After four years of field research, automated meter reading (AMR) developer eT Communications has been re-named MainStreet Networks (www.MainStreetNetworks.com). The new company`s strategy is to take eT`s "premise gateway" AMR technology to the next level, bringing a variety of value-added services to the customers of local and rural utilities.

The term "premise gateway" refers to the metering system attached to the exterior of the customer`s house or building-i.e., the premises. "MainStreet`s premise Internet gateway is essentially a network `server` that enables the physical building to interact with information appliances or `clients` and the outside world, in much the same manner a personal computer lets a person interact with the world around them," said Donald J. Massaro, president and CEO of the San Jose, Calif.-based MainStreet Networks.

The system aims to help local utilities build customer loyalty and add new revenue streams by allowing them to offer "community-oriented, Internet-enabled applications," Massaro said. "MainStreet`s premise Internet gateway lets local utility companies compete on a par with telephone and cable companies."

Initial applications include premise monitoring, online energy information and community bulletin boards. MainStreet expects to introduce a menu of other Internet-enabled applications in early 2000, including e-commerce, "light" Internet access for non-PC users, and integrated telecommunications and cable connections.

The new applications and services are expected to be bundled, branded and delivered by municipal utilities and cooperatives nationwide. Utilities will market the services through their established distribution channels, with direct marketing support and customized websites hosted by MainStreet.

The gateway operates in an extended client/server architecture, carrying out TCP/IP communications with central servers over public networks, including telephone, cable and wireless.