Tiny Qonnectis is at present in an embryonic stage, but seems to have an interesting product with great potential. Their flagship product connects energy and water meters to the Internet via Qonnectis' own server and users' website, providing 24-hour real-time accessibility as well as the opportunity for instant data comparison and updates as frequently as every 15 minutes. This avoids the costs of traditional meter-reading methods (i.e. reading by eye or the more recent "drive-by" technology). The new technology has already saved one early customer a reported 180,000 after it spotted a water leak and alerted the user. Early adopters include utilities such as Scottish Water and Generale des Eaux Lyon, plus public sector clients such as the NHS, the RAF and various District Councils (the list is numerous, so please see QTI's press releases for the whole picture). In November 2005 QTI announced a distribution deal with Compteurs Farnier of France, providing potential access to the USA and Canada in addition to the French market.

The business case for QTI seems strong: the product is inexpensive and provides cost savings both in terms of labour-saving and of cutting wastage. Sales include an element of subscription on a five-year basis; it seems logical that satisfied customers will both increase their number of meters in use and come back for further subscriptions after the five-year period has elapsed. The potential market is huge. The real question is, when will QTI achieve break-even?

CEO Mike Tapia previously built up the Talisman remote/drive-by meter-reading business, which was then sold to Severn Trent Water Co around 1997.

Does anyone have any figures on the Talisman sale, or perhaps on Compteurs Farnier? It would be good to get some idea of the current market.


EDIT: New charts added, 21Dec2007.

The agenda for the December 5 meeting is as follows:
http://wifc.flowprogramme.co.uk/docs/view-doc.asp?File=WIFC_071205_Agenda.pdf

I doubt if this is the formal launch.

No - doubt it will have anything to do with the launch. But thanks for the info - interesting meeting.

In the Leakfrog context it is interesting the see that Ofwat is now targeting customers' supply pipe leakage (p1):
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/commondata/acrobat/bulletin_85_final_1882661.pdf

Thanks Jmac - had not seen this. There seem to be some buys this morning but nothing very exciting.

Yes, but good to see the sp holding up well in spite of the news delay - something should come out of the meeting on Wednesday (5th) if not sooner.

Tipped by RHPS this weekend :-)

Yes, see:

http://www.iii.co.uk/investment/detail/?display=discussion&code=cotn%3AQTI.L&it=le&action=detail&id=3814231

Thanks guys.

Silvermede: any chance of posting some details of what RHPS say??

Buy upto 2p, Target 4p.

Toya, try the link I posted.....

I have done - many thanks jma :)

Are you keeping your eye on the sp this morning??? Up 22.39% at 2.0-2.10! Is it our lucky day or what?!

2.1/2.4! - the next news had better be good....

Hola! JMAC, Silvermede, thanks for the RHPS tip/link. I very much like the tone of the report's conclusion - although this is the penny market and obviously anything can happen. PDYOR, etc!

Still no sign of the finals??!!

Some news may emerge as a result of/in advance of the Water Industry Flow Club meeting tomorrow.

Does anybody have any comments about this section of the RHPS report?:

'...the Leakfrog. About the size of a cigarette packet, it is attached to the water meter, monitors the pattern of consumption and then displays a message if it suspects a leak and of what magnitude. This can then be read by the householder or by a representative of the water utility.'

Does this imply that you have to go to the meter to read an LCD, or equivalent? I would have thought it more likely that it can be read remotely.

4th on the biggest gainers list ....

if you take a look qti website it explains the functions it transmits the findings to the company's website ie thames water's site and then thames can act on the results.ie leak repair.

I think you're referring to the existing service aimed at industrial/commercial users - leakfrog is aimed at the domestic market - we don't have the details yet.

Turned out nice again! :o)

It certainly did! :)