3M, Fluke Networks Sign Agreement to Provide Loop Management Services.

Business Editors & Technology Writers

AUSTIN, Texas & EVERETT, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 2001

Alliance Aimed at Helping Public Network Operators Maximize Value

of Outside Plant Facilities

3M (NYSE:MMM) and Fluke Networks, part of the Danaher family of companies (NYSE:DHR), signed an agreement today to jointly market a records verification program.

Fluke Networks and the 3M Network Solutions business will now exclusively offer a turnkey DaVaR (Data Validation and Reporting) solution. The partnership will provide customers with a single-source solution using Fluke Networks' new DaVaR(TM) Loop Management system and 3M Network Solutions' exemplary consulting services.

The system is an integrated hardware and software solution that performs high-speed testing and qualification of the local loop. DaVaR identifies lost pairs and qualifies local loops while updating databases in real-time. Once the accuracy of local loop databases is confirmed, the software generates detailed web-based reports documenting the productivity and effectiveness of the overall network.

"We are pleased to be working with Fluke Networks," said Ajay Nanavati, Business Manager, 3M Network Solutions. "Loop management is an important aspect of overall network services maintenance and repair.

"Before DaVaR loop management, work on the public network was a costly process of trial and error. Loop records were outdated and inaccurate. You couldn't really `see' the network," said Nanavati. "But with DaVaR, we now more quickly develop the comprehensive operations plans that help our customers save millions of dollars. As a result, we eliminate unnecessary construction and limit the number of technician truck rolls needed to implement our customers' broader strategic business objectives."

"The DaVaR loop management system adds to the services we provide our customers by helping us more quickly develop the comprehensive operations plans that maximize the use of our customers' plant," Nanavati continued. "It helps us lower customers' operating costs and boost their revenues by aiding in network upgrades for high bandwidth communications."

"This new cooperative offering will be welcomed by our teleco network customers," said Ed Sztuka, Business Group Manager, Telecom OSP Solutions at Fluke Networks. "3M Network Solutions is widely recognized for its expertise managing the most challenging networking assignments. Their consultants are smart. And Fluke Networks is acknowledged for setting the standard for developing the high-quality test and measurement tools that public and private operators most often use to optimize their mission-critical networks. The alliance makes a lot of sense."

The DaVaR system is centrally managed around Fluke Networks' new DaVaR NetServer(TM), which can be simultaneously accessed remotely by more than 250 technicians updating and correcting local loop records in real-time. The technicians interface with the server via portable DaVaR NetTest(TM) Field Controllers that include rugged but lightweight notebook PCs that are easy to carry into the field.

About 3M Network Solutions, Inc.

Based in Austin, Texas, 3M Network Solutions is a wholly owned subsidiary of 3M, a $17 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, health care, safety and other markets.

Established in 1999, 3M Network Solutions provides engineering, construction, and consulting services to the telecommunications industry. The subsidiary provides services to many large telecommunications firms. For more information on 3M Network Solutions' services, write to 3M Network Solutions, Bldg A001-1N-02, 6801 River Place Blvd., Austin, TX, 78726-9000, call 512/984-7046, or visit http://www.globalnsi.com.

About Fluke Networks

Fluke Networks, Inc. provides award-winning Network SuperVision solutions(TM) that support the installation, analysis and monitoring of enterprise and telecommunications networks and the installation and certification of the fiber and copper cabling forming the backbone for those networks. Headquartered in Everett, Washington, the company has over 600 employees worldwide and distributes its products in more than 50 countries. For more information on Fluke Networks, write P.O. Box 9090, Everett, WA, 98206, call 888/283-5853 or visit http://www.flukenetworks.com.