Actix Introduces a Smarter Approach to Wireless Network Rollout, Troubleshooting and Optimization.

NEW ORLEANS -- Actix's New Troubleshooter and Veritune Capabilities Automate the Diagnosis and Resolution of Complex Network Issues - Significantly Accelerating Rollout and Optimization Processes

Actix, the global provider of wireless network performance engineering solutions, introduces new features into its RVS software that reduce the complexity of network optimization and significantly accelerate 3G deployments. Actix's new RVS Troubleshooter and Veritune capabilities work together to simplify and automate the process of identifying, diagnosing and resolving complex network issues. Using built-in intelligence, Troubleshooter will enable operators and vendors to diagnose network problems much more quickly. Once problems have been diagnosed, the advanced algorithms in Veritune enable operators and vendors to reduce the number of drive tests normally required to resolve network problems.

The Actix RVS Troubleshooter revolutionizes the wireless network troubleshooting process by introducing never-before-available automation tools. Before these new capabilities were available, wireless engineers were forced to manually examine drive test data, analyzing patterns to determine the cause of network problems such as dropped calls, failed originations or hand-off issues. Today, using the embedded intelligence built into the RVS Troubleshooter, engineers can automatically identify and diagnose the most common problems that can lead to poor quality of service.

The result: No more time-consuming, manual diagnosis of network problems. In fact, network engineers can now resolve a wide range of problems - including dropped calls, setup failures, pilot pollution, poor coverage, system interference and hand-off issues - up to four times faster using Actix's solution. In addition, more inexperienced engineers can now easily diagnose common network problems, leaving more experienced engineers free to address more complex network performance issues.

Once a problem has been diagnosed using Troubleshooter, engineers can then use Veritune to analyze how antenna changes would affect the overall performance of the network. If a particular change does not achieve the desired results, then an engineer can make further changes until the desired outcome is reached and targeted key performance indicators (KPIs) are met. By taking the iterations out of the field and into the user's desktop, inaccurate predictions can be reduced by more than two-thirds using Veritune.

Veritune improves process efficiency and simplifies the complicated task of network optimization. Using Veritune, the barrier between predictions and measurements is reduced through like-for-like analysis; users can intuitively apply their local knowledge and experience through its map-driven interface; and engineers are guided toward problem causes and practical solutions through synchronized maps and statistics. This usability makes Veritune a tool that can be used effectively by every engineer in the organization rather than a few select experts.

The new functionality introduced by Actix will enable engineers to more fully develop their troubleshooting and diagnostic skills, while reducing the training and time necessary for engineers to effectively carry out optimization tasks. This is particularly critical in today's fast-changing wireless environment, as 3G rollouts and merger activities present a whole new set of engineering challenges.

"Wireless carriers today are under intense pressure to rollout new revenue-generating technologies and services while continuing to expand the footprint of their existing 2G and 2.5G networks, and the new capabilities of our software are focused on helping them do just that," says Jeff Atkins, CTO of Actix. "By embedding operator processes and expertise in the software, Actix enables engineers to more quickly and easily complete common network troubleshooting and optimization tasks. What used to take hours or even days to complete now takes just minutes, thus freeing up engineering manpower to focus on other important aspects of network rollout and expansion."

Actix's wireless performance engineering solutions are entirely vendor independent and enable operators to analyze raw wireless network data from a mix of network technologies, systems and data collection solutions in fine detail. This gives an end-to-end picture of vital wireless functions and the quality of service delivery from the subscriber's perspective; it also enables engineers to 'drill down' to the root cause of any deficiencies.

Some of the operators using Actix' 3G solutions include: Orange France, 3GIS, Hutchison 3G UK, Swisscom, Mobilkom, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, Bell Mobility, Sprint PCS, and Qwest Wireless.

About Actix

A privately held company founded in 1991, Actix is the international market-leader in Wireless Performance Engineering software. Actix solutions address two of the biggest issues facing wireless operators today: the need to squeeze more out of their existing network investments and the race to generate significant new revenue from wireless data services.

Actix Intelligent Performance Engineering solutions enable wireless operators and manufacturers to optimize network performance, enhance service quality and gain detailed awareness of the customer experience. The company's vendor-independent solutions analyze data from all major wireless vendors and technologies, from 2G to 3G. Applications include: network performance troubleshooting, verification of customer-perceived service quality; competitive analysis and accelerated new-technology rollout.

Over 5,000 engineers from more than 200 operators globally - including Verizon, Orange, Vodafone, SKT Korea, Hutchinson 3G and T-Mobile - depend upon Actix software everyday to improve their wireless operations. Actix has offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and China. For more information, see www.actix.com.