RuggedCom, a Concord, Ont.-based designer and manufacturer of rugged communications networking solutions for mission critical applications in harsh environments, has agreed to purchase the substation automation business of Bow Networks Inc. Bow Networks develops substation automation and security software solutions, which are used to securely retrieve, present and analyse information from intelligent electronic devices, allowing utilities to make decisions that facilitate the restoration of power and increase utilization of critical assets and infrastructure. When integrated with RuggedCom's portfolio of utility grade communications platforms, the combined offering provides a comprehensive Information Backbone for use in Smart Grid applications.

The Bow Networks product offering consists of a range of substation automation and security software that will be delivered on substation hardened computing and communications platforms, as well as enterprise servers. Solutions extend from basic protocol conversion between various IED vendors to secure corporate-wide IED access and data management applications targeting critical asset management and maintenance.
The business was purchased for $2.1 million cash for the selected assets and intellectual property of Bow Networks. Employment offers have been made to 10 Bow Networks employees, who will form the core of the new RuggedSolutions division of RuggedCom. The transaction is subject to typical closing conditions and is expected to close in November.