The more than 1,400 people who attended theAutomatic Meter Reading Association (AMRA) 2002 International Symposium, held September 29 to October 2 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX, learned about the latest business strategies and technologies from global leaders of the utility, meter and data-management industries. A common theme that emerged during two general sessions and 36 educational sessions is that utility service companies need advanced data collection and information sharing technologies to succeed in today's customer-focused business environment.