Networks First launches first independent network assessment tool for IP telephony
‘Owl’ capacity planning enables VOIP call volumes and quality to be tested across networks before deployment
12 February 2007: Networks First, a leading provider of support services for network infrastructures, today launches ‘Owl’, the industry’s first independent network assessment tool for IP telephony. Owl provides unique capacity planning which helps qualify that a data network is capable of supporting VOIP applications before the installation of an IP telephony solution. The service uses synthetic VOIP calls to assess VOIP quality and fully prepares a network infrastructure for VOIP deployments ensuring high call quality for end-users ahead of a solution going live.
The Owl service includes consultation on the configuration needs of new and existing infrastructures to ensure they maintain optimum performance; diagnoses and isolates network issues that might affect VOIP quality and tests call volumes. As part of the service, Networks First also provides a vendor independent technically qualified report to show due diligence in terms of industry and vendor specific design and implementation of best practices for VOIP implementation.
Peter Titmus, Managing Director Networks First, comments: “Many network support services are not designed to test for real conversation packets until IP telephony solutions have gone live. Owl assures IP telephony viability so companies can rest assured that call quality will meet end-users expectations. With our new service the planning and due diligence is all taken care of before putting anything in place so there are no nasty surprises.
“We look at the underlying performance of a network and analyse all of its components. Our highly qualified, experienced network consultants get underneath the facts and figures. This is the only way to ensure the sustainability and organic growth of a network infrastructure as new applications are brought on board.
“Voice and data applications have very different characteristics and Networks First provides the know how to make sure everything runs smoothly. The independent nature of Owl means that companies are getting impartial advice on their network needs totally tailored towards them.”
Notes to Editors
About Networks First
Networks First is an independent provider of support services for network infrastructures. Established in 1990, it is a partner focused support services organisation with multi-vendor and mixed technology capabilities. Going beyond the traditional ‘break fix’ approach, Networks First’s commitment is to the restoration and ongoing sustainability of networks. The technical knowledge of Networks First engineers is of the highest level with 300 man hours spent on training activities in the last 12 months. Each engineer has on average 14 years experience and specialist skills in LAN and WAN, security, wireless, IP Telephony, Microsoft and VPNs. Partners include Computerlinks, EDS Global Field Services, Sun Microsystems, Dell and Crane Telecommunications.
For more information please contact Emily Droogleever / Jonathan Bawden at Portfolio Communications on 020 7240 6959 or emily.doogleever@portfoliocomms.com / jonathan.bawden@portfolliocomms.com
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