HOUSTON, TX (July 5, 2012) – Award-winning IBM Premier Business Partner, Element Blue, has engaged Walter N. Norley, founder and former CEO of UgMO Technologies, as a Board Advisor in support of its efforts to deliver IBM Smarter Water solutions to markets including golf, commercial real estate and certain communities utilizing large quantities of water. Norley possesses expertise in commercial water conservation technology solutions and is a member of IBM’s Smarter Cities Advisory Board focusing on Smarter Water. Additionally, he serves as an Executive Advisor concentrating on water investments with Brown Brothers Harriman Capital Partners.

“Walt’s background is a perfect fit for Element Blue as we deliver the industry’s first SmartCloud solutions via IBM’s Intelligent Operations Center technology,” said Steven Gerhardt, Element Blue CEO. “In approaching the golf industry, specifically, Walt’s experience in water, energy and nutrient management solutions will be invaluable as we assist our clients in gaining a unified view of the data collected from their various onsite telemetry systems.”

“The time savings for large water users – such as golf course superintendents – is important to a solution’s success in the market. It is critical to assess changing course conditions while minimizing water usage, power consumption, personnel time and other direct costs in real time. This can result in a savings of up to 30%, in addition to yielding substantial savings in energy costs and an increase in reclaimed water reallocation,” said Norley. “I’m pleased to be working with Element Blue to introduce this innovative technology to the U.S. and, potentially, worldwide markets.”