Interface between meter and application (IMA)

A method of permitting transmission of information between utility meter metrologies and one or more operational applications associated with a utility meter, said method comprising steps of:

• providing a network including central collection functionality and a plurality of end devices;
• configuring the network for bi-directional communications between the central collection functionality and each of the plurality of end devices using an open standard meter communication protocol;
• and
• providing an interface at each of the plurality of end devices that is capable of interfacing with a user interface and central collection functionality.

An advanced metering system, comprising:

• a plurality of end devices, at least some of which end devices comprise metrology devices;
• a network including central collection functionality comprising a collection engine, said network being configured for bi-directional communications between said central collection functionality and each of said plurality of end devices, said bi-directional communications occurring at least in part based on an open standard meter communication protocol;
• and
• an interface at selected end devices for permitting transmission of information between said metrology devices associated with each of said selected end devices and one or more operational applications associated with each of said selected end devices, said interface functioning as a device driver for each of said selected end devices, and configured for interfacing with a user interface and central collection functionality.