Agilent Technologies NetMetrix Probe Delivers Comprehensive ATM Network Intelligence with Industry's First Line-Rate Monitoring Capability.

High-Tech Writers

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 10, 2000

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today expanded its leadership in ATM-based network performance management solutions with the introduction of the Agilent NetMetrix OC-3 enhanced ATM probe, the industry's first OC-3 ATM probe to monitor network traffic at line rate. Line-rate monitoring provides the ability to non-intrusively process each and every packet or data payload, providing the highest level of visibility into network operations.

Users are demanding greater performance and throughput from high-capacity networks that support multimedia communications. Most OC-3 ATM performance management solutions in the market provide visibility up to only 40 percent utilization for typical size packets, which means network managers lack visibility when users are demanding the most from the network. Agilent's new NetMetrix OC-3 enhanced ATM probe provides the visibility network managers need when they need it -- during times of up to 100 percent network utilization -- when the potential for problems is greatest.

"The network is becoming increasingly important and has a more direct effect on the bottom line of business," said Anita Manwani, general manager of Agilent's NetMetrix Division. "As the leader in ATM network-performance management, Agilent is uniquely positioned to bring network and business needs together. Network management solutions are only as good as the data they collect, and our new OC-3 enhanced probe, with line-rate monitoring, equips IT managers and network administrators with the level of detail they need to ensure optimal network performance."

The Agilent NetMetrix OC-3 enhanced ATM probe provides IT managers with greater understanding of application and network activity required to proactively monitor the status, health and performance of ATM OC-3 links. This enables network managers to meet the service level agreements established with their users and provide the bandwidth needed for business-critical applications to perform at the level their users expect.

Agilent solutions provide the highest levels of scalability, accuracy and reliability to accommodate network-dependent businesses. The Agilent NetMetrix OC-3 enhanced ATM probe joins the industry's most comprehensive offering of media-specific data collectors, including:

-- ATM solutions for ATM E3, ATM DS-3, standard ATM OC-3 and now enhanced ATM OC-3;

-- WAN solutions for T1, T3, E1, E3, DS-3, HSSI, V-series; and

-- a comprehensive selection for LAN-based media.

About Agilent NetMetrix

Agilent NetMetrix solutions offer the most comprehensive WAN, LAN and ATM management tools in the industry, enabling companies to leverage network intelligence to increase revenue and optimize investments. Agilent NetMetrix network performance management solutions address the complete life cycle for the delivery of network services -- including tracking services, tuning and planning services, delivering services, and accounting for those services.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

Agilent NetMetrix OC-3 enhanced ATM probe is available now. Pricing begins at $22,995. For more information, visit the Web site at www.agilent.com/comms/netmetrix.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies, Inc. is a diversified technology company, resulting from Hewlett-Packard Company's plan to strategically realign itself into two fully independent companies. With 42,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries, Agilent Technologies, as a subsidiary of HP, is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. The businesses comprising Agilent had net revenues of more than $8.3 billion in fiscal year 1999.

Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.

NOTE TO THE EDITOR: Sales information may be obtained by calling 1-800-452-4844 ext. 7025. Please do NOT use editor-contact or corporate telephone numbers for sales information.

Information in this release applies specifically to products available in the United States. Product availability and specifications may vary in non-U.S. markets.

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