TRADE NEWS: Agilent Technologies' Enhanced Modular OSS Solution Reduces Costs and Improves Efficiency of Optical Networks

Business Wire, Jan 22, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 2002

Agilent accessFIBER Offers Service Providers Increased

End-to-End Optical Network Management Capabilities

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today introduced the latest release of its integrated optical network management solution, which gives service providers the ability to ensure high quality and availability of service. Agilent accessFIBER helps the optical service provider increase network efficiency and reduce operational costs through its new modular approach to the critical functions required to provide real-time, full visibility of the optical inventory and its working conditions.

Agilent's newest release of accessFIBER, one of several Agilent operations support system (OSS) solutions, is a highly scalable, physical network management system that integrates network planning and engineering, installation and commissioning, network operations, and network maintenance into one modular-based solution. Service providers can realize a quicker return on investment (ROI) because of the solution's ability to work with other CORBA-based element management systems such as those from Nortel. The module can be used as a standalone application or as an integrated solution leveraging all modules.

"Service providers have a very real challenge of reducing costs and protecting profit margins," said Horst Nill, manager for Agilent accessFIBER's Business Operations. "Our latest release of accessFIBER gives providers the flexibility of using a single module as a point solution with the proven ability to integrate with other Agilent modules and complimentary systems. This is critical to increasing the efficiency of managing fiber networks and returning to profitability."

Key enhancements to the solution suite include:

-- faster time-to-service and efficient use of network resources by providing
an accurate and easy-to-access network inventory database;

-- predictable and optimized performance of DWDM networks and increased
efficiency in Lambda provisioning through integration of DWDM measurement
capabilities in DWDM workstations;

-- quicker ROI and reduced operational costs from access to real-time network
information, root-cause-analysis and CORBA-based interfaces that provide
integration with other OSS solutions and remote control to accessFIBER; and

-- reduced network downtime for SLA compliance and high quality of service
guarantees from precise and rapid physical network measurements of fault
location used to analyze network health.

Horst Nill, Agilent's optical OSS expert, will speak on Managing Optical Networks at SUPERnet 2002 in Santa Clara, Calif. on Jan. 23, 2002 (session W32E).

More information on Agilent OSS solutions, support and service is available at www.agilent.com/comms/oss.> Agilent in Communications

Agilent Technologies is a leading provider of components, test, measurement, monitoring and management solutions for the communications industry. Agilent enables designers, manufacturers and service providers to accelerate the delivery of next-generation devices, networks and services. Agilent's broad set of solutions and services includes optical, wireless, Internet and broadband technologies that span the entire communications life cycle.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics and life sciences. The company's 41,000 employees serve customers in more than 120 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $8.4 billion in fiscal year 2001. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.