Zarlink and Tollgrade Collaborate on Simplified Solution for the Communication Infrastructure by Offering System-Level Integrated Line-Test
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- Solution reduces the voice service provider's cost of ownership by integrating testhead-level line test within Multiservice Access Nodes and Fiber-To-The-Premise Optical Network Terminals
OTTAWA, Canada and PITTSBURGH, PA (USA) Oct. 5 / / - Zarlink Semiconductor Inc. (NYSE/TSX:ZL) today announced an interoperability and co-marketing agreement with Tollgrade Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:TLGD), a leading supplier of network service assurance products for the telecom industry, to create a single solution for identifying, isolating and resolving packet and TDM voice network performance issues. The combined offering targets today's multiservice access nodes (MSANs) and Fiber-To-The-Premise Optical Network Terminals (FTTH ONTs), providing diagnostic and repair capabilities for emerging voice, data and video services.
The Zarlink VoiceEdge(TM) VE790 Series of highly programmable integrated voice chip sets create a precise multi-meter that can diagnose any service provider twisted pair accurately and reliably. The Zarlink LineCare(TM) software allows network operators to monitor, diagnose and pinpoint potential problems before customers are affected. Tollgrade line management software is designed to provide customer service representatives with fast and accurate analysis of equipment and network conditions, as well as integration with LoopCare(TM) Test OSS. With Tollgrade, administrators work remotely through a browser-based graphical user interface to schedule and automate test transactions; thus enabling bulk subscriber pre-qualification, service provision verification, multi-layered IP-based broadband trouble isolation and more. The first prototype of this joint solution is expected to be available in November 2007.
"As access providers increasingly locate line cards in remote multiservice access cabinets and away from central offices, integrated line testing becomes even more critical," said Shahin Sadeghi, Zarlink's segment marketing manager for access infrastructure voice products. "This joint solution combines the complete measurement tools provided by Zarlink's VE790 chipset with the robust management tools from Tollgrade to create a solution that can reduce both cost and complexity."
"Tollgrade software has been designed to meet the most extreme provisioning, testing and repair requirements of our carrier customers," said Chris Barton, Tollgrade's executive director of marketing. "With more than 300 million embedded access lines supported already, our technology can be found inside many of the leading cable and telecom companies offering triple play services. Working with Zarlink will enable us to offer an integrated service assurance test solution where it is not possible or practical to provide external precision test heads for emerging next generation global networks."
Integrating line test functionality in the Zarlink VE790 Series means service providers will be able to remotely monitor and test the line on a routine basis to detect and repair issues before a customer experiences a problem, thus eliminating costly truck rolls and shortening the response time to the customer. The result is far lower customer churn rates and dramatic savings on operating expenses.
Tollgrade will be exhibiting at the Broadband World Forum, October 9 - 11, 2007 in stand # 3023. Please contact a Tollgrade representative (www.tollgrade.com) for additional information or to schedule a meeting.
The Zarlink VE790 chipset is available immediately from Zarlink's Legerity Voice Products website: legerity.com.
About Zarlink Semiconductor
For over 30 years, Zarlink Semiconductor has delivered semiconductor solutions that drive the capabilities of voice, enterprise, broadband and wireless communications. The Company's success is built on its technology strengths including voice and data networks, optoelectronics and ultra low-power communications. For more information, visit www.zarlink.com.
Zarlink, ZL, the Zarlink Semiconductor logo are trademarks, and Legerity, the Legerity logo and combinations thereof are registered trademarks of Zarlink Semiconductor Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Shareholders and other individuals wishing to receive, free of charge, copies of the reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Regulatory Authorities, should visit the Zarlink web site at www.zarlink.com or contact Investor Relations.
About Tollgrade
Tollgrade Communications, Inc. is a leading provider of network service assurance products and services for centralized test systems around the world. Tollgrade designs, engineers, markets and supports centralized test systems, test access and status monitoring products, and next generation network assurance technologies for the broadband marketplace. Tollgrade's customers range from the top RBOCs (Regional Bell Operating Companies) and Cable providers, to numerous independent telecom, cable and broadband providers around the world. Tollgrade's network testing, measurement and monitoring solutions support the infrastructure of cable and telecom companies offering current and emerging triple play services. Tollgrade and its products and customer reach span over 300 million embedded access lines, more than any other test and measurement supplier. Tollgrade has European offices in the U.K., Belgium and Germany and U.S. offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. For more information, visit Tollgrade's web site at www.tollgrade.com.
Source: ZARLINK SEMICONDUCTOR
CONTACT: Ed Goffin, Zarlink Semiconductor, Media Relations (613) 270-7112, edward.goffin@zarlink.com; Tollgrade Communications, Inc., Corporate Communications, (412) 820-1347, bbutter@tollgrade.com
