Itron, Inc. provides metering solutions, meter data management software, and knowledge application solutions to electric, natural gas, and water utilities worldwide. The company offers electricity, natural gas, and water metering systems in three categories, including standard, advanced, and smart. Its standard meters measure electricity, natural gas, water, or thermal energy by mechanical, electromechanical, and electronic means. The company's advanced metering systems and technology uses a communication module embedded in the meter to collect and store meter data, which is transmitted to handheld computers, mobile units, and/or fixed networks allowing utilities to collect the data for billing systems and analyze the meter data for resource management and operations. Its smart metering systems and technology has two-way communication to automatically collect and transmit meter data to support various applications beyond monthly billings. The company also offers professional services to help customers in the project management, installation, implementation, operation, and maintenance of their systems. Itron, Inc. markets its products directly through its sales force to large utilities, as well as through indirect sales force consisting of distributors, sales representatives, partners, and meter manufacturer representatives. The company was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Liberty Lake, Washington.