Business Services Industry

Agilent Technologies and Alcatel Offer Integrated Signaling Network Monitoring System

Business Wire, Nov 8, 2004

PALO ALTO, Calif. & DALLAS -- Signaling-Based Solution Improves Operational Efficiency, Lowers Costs

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) and Alcatel (NYSE:ALA) today announced an integrated signaling network monitoring solution that combines traditional independent network monitoring with integrated link monitoring capabilities. Enabling direct connection from the Alcatel 5070 Signaling Server Global (SSG) to the Agilent acceSS7 network monitoring system, the combined solution saves service providers time, space and operating costs.

Until now, service providers have had limited choices to monitor SS7 network traffic. Conventional link monitoring solutions require deployment of multiple, expensive devices to externally probe network traffic. Alternatively, a signaling transfer point (STP) with a built-in link monitoring system provides only limited visibility into the network. Integrating monitoring data from the Agilent acceSS7 system and Alcatel STPs (with independent monitoring data from other vendors' STPs) provides full visibility of all SS7 protocol stack layers while eliminating the need for additional equipment for external probes.

"The integrated Agilent and Alcatel solution eases service providers' burden of managing their networks," said Tom Walls, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Telecommunication Systems Division. "The Alcatel 5070 SSG communicates directly with the acceSS7 system, simplifying monitoring system configuration and reducing the need for link maintenance. This solution minimizes the effort required to keep the system current as the network changes."

"This solution brings our customers the added value they expect from their technology suppliers," said Vickie Yohe, senior vice president of Alcatel's Multimedia Service Delivery activities in North America. "The new platform reduces the amount and complexity of equipment as well as overall costs, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective facility layout."

The Alcatel 5070 SSG is a powerful, compact system combining traditional STP functionality with advanced routing to support the expanding voice-over-packet and wireless markets. The product provides increased levels of connectivity, capacity and expandability, making it a true next-generation STP. It is feature rich, with traditional SS7 capabilities on a platform that also supports large-capacity services databases. The Alcatel 5070 SSG is an optimal fit in a legacy circuit-based network, and delivers the capacity and interfaces to support the signaling gateway requirements of voice-over-packet and wireless networks.

The integrated monitoring capability uses Agilent's acceSS7 platform, which has been significantly upgraded to offer high-density processing that can simultaneously monitor signaling running on multiple technologies such as IP, ATM and SONET/SDH on both electrical and optical mediums. This platform is offered in a smaller chassis, reducing the need for central office space, power consumption and hardware support.

About Alcatel

Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of 12.5 billion euros in 2003, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. More information is available at www.alcatel.com. More information about the Alcatel 5070 Signaling Server is available at www.alcatel.com/5070.> About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 28,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $6.1 billion in fiscal year 2003. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

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