Empirix Tunes Hammer XMS VoIP Monitoring System to Speed Service Provider Deployments and Troubleshooting

Business Wire, May 4, 2005

BEDFORD, Mass. -- Empirix Inc., the industry's leading supplier of VoIP testing systems, today announced the addition of new features to its Hammer XMS(TM) next-generation VoIP monitoring system, designed to accelerate VoIP network and service deployments and troubleshooting. Hammer XMS 1.2 now provides new applications for network analysis and system administration, added flexibility in network data aggregation, new H.323 and improved ISUP support and a variety of other customer-inspired improvements.

Hammer XMS 1.2 offers additional historical trend analysis of network metrics, as well as statistical distribution analysis to discover and diagnose intermittent or persistent performance problems. New Hammer XMS features include drill-down analysis tools, enabling users to view overall network statistics, detailed reporting on specific equipment elements, correlated call transaction traces, and historical reassembly of discrete sessions for troubleshooting or problem isolation. Network-wide measurements and per-call record views can be structured in groupings, based on routing of services, vendor-specific equipment, geographic clusters, VLANs and other customer aggregations.

Using Hammer XMS 1.2, service providers can quickly identify high-priority active calls (such as 911 calls) which are now highlighted within the system's "Active Calls" list. Additionally, network engineers can use the system's patent-pending ladder diagram, which now includes media events, to identify common problems such as one-way media or hanging calls. Finally, Hammer XMS 1.2 offers new capabilities for identifying TDM/IP interface problems by providing ISUP decodes.

"We have continued to expand the reach and flexibility of Hammer XMS, based on our close work with customers and partners, as well as our experience in cable MSO and carrier trials," said Steven Gladstone, VP and general manager of the Empirix Communications Infrastructure Group. "Hammer XMS delivers unmatched network visibility, coupled with the call analysis capabilities needed to ensure VoIP service quality and reliability."

The Hammer XMS combines high-performance probes with a highly scalable architecture. Each Hammer XMS non-intrusive probe can track tens of thousands of simultaneous calls, supporting carrier class VoIP network diagnostics and service optimization. The system measures VoIP and TDM protocol performance as well as media quality in real time for every call, 24x7.

The Hammer XMS provides voice quality and call control assessment based on the real-time customer experience of the service or application. Key features include R-Factor, MOS and jitter measurement capabilities in real time; full Web-based access to the central Hammer XMS SQL database; IP and TDM end-to-end call analysis across multiple paths and legs; and an open architecture designed for integration with existing network and fault management systems. The system supports all major VoIP and TDM gateway protocols.

Configuration options range from cost effective single-site probe deployment for remote turn-up monitoring and trouble-shooting, to carrier scale deployment monitoring.

For detailed Hammer XMS product information, availability and pricing information, please call 1-800-426-6374 (Outside the U.S., 1-781-266-3200) or visit www.empirix.com.

Hammer products are the industry's most widely-used VoIP IP/TDM test solutions, as verified by three consecutive Frost & Sullivan market surveys. Since the introduction of its first VoIP test system in 1995, the Hammer product family has grown to include a full range of testing platforms, products and services that span the complete development and deployment lifecycle for next-generation services. Leading network equipment manufacturers, service providers, independent labs and enterprise network operators rely on Hammer's proven VoIP testing technology and patented innovations to cost-efficiently verify the functionality, performance and quality of service of next-generation equipment and networks.

Empirix delivers a comprehensive range of testing and monitoring solutions that assure the performance of next-generation networks, contact centers, and Web-based applications. Empirix provides products, services, and support to thousands of customers worldwide, including Global 2000 enterprises, network equipment manufacturers, and service providers. Headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, Empirix is a privately held company, with offices throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.empirix.com.

Empirix, Hammer and Hammer XMS are trademarks or registered trademarks of Empirix Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other names are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.