Marconi Communications Rolls Out NEBS Level 3 Initiative for Vortex Power Products - Product Announcement

Cambridge Telcom Report, August 23, 1999

Bell operating companies (BOCs), long- distance providers, local exchange carriers and other telephone companies have come to rely on Network Equipment Building Systems (NEBS) compliance as a standard when selecting equipment to be installed in their networks. Recognizing the importance of the Telcordia Technologies (formerly Bellcore) standards to telcos, Marconi Communications has become one of the first telco suppliers in the industry to announce NEBS Level 3 compliance for its entire Vortex power platform.

Marconi's Vortex 1293V3 Battery Distribution Fuse/Circuit Breaker Bay (BDF/CBB, 582120600) is the first in the Vortex product line to become commercially available with the Level 3 NEBS compliance. Similar compliance for the remaining product line will be complete by year-end.

"NEBS Level 3 compliance is critical for deployment of equipment into BOC- owned facilities," says Al Cioffi, vice president of engineering for Marconi Communications. "We're proud that our flagship Vortex product line complies with this rigorous set of standards. Our customers can rest assured that Vortex is the first choice for reliable, safe network power."

The Compliance Program uses the product-level testing and documentation from an independent, nationally recognized test laboratory, notes David Michlovic, product manager for Marconi Communications. "The enhanced BDFB now offers a fully documented set of testing parameters," he adds.

The Vortex 1293V3 BDF/CBB features high capacity, front access, modularity and simplified installation. These features provide effective secondary load distribution and protection for multiple -48 VDC feeds up to 600 amps, making it suitable for central office, collocation and other such applications. The system consists of a standard or Zone 4 box framework with either six or eight buses, top or bottom feed/distribution, and an input termination panel with factory-installed intra-bay cabling to all distribution module positions.

The Vortex power system is a powerfully simple intelligent power platform for wireline and wireless applications. The unique power platform offers comprehensive "plug'n'play" systems comprised of power conversion units, a meter-control-alarm microprocessing interface, distribution and monitoring to manage the ever expanding power needs for a whirlwind of voice, data and video services. Its advantages include:

* Ease of Upgrade -- Its building-block design allows for growth in cost-

effective increments.

* Single-Point Adjustment -- No tools are required to make settings and adjustments.

* Remote Access -- The optional Win Link software package allows users to

view, control and interact with the power system from a remote location.

* Information Management -- The Windows-based Vortex Manager relational database provides a quick and easy way to collect, view and display system information.

Marconi Communications (formerly RELTEC in the USA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of GEC, a world leader in smart broadband optical networks, access equipment, switching technology for the Internet and network integration. GEC's recent acquisition of US-based FORE Systems has positioned the company to be a leading player in the new public network and enterprise markets in addition to its established market leadership in the carrier and operators sphere. It has sales to more than 140 countries, a major presence in Europe, the USA, Africa and the Asia-Pacific Region.