Agilent Technologies Promotes Open Signaling Standards for Converged Networks

Business Wire, July 26, 2000

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 26, 2000

Agilent's acceSS7 IP Troubleshooting Solution Will Support

Nortel-sponsored IPS7 Signaling Architecture

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today announces that the Agilent acceSS7 IP Troubleshooting solution will support the IPS7 standard initiative, helping telecommunication service providers quickly deploy and manage next-generation multi-service networks at the same level of reliability as today's telephone network. IPS7 is an open architectural framework sponsored by Nortel Networks that provides for seamless and transparent signaling between circuit-switched and packet-based networks.

"IPS7 is yet another way in which Nortel Networks is championing open architectures and industry standards for interworking between circuit and packet networks," said Mark Kot, director of carrier solutions portfolio marketing at Nortel Networks. "We applaud Agilent for joining us in our efforts to achieve a truly open networking environment."

"Agilent is committed to supporting the recommendations of the standards bodies, and we believe that the widespread adoption of open standard protocols will encourage the rapid deployment and innovation of converged next generation networks," said Andy Belcher, general manager of Agilent's Telecommunications Systems Division. "We are pleased to be cooperating with Nortel Networks in this important initiative."

About IPS7

IPS7 is an open architecture developed by Nortel Networks that provides a well-defined and robust interworking environment for signaling between traditional and packet-based networks. IPS7 concepts are driving a set of standards-based packet signaling protocols, including stream control transmission protocol (SCTP), MTP2 User Adaptation Layer (M2UA) and MTP3 User Adaptation Layer (M3UA). For more information, go to the IPS7 Web site at www.ips7.net.

About acceSS7 IP Troubleshooting

The Agilent acceSS7 IP Troubleshooting solution is designed to help telecommunication service providers deploy and maintain packet voice gateways connected to the existing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The solution reduces the time it takes to deploy new network elements and services, ensures that problems are resolved as quickly as possible, and reduces the ongoing maintenance costs associated with implementing and managing new technologies.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a diversified technology company, resulting from Hewlett-Packard Company's plan to strategically realign itself into two fully independent companies. With approximately 43,000 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. In fiscal year 1999, the businesses comprising Agilent, then a subsidiary of HP, had net revenue of more than $8.3 billion.

Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.