DI Developer Key (DDK) Meters

DDK meters are available for developers to order, affording them a quick build-and-test process as they develop their agents. A DDK meter is manufactured with a script injected into it that allows the meter to run third-party DI agents without licensing requirements. Aside from this, a DDK meter has the same functionality as a standard production meter.

The DDK manufacture option is available for only Gen™X electricity meters. OpenWay® Riva™ electricity meters are currently unavailable in the DDK variation.

When a developer initially uploads their agent to the Itron Enterprise Application Center (EAC) an automated process calls the Application Management Service (AMS). The AMS dev signs the agent, giving the agent the DDK signature and allowing the agent to run on the meter.

When development and testing of their agent is complete and they feel it is ready for production signing, the developer will upload it to the EAC. Itron's security team then starts the certification process, eventually assigning it the production signature when they have determined the agent meets secure coding standards.

Developers may use their DDK meter with or without a headend system (HES). Both HES options require the developer to have access to the EAC.

Setting up a DDK meter or meters with an HES may be optimal for larger utilities so they may test their agents on multiple meters and with their own HES. Using DDK meters with an HES requires:

Itron to create for your utility a DDK-specific tenant that is separate and in addition to the utility's DI tenant.
An Itron Gen™X Network, which typically would be part of the utility's existing infrastructure.
Production-secure meters.

Smaller, third-party developers ideally use their DDK meter without an HES. This option allows the developer to both develop and test agents on one meter without the requirement for an Itron GenX Network.