Initial contract in excess of US$1 million for monitoring Ethernet backhaul networks could reach several millions of dollars
QUEBEC CITY, CANADA, November 16, 2010 — EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO, TSX: EXF) announced today that a Tier-1 US wireless operator has selected its BrixNGN service assurance solution for the monitoring of Ethernet backhaul networks.
The initial contract, which covers software and services costs, is in excess of US$1 million, but follow-on orders could reach several millions of dollars.
This wireless operator selected EXFO’s multi-service, active and passive monitoring solution mainly because BrixNGN is highly scalable and standards-based, allowing the operator to save tens of millions of dollars on capital and operating expenditures.
Instead of deploying additional hardware at each wireless tower to collect critical key performance indicators (KPIs), the operator can leverage its OAM-compliant demarcation devices (802.1ag and Y1731) with EXFO’s service assurance software suite to monitor its Ethernet backhaul network. No human intervention is required on-site.
The complete Brix solution enables operators to continuously collect, correlate, and analyze quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE) data throughout the lifecycle of a network — from system turn-up to troubleshooting and to monitoring. Thanks to BrixNGN’s multiple reports and comprehensive drill-down capabilities, all levels of users can monitor service quality and performance on a real-time basis.
Used with the Brix solution, EXFO’s extensive carrier Ethernet product portfolio, which contains the new Ethernet service testing methodology EtherSAM, (ITU-T Y.156sam), provides operators with a unique approach to turn up and troubleshoot services eight times faster with 100% accuracy. As a result, operators can effectively manage their testing and maintenance operating expenses by eliminating unnecessary truck rolls and significantly reducing human intervention.
“We had already won the confidence of this Tier-1 wireless operator with our Brix solution for VoIP and IMS core monitoring requirements,” said Vivian Hudson, Vice-President of EXFO’s Service Assurance and Wireless Divisions. “EXFO’s multi-play advantage in supporting voice, data and video IP monitoring, both active and passive, on a single platform not only met the customer’s cost-saving requirements, but it also simplified the integration of Ethernet backhaul monitoring in its existing operational environment. I believe we exceeded customer requirements on all counts.”
About EXFO
Listed on the NASDAQ and TSX stock exchanges, EXFO is among the leading providers of next-generation test and service assurance solutions for wireless and wireline network operators and equipment manufacturers in the global telecommunications industry. The company offers innovative solutions for the development, installation, management and maintenance of converged, IP fixed and mobile networks — from the core to the edge. Key technologies supported include 3G, 4G/LTE, IMS, Ethernet, OTN, FTTx, and various optical technologies (accounting for an estimated 35% of the portable fiber-optic test market). EXFO has a staff of approximately 1600 people in 25 countries, supporting more than 2000 telecom customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.EXFO.com.
EXFO Brand Name
The corporate name of the company is EXFO Inc. The company requests that all media outlets and publications use the corporate name (“EXFO Inc.”) or abbreviated name (“EXFO”) in capital letters for branding purposes. EXFO would like to thank all parties in advance for their cooperation.
