Acterna Announces FDM-100 Version 2.0 Field Data Management Software.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

Cable-Tec Expo 2003

GERMANTOWN, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2003

Enhanced Software System Empowers Technicians to Manage and Interpret Raw Test Data with the Ultimate in Efficiency

Acterna, the world's leading provider of cable network test and management solutions, today announced the release of the company's FDM-100 Version 2.0 Field Data Management Software, a client software application that supports Acterna's DSAM family of test instruments.

Enhancements to the FDM-100 Version 2.0 adds two major areas of functionality to the FDM-100's existing feature set -- the ability to manage field measurement, as well as the ability to import channel plans from Stealthware.

For field test management, one key component of the FDM-100 Version 2.0 allows users to view measurement files in a rich graphical user interface. The field measurements can also be viewed and archived according to DSAM's unique, customizable directory work folder structure whenever a DSAM synchronizes.

In addition, archived work folders can be deployed to select DSAMs for viewing and analysis in the field.

For today's technical supervisors, the ability to easily access legacy systems via Stealthware is critical to avoid re-creating years of work typically required to develop channel plans, for example.

The FDM Version 2.0 ensures the user does not lose those channel plans, or have to start from scratch, by equipping technicians with the ability to import them from Stealthware, thereby allowing customers to take advantage of the work done in Acterna's legacy systems.

Both time and effort spent creating channel plans over the years in StealthWare will not be lost with FDM-100 -- they are easily transferred to FDM-100 for use in the DSAM-2500.

"Acterna's FDM-100 continues to attract users as a popular software application that ensures a comprehensive meter and field data management process -- Version 2.0 addresses the growing need to drive even more efficiency in today's market," said Bill Robertson, vice president of marketing for Acterna's Cable Networks division. "Empowered by the FDM-100's new functions, customers are able to review test data taken for installation or service calls, ensure quality of work while adhering to acceptable levels for a particular service, such as HSD service. The user can also harness the power of test data by organizing it in a central repository and providing the capability through software to intelligently analyze it, resulting in improved levels of service quality, time-savings and increased customer satisfaction. Above all, this test data management offers conclusive data to ensure quality and manage the work of your mobile field workforce."

On view at the SCTE Cable-Tec EXPO 2003 in Philadelphia, May 12-14, booth 1161, FDM-100 Version 2.0 represents Acterna's interoperable software platform, integrating efficient data management into all operations by capturing the power of test data as well as continually expanding data manipulation and analysis capability.

The FDM-100 version 2.0 is a component of Acterna's TechSync(TM) family of workforce automation tools and will be formally launched at Cable-Tec EXPO.

Acterna TechSync(TM) Solutions

Acterna's new Techsync family of workforce management solutions reduces the costs associated with installing, troubleshooting and managing cable services.

Implemented on the Acterna DSAM family of test instruments for the cable industry, TechSync solutions provide technicians with immediate, interactive access to back-office systems over existing, paid-for channels, as well as test applications and other Acterna systems.

Acterna offers specific solutions that not only include the hardware but the software for providing specific applications that connect systems to field technicians. Open and customizable, TechSync solutions enable operators to control the information passed to the field in accordance with their own workforce management philosophies.

TechSync solutions transform test equipment into multifunctional devices that automate advanced services testing, reduce capital expenditures, and eliminate costly rework. As a result, technicians can perform more work faster with less cost and greater subscriber satisfaction.

About Acterna's Cable Network Products and Technologies

Acterna is the world's leading provider of integrated network test and management solutions for global cable networks. Acterna's cable networks portfolio enables cable operators to meet demand and enhance the reliability and performance of their networks and services.

Deployed around the world, Acterna's cable systems, software and instruments comprise the industry's broadest set of products that support cable operators through the network life cycle, from building the network to deploying and managing advanced services.

About Acterna

Acterna (OTCBB:ACTR) is the world's largest provider of test and management solutions for optical transport, access and cable networks, and the second largest communications test company overall. Focused entirely on providing equipment, software, systems and services, Acterna helps customers develop, install, manufacture and maintain their optical transport, access, cable, data/IP and wireless networks.

The company serves customers in more than 80 countries. Acterna is a subsidiary of Acterna Corporation. Information about Acterna can be found on the Web at www.acterna.com.

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