Harris Stratex’ managed network services expertise and service assurance technology allows operator to reduce operational costs and deliver an enhanced customer experience to rural America
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Aug. 19, 2009 – Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSTX), a leading provider of wireless solutions that enable the evolution of next-generation fixed and mobile broadband networks, today announced it has signed a five-year agreement with Open Range Communications Inc., a wireless broadband services provider to rural America, to provide network operations center (NOC) managed services based on Harris Stratex’ NetBoss XT™ integrated services assurance technology. The deal enables Open Range to reduce operational expenses, and concentrate on product innovation and development, rather than investing in tactical network needs for its high-speed WiMAX network. This agreement marks another milestone in the Harris Stratex managed network services business, which recently expanded in July with the commissioning of the company’s newest NOC in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
“Delivering broadband Internet access to un-served and underserved communities across the country is critical, and it’s a vision we share with Harris Stratex,” said Bill Beans, Jr., founder and chief executive officer, Open Range. “Harris Stratex is providing us with a comprehensive, cost-effective suite of technologies and services, and they’ve demonstrated expertise and flexibility as a business partner.”
Harris Stratex’ managed NOC services are designed to manage and monitor multi-vendor, multi-protocol network infrastructure, including 4G/WiMAX access, wireline, transport and IP network technologies, as well as network elements providing energy, security and surveillance controls. It provides operators like Open Range around-the-clock network surveillance, performance monitoring and trouble ticket management for voice, video and data networks. The service monitors customer networks to identify network problems before they can impact business functions or productivity, and seeks to resolve issues remotely from the NOC or by dispatching technicians to customer sites. Network operations services are conducted in a secured environment with 24-hour on-premise security and are backed up by other network monitoring at other Harris Stratex facilities.
“Open Range has secured $374 million in private and federal funding for its high-speed mobile WiMAX network, enabling the operator to launch affordable high-speed broadband Internet and voice services to more than six million U.S. citizens,” said Harald Braun, president and chief executive officer, Harris Stratex. “With a network of this size and stature, service continuity is critical. By harnessing our managed network services expertise, we’re tackling the tactical network functions, allowing Open Range to focus on delivering innovative services that attract and retain customers, and open up additional revenue streams.”
Harris Stratex Global Network Services (GNS) business provides an end-to-end portfolio of extensive managed network services. With its GNS business, Harris Stratex enables customers to focus on their core business with the peace of mind that their network is being managed around the clock by experts who can proactively manage, troubleshoot and optimize their networks. Managed network services offerings are tailored to meet customers’ specific service-level agreements that meet their business needs and contractual agreements to provide seamless service to their end-users.
"To ensure Open Range's network constantly operates efficiently, our NOC engineers and domain experts stand guard using state-of-the-art network monitoring tools and processes that are eTOM compliant to meet standards for all telecommunications service providers. Harris Stratex’ proactive approach to service assurance, combined with our redundant architecture, will help Open Range minimize downtime and provide exceptional customer satisfaction," said Michael Pangia, senior vice president and chief sales officer, Harris Stratex.
At the core of the NOC and the Harris Stratex managed network services business are its advanced NetBoss XT service assurance solutions. The technology platform features highly-sophisticated management features, such as high-volume event processing and advanced, flexible filtering and correlation, enabling operators to quickly find and focus on service-affecting network issues, determine root causes and isolate trouble spots. With more than 200 deployments in 35 countries, the Harris Stratex NetBoss portfolio offers customers field-proven, flexible solutions that scale from element management to geographically dispersed manager of managers. For more information on Harris Stratex’ network management technology, please visit the overview webpage.
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