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In Brief: Grid Net

Grid Net’s singular product is enterprise software and telecommunications networking for the Smart Grid that uses an open, interoperable, policy-based network design.  The software offers secure, scalable delivery.

So far, there’s been one application built on the software – GE’s WiMAX-based smart meter.  The network management system works on the IEEE 802.16.e WiMAX wireless network platform.

Strengths

Ray Bell, founder and CEO, has a lot of experience.  After helping Cisco build its network management systems, he was CEO of Silver Spring Networks, also a network systems company.

Partnering with GE and Intel gives Grid Net credibility and financial backing.  Name brands are more comfortable for the utilities.  Utility employees are less likely to be criticized for choosing a name like GE. 

PolicyNet’s open architecture allows utilities to incorporate future technologies without being locked out by proprietary solutions.

Bell predicts WiMAX chip sets (now $36) will drop 67% in the next year, and perhaps be $6 to $8 in 18 months.  He thinks the GE/Grid Net meters will undercut any of the meters on the market that use proprietary technology within that same time frame.

The open standard format on Grid Net’s software offers potential for integration with other products beyond GE Smart Meters.

Clearwire is developing the WiMAX network nationwide with support from cable firms, Google, Motorola, and Samsung.  WiMAX uses the licensed wireless spectrum. It’s considered more reliable and secure than unlicensed spectrum, but the licenses adds costs.

Challenges

Grid Net’s software requires that WiMAX finds acceptance.  First measurements may come from how quickly consumers sign up to use it with their laptops and other mobile devices; Intel has a new WiMAX chip.  If adoption is slow, it may affect WiMAX build-out.  Nokia has dubbed it the “wireless Betamax” implying it’s already dead.

Grid Net plans for broader use of the smart meter, like a router that can incorporate delivery of other services to the home.  Smart meters may not have the muscle needed for the job.

Smart Grid networks may not need the capacity of WiMAX - cellular-type solutions may be adequate.  Allies are also competitors.  Cisco, Oracle, and GE are working with Silver Spring Networks, a startup similar to Grid Net.  This leaves Bell competing with a company he headed for two years, which happens to be a GE partner as well.

Our View

With the recent GE / Silver Spring collaboration on the Florida Power and Light’s smart meter implementation, it’s apparent GE plans to be a player, no matter which team it’s on.  Good strategy for GE, but it must feel like a setback to Grid Net.

Should WiMAX become the standard for Smart Grid systems, Grid Net could be a prominent leader.  If the big players like GE, Intel, Cisco, and Google, who are hedging their bets in multiple directions, start to get traction with other players, Grid Net may need another plan.

Joining the Perfect Gym

 

If you want to lose weight, you need plenty of diet to make sure that you’re burning fat and building muscle. One of the best ways to do this is to join a gym. Gyms come in all shapes and sizes, and there may be a number of gyms in your area. Joining a gym can be expensive, so it is important that you careful consider all of the gyms near to your home in order to pick the very best one possible to meet you weight loss and exercise needs on a daily basis.

The first things you should consider when you are looking at gyms are the trainers. If you’ll be taking a class or working with a personal trainer, you’ll want to be sure that you’re working with someone who is experienced and will teach you the best habits possible. Unfortunately, there are no set qualifications for trainers in the United States, so you should check out gyms that do require training programs of their trainers.

You should also look at the equipment available for your use and the hours the gym is open. A gym that only has one treadmill may not be the best choice, since you may find yourself standing in line for equipment during peak hours. You also may find that your exercise schedule is disrupted if the gym is open odd or short hours. It is  very important to find a place that will allow you to have a great workout at a time of day that is convenient for you.

Cleanliness should also be of concern. All gyms should provide a tour of their facilities at the very least, or a free trial to check out the gym’s space on your own. If a gym is dirty, you could be susceptible to illnesses as they spread among members at the gym. They should provide a cleaning crew to make sure that the locker rooms are clean, as well as provide antibacterial products to wipe down the machines after workouts. Organization is important too—you don’t want to be tripping over weights that are ling on the floor or feel cramped in a sweating high-volume area.

Lastly, you should check out prices. Some gym memberships are by the year while others charge your credit card or send you an invoice every month. Do what works for you. You may end up spending hundreds or thousands of collars on your gym membership, so it is important to find the gym that best suits your needs. Look at the ones closest to your home, but also consider those a bit farther away if they seem better to join.

Just Say No: Healthy Eating and Peer Pressure

If you are on a diet or simply enjoying a healthy lifestyle, than you probably know that peer pressure to eat foods that are not good for you is a major part of your life. If you are worried about the food that goes into your mouth, don’t worry—there are ways to overcome peer pressure. It simply takes a little know-how to get people off your back!

Parties are a major source of peer pressure, especially with alcohol. However, remember that alcohol contains hundreds of empties calories in just one drink. When you go to a part, people might be pressuring you to have a drink and relax, and it can be difficult to say no when they are constantly trying to convince you. Instead, offer to drive to a bar instead. This way, you re the designated driver, so people won’t want you to drink and, in fact, they will probably be purchasing you waters and maybe even helping to pay for your gas. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

Another time when you may feel pressured to eat is at work when the boss orders lunch for everyone at a meeting or when you have to visit a client. Instead of giving in to temptation, simply politely decline the food by letting your boss know in advance or order a meal that is healthy and split the portion in half so you have a meal for tomorrow’s lunch as well.

Baby showers, weddings, birthday parties, and other special events can also wreak havoc on your diet, even if you are good at resisting temptation on your own. When someone hands you a piece of cake and won’t take no for an answer, it can be difficult to know what to say!  Here, little white lies might be appropriate. For instance, saying that your stomach was upset earlier in the day will convince a person that you don’t want to eat at the moment or pretending to have a chocolate allergy will get people to allow you to enjoy the party without a hassle surrounding food.

Remember, however, that while refusing bad foods is fine, you should be eating good foods. If you do not, dangerous eating habits and disorders can develop, which will give you, your friends, and your doctor a real reason to worry. It’s ok to say no to peer pressure, but don’t say no to food in general!

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Monday

The two big events of the day were a noon speech at the National Press Club and an afternoon town hall at Georgetown University – both in Washington, DC.

The National Press Club is the Washington, DC home to many newspapers, radio and television stations.

Someone told me that in recent history only two people have sold out one of these noon luncheon speeches: Billy Joel and … Boone Pickens! I guess one guy with two FIRST names and another guy with two LAST names sort of balance things out.

Anyway we had about 300 journalists and others in the room. I had a slightly different message than I’ve had before, because I put it on the reporters to hold these politicians to their word.

Every President since Richard Nixon has said that he would reduce or eliminate our dependence on foreign oil. And as you know all too well, not a one of them have come even close to keeping their word.

The press corps is the only group of citizens who have direct access to the President and Vice President, Senators and, Governors and State Legislators. We can ask the same questions the reporters can, but the reporters have a megaphone – their newspapers or TV programs – to tell us whether the politicians are honoring their word.

But I told them they have to use that megaphone on behalf of the people of America. We’ll see if they do.

Next stop for the day was Georgetown University for a town hall with the students. My grandson is a sophomore there so I had to be on my best behavior.

They’re students, so they were used to sitting through lectures. I went through my white board presentation and they followed along pretty closely.

When I finished up, aside from the main points of the Pickens Plan that I was pushing at them, I wanted to plant this idea firmly in their minds:

This is not for me, this is for you … and for your kids. Your generation, I told them, is going to have come up with the new technologies which will finish the job of getting rid of foreign oil imports – the Pickens Plan provides the bridge to give you the time to get that done.

— Boone

Does the tax credit for start-ups apply?
No, because a plan must cover at least one non-highly compensated employee (NHCE) to be eligible for the credit.

What if the client currently has a SIMPLE IRA?
SoloK.com can create an amendment to terminate the plan (additional charge). Since a SIMPLE must be the exclusive plan for a calendar year the 401(k) cannot be established until the following calendar year. For example, if the SIMPLE is terminated as of 12/31/05 the 401(k) could not be effective until 1/1/06. The SIMPLE plan would still be funded for the 2005 plan year.

What if the client currently has a Profit Sharing or Money Purchase Plan?
SoloK.com can create an amendment to terminate the existing plan(s) (additional charge) if that’s determined to be the best option. The 401(k) can be adopted and funded right away as long as the prior plan wasn’t a 401(k). If both plans are in existence at the same time the annual additions limit applies to the combined contributions of both plans.

Can a Defined Benefit plan be combined with the SBO 401(k)?
Yes, it can. SoloK.com would want to look at the specific plan to see if this would be beneficial to the client.

What happens if a client hires employees who will be eligible to participate?
The employer would no longer be eligible for the SBO 401(k). SoloK.com can do a plan design for the client and create a new service agreement. The cost associated with the plan would increase due to additional testing and filing requirements.

Can a spouse of an owner participate in the plan?
Yes, as long as the spouse is receiving earned income from the company (W-2, Schedule C, K-1, etc.)

What if the client has ownership in another business?
Please contact us at with the ownership information to determine if this client will be eligible for the SBO 401(k).

Why Self-Directed IRAs Are Becoming More Popular

Self-directed IRAs are becoming more popular. That’s a fact. What you may not understand is why. Mutual funds, stocks and bonds; what do they have in common? They are all investments you can make with your self-directed IRA money. How about real estate, notes, tax liens and mortgages? These are investments you can make with your IRA account funds as well, but that are rarely, if ever, offered by traditional IRA account managers.

How Entrenched Institutionalism Could Be Deflating Your Retirement Fund
Most IRAs are overseen by account managers, benefits directors and/or fund managers. Many of these professionals are employed by companies who promote a portfolio of products. They are paid commissions on selling these products, hence, have no incentive to go outside of that realm.

The marketing machine behind large Wall Street companies work hard to keep their products front and center. Account managers, fund managers and benefits administrators are all influenced by this advertising. And when it comes to choosing investment funds in which to put your money, they are more apt to go with traditional investments like stocks, bonds and mutual funds.

Even if these funds return less, it’s easier to go with what Wall Street “experts” are touting than to seek out nontraditional vehicles that offer greater returns.

Nontraditional investments like real estate are not offered by the vast majority of retirement funds. This in essence means that you are cut off from investing in the number one investment vehicle that leads to wealth in America – real estate.

The Power of One
And, this is why you need to be in charge of your retirement account. A fund administrator has hundreds or thousands of investors to invest for. You only have you. The power of one is a force to be reckoned with.

This means you can put in the time, energy and research necessary to find the best investments so that you can retire securely. No one cares as much about, or is as invested in your future as you are. Shouldn’t you then be the one to make the investing decisions affecting your life?

A self-directed IRA puts the power of investing in your hands. It’s the ultimate power of one. Contact a self directed IRA specialist today to start maximizing your account returns.