TRADE NEWS: Agilent Technologies' Optical Network Installation and Maintenance Platform Saves Service Providers Time and Money

Business Wire, March 13, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CeBIT 2002

HANOVER, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2002

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today introduced its new Modular Network Tester, a portable, lightweight, rugged optical network test platform that is expected to set new standards for profitability in the optical network installation and maintenance (I&M) market. The platform was developed from feedback from I&M technicians worldwide, and great care was given to measurement test speed, ergonomic, and workflow considerations to help service providers save time and money.

"Our customers' major concern is their cash-to-cash cycle: as soon as they invest money and resources, the clock is ticking until their investments start producing revenues," said Bill Mortimer, Agilent's vice president and general manager of Communication Services Solutions. "The Modular Network Tester's modular design provides a tailor-made solution for today's I&M market and is adaptable to meet tomorrow's needs."

Agilent's modular platform features snap-on measurement modules that attach in seconds to ensure technicians are properly equipped to meet their measurement needs. It has been designed for compatibility with OTDR (optical time domain reflectometer), loss test, optical spectrum analysis and dispersion measurement modules. The modular approach eases technician training, since the user interface remains consistent for all measurements, all connections and all file management tasks.

The user interface offers touch screen, user-definable soft-keys and the patented Agilent navigation key. A video microscope ensures quick inspection of optical connectors and provides laser eye safety.

Additional time-saving benefits include:

-- the shortest possible test cycles for commissioning, acceptance tests and maintenance of optical infrastructures, including a 1 x 12 port optical switch for ribbon-fiber testing;

-- ergonomic design considerations including an ergo grip, pop-up optical connectors for easy fiber connection and secure transport, and a multi-purpose soft case for all the tools and accessories needed in an outside plant environment;

-- secure and rugged mass data storage, either on internal memory or on PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) flash cards, allowing technicians to quickly transfer test results;

-- connections to the enterprise's IT world with USB and LAN ports, enabling data exchange, report generation and trace storage;

-- built-in data processing applications for on-site report generation and PC-based documentation software; and

-- context-sensitive online help, as well as online and printed training packages, which keep training times to a minimum.

U.S. Availability

The Agilent Modular Network Tester platform can be ordered starting in April 2002. For further information please visit www.agilent.com/comms/otdr.> About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics and life sciences. The company's 39,000 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.