Siemens Network Systems Favours RiverSoft For Enhanced Network Management at British Airways

Business Wire, Oct 24, 2000

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 24, 2000

RiverSoft deployed as Key Component of New Network Infrastructure

RiverSoft, a leading provider of IP network management solutions, today announced that it has been selected by Siemens Network Systems Limited (SNSL) to help deliver 24x7 network availability at British Airways and significantly reduce network management costs. SNSL will supply the design, implementation and management of British Airways' new Internet Protocol (IP) Metropolitan Area Network (MAN).

SNSL will take full management responsibility for the new IP Metropolitan Area Network and RiverSoft's solutions will play a key role in the day-to-day management of this network. RiverSoft's accurate discovery mechanisms and ability to quickly pin point the root cause of network problems will contribute greatly to the reduction in network management administration overhead at British Airways.

British Airways' business is one of constant change. As the organisation explores new business opportunities, the network evolves accordingly. Last year alone there were over 5000 changes that directly affected the shape and performance of the network. Many traditional network management solutions would require a huge investment in people to manually reconfigure the topology database for Feach change, whereas RiverSoft's ability to automatically discover and map the network will enable British Airways to focus staff on business enhancing initiatives.

"RiverSoft is the first product to offer such levels of flexibility and at the same time offer such a wide coverage of network-related issues," commented Mark Wilkins, product manager at SNSL. "RiverSoft is capable of supporting rapid rates of network change with integrity and without ambiguity as business requirements change. It can also help companies build services for customers on specific business criteria. RiverSoft provides true business focused network management"

The introduction of an IP network will reduce British Airways' operating costs and provide a network that is ready for its future needs. RiverSoft will not only deliver significant business benefits immediately in terms of low management overheads and fast problem solving, but also paves the way for future growth and integration with other British Airways' network management systems.

"Businesses these days must have networks and requisite management systems that are flexible, dynamic and allow them to respond quickly to new opportunities," says Gary Read, VP Marketing at RiverSoft. "British Airways is typical of a growing number of organisations to whom network availability is crucial and where it is extremely difficult to cope manually with the rapid pace of change. RiverSoft is designed for such dynamic network environments."

About Siemens Network Systems Limited

Siemens Network Systems Limited (SNSL), the leading vendor-independent network integrator in the UK, specialises in the design, implementation and management of enterprise-wide networks. The company provides a wide range of technology skills and professional services to major private sector companies and public sector bodies. Some of the leading names that look to SNSL for its expertise include Ford, Coca-Cola, British Airways, Credit Suisse First Boston, Lancashire Education Authority, Liverpool City Council and The British Library.

Twice winner of the Networking Industry Awards for 'Systems Integrator of the Year' and voted 'Best Systems Integrator' by the TUA, SNSL's services include strategic consultancy, network design, integration and project management, as well as network installation, managed services, maintenance and support.

Recognising the speed of change in the communications market, the growing complexity of IT solutions and the demand for more powerful applications, SNSL has maintained its position as a provider of highly advanced networks by constantly evaluating new technologies, products and suppliers. In this way it ensures customers continue to be offered the most flexible, price performance migration path for their current and future business needs.

SNSL offers 24x7 proactive managed services from its Hemel Hempstead headquarters. The services include remote fault and performance management utilising highly sophisticated network management tools and are backed by accredited support centre engineers.

The company is headquartered in Hemel Hempstead, with offices in Manchester, Stirling, Bristol and Central London. It is a (pound)140m-plus company employing over 400 people in the UK.

About RiverSoft

RiverSoft provides IP network management solutions that automatically adapt to the rapid pace of change in today's networks. Leading customers and partners such as British Airways, Deutsche Bank, Intel Corporation and Level 3 Communications are using RiverSoft products to increase network availability, reduce operational costs, and achieve sustainable competitive advantage. With headquarters in San Francisco, RiverSoft can be found on the Web at www.riversoft.com.