Agilent Technologies Upgrades FASTest With New Network Test Capabilities - Agilent Technologies Fastest 3.1.1 - Product Announcement

Cambridge Telcom Report, Feb 28, 2000

Agilent Technologies, Inc. Tuesday introduced FASTest 3.1.1, an enhanced version of Agilent's automated, end-to-end test solution for existing telephony networks and next-generation integrated communications services.

FASTest enables systematic testing of SS7, ISDN and Channel Associated Signaling (CAS) networks where new features and services are being deployed. FASTest 3.1.1 includes automated controls to support the Agilent 75000 ATM test system from remote locations. Its new Periodic Scheduler feature lets users automatically schedule repeat tests for a specified number of times and run the tests in the background while other functions are operating.

"Network complexity, combined with intensive market competition among service providers, has increased pressure to deploy new telephony features, services and equipment as rapidly as possible," said Bill Mortimer, general manager of Agilent's Network Systems Test Division. "At the same time, the deployment of next-generation services, such as VoIP, will introduce whole new classes of equipment services into today's networks. FASTest products provide the means for our customers to develop, test and manage new network capabilities and to avoid costly network breakdowns."

FASTest 3.1.1 is a test management system that allows organizations to more effectively utilize their test engineer expertise for improved product delivery. Network engineers can perform tests in the lab or live within network environments and evaluate results on a fully automated, non-attended basis. Using FASTest 3.1.1, testing cycles that formerly took weeks can be completed in a single day, speeding deployment of new network features and services.

FASTest 3.1.1 is the latest network test product offered by Agilent Technologies. Agilent's network test, management and security products offer comprehensive, end-to-end solutions for network managers and systems engineers building next-generation enterprise and public networks.

Further information on Agilent's FASTest 3.1.1 and related products can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com/comms/onenetworks.> U.S. Pricing and Availability

FASTest 3.1.1 is available for shipping now. Pricing starts at $55,000.

Agilent Technologies, Inc. is a diversified technology company, resulting from Hewlett-Packard Company's plan to strategically realign itself into two fully independent companies. With 42,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries, Agilent Technologies is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. The businesses comprising Agilent, a subsidiary of HP, had net revenues of more than $8.3 billion in fiscal year 1999. FMI: www.agilent.com.