Euro power generation firm will run its Smart Metering IT infrastructure operations in a private cloud from an IBM data center located in Germany.

E.ON Metering will use IBM's Intelligent Energy Service Enablement Platform (IESEP) to improve the deployment and management of smart meters.

The deal will see E.ON migrate and host the infrastructure in a private cloud using IBM SmartCloud. The first target markets are Germany, Austria and Switzerland with plans to market the new platform jointly in other international markets.

The platform will be upgraded with analytics and management tools based on IBM Software that will allow E.ON to provide higher-value-added data services for customers. Customers will be able to view their usage profiles for information about time-of-use-rates and changes in use patterns that can be compared with historical data.

The platform will improve the integration of renewable and decentralized energy sources, while also allowing E.ON to deliver personalized services that will put customers in better control of energy usage.

"We now have the tools to make much more comprehensive use of the technical possibilities that smart metering opens up both for the customers and for the business," said Robert Pflugl, Managing Director, E.ON Metering GmbH. "The two companies are combining their competencies in energy management and data processing in order to offer the best solutions to the future challenges of the energy turnaround."

"Real-time data evaluation in a smart grid is growing increasingly important for energy enterprises due mainly to the rising use of renewable energy," said Martin Hauske, Head of the Energy Business at IBM Germany. "Continued focus on data analysis and process optimization will lead to more growth and greater efficiency in the industry."

E.ON Metering is based in Munich and provides products and services in Smart Metering, Smart Grid, Smart Home and Demand Side Management.