Orthogon Systems and Dartware Work Together to Ensure Wireless Network Performance

Business Wire, March 15, 2006

WALTHAM, Mass. & HANOVER, N.H. -- In graph seven, sentences two and three should read: Pricing for InterMapper is based on the amount of equipment a customer needs to monitor. Customers can use the InterMapper software to monitor up to 50 OS-Gemini point-to-point wireless Ethernet bridges for under $700. (sted Pricing for InterMapper is based on the amount of equipment a customer needs to monitor and starts at $495 a year for the first Tier level of 25 devices or less.)

The corrected release reads:

ORTHOGON SYSTEMS AND DARTWARE WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE WIRELESS NETWORK PERFORMANCE

Orthogon Systems, a leading provider of fixed wireless solutions for reliable connectivity in difficult environments, and Dartware, a trailblazer in the development of graphical and intuitive real-time network monitoring tools, today announced the companies will work together to ensure the reliability and performance of wireless networks for joint customers and prospects. By joining the performance-enhancing features of the OS-Gemini family of point-to-point wireless Ethernet bridges with those of Dartware's InterMapper(R) network monitoring and mapping software, wireless service providers, carriers, utilities companies and large enterprises can deploy wireless networks that deliver sustained carrier-class connectivity without fail.

Orthogon Systems and Dartware share long-term, ongoing commitments to improving the performance and quality of wireless networks. For example, OS-Gemini has long enjoyed high spectrum efficiency, which translates to less crowding within the band and subsequently less interference and better network performance overall. Another key element is called Adaptive Modulation, a feature in which transmitter and receiver negotiate the highest mutually sustainable data rate and then dynamically "upshift" and "downshift" the rate as conditions change. As a result, OS-Gemini always provides the maximum performance possible within the current power limits.

An innovator in Proactive Network Management, Dartware's InterMapper shows potential network problems before end-users and customers suffer downtime or poor performance. SNMP probes discover and query elements across distributed networks - whether they span several rooms, a building, an office park, or distributed locations. InterMapper also uses synthetic transactions to test critical applications and alert customers to email, web or directory server problems.

"The combination of the OS-Gemini and InterMapper has enabled us to provide more reliable service throughout the seven counties we serve in Northeast Missouri," said Brent Havens, Internet and data services manager, Mark Twain Rural Telephone, a 52-year-old provider of local and long-distance telephone, dial-up access, DSL, and high-speed wireless services. "Support calls are down dramatically. Better still, we're able to resolve most problems before customers are even aware there was an issue. The results speak for themselves - 99.999 percent reliability and a green icon on my monitoring screen."

"Together, Orthogon and Dartware's solutions deliver carrier-class reliability," said Steven Puckett, CTO, American IP, LLC, a wireless Internet provider in Birmingham, Ala. that services commercial buildings, hospitals, universities and consumers. "This area is prone to high winds. I trust InterMapper to notify me instantly if there is a problem. Even when I'm home, I can easily check to see how my network is performing."

Working Together for Exceptional Performance

Both InterMapper and OS-Gemini are easy to install, configure and manage, so time to market is fast. Because OS-Gemini supports industry-standard network management protocols, and also has a Web interface for configuration and management, working with InterMapper is seamless. Integrated network views and statistics are provided via active maps for a real-time view of traffic flows through and between the OS-Gemini links. Status Windows and Strip Charts provide easy access to critical network data (high traffic, too many errors, low signal levels, slow response times and outage information), simplifying problem diagnosis and OS-Gemini maintenance.

In order to take advantage of InterMapper maps and reports, Orthogon customers simply purchase a software license from Dartware for InterMapper and the WISP equipment probes (InterMapper for WISPs). Pricing for InterMapper is based on the amount of equipment a customer needs to monitor. Customers can use the InterMapper software to monitor up to 50 OS-Gemini point-to-point wireless Ethernet bridges for under $700.

"By using InterMapper in conjunction with OS-Gemini, Orthogon customers can ensure that their wireless network is monitored 24/7," said Rich Brown, president, Dartware. "We understand how critical network reliability is to ISPs and enterprises alike. Orthogon and Dartware give joint customers a simple and intelligent way to mitigate unexpected service interruptions and downtime."

"Making sure our customers have the best products available to keep their Orthogon wireless network up and running is paramount for us," said Ken DuBuque, vice president of global sales & marketing, Orthogon Systems. "By working with InterMapper, ISPs and enterprises know that their already reliable OS-Gemini system now has an added level of protection."