Compaq Announces TMN-Compliant Network and Service Management Solution Sets for the Communications Industry.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 13, 1998--

Editors' Summary

-- Solution sets meet specific needs of new entrants and

fast-growing telecommunications service providers, offering lower

costs and faster-time-to-market.

-- The first solution set to be released, TeSS Service Assurance,

lays the foundation for additional functionality and integrates

best-in-class partner application from Clarify and leading

technology from ILOG.

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) today announced a series of solution sets that can reduce implementation costs and time-to-market of sophisticated network and service management capabilities in key areas of the exploding communications industry. The first solution set will be TeMIP Solution Set for Service Assurance (TeSS SA). Based on the latest version of Compaq Services' industry-leading Telecommunications Management Information Platform (TeMIP), the solution sets are specifically targeted at meeting the network management needs of mid-size companies, new telecommunications service providers, and new service operations within established providers.

The Compaq TeMIP-based Solution Sets will add to the company's existing network and service management offerings, which are used by more than 40 of the world's largest telecommunications carriers and service providers for integrated management of their networks and services. The TeMIP product meets both the industry standard and the real-life requirements of its users. In addition, the Solution Sets incorporate leading third-party applications and technologies, as well as extensive systems engineering, integration services, and support, offering customers a combination of best-in-class technology and a single point of contact with the industry's most experienced global IT service provider.

"The small-to-medium-size telecommunications providers as well as new organizations in existing service providers are looking for comprehensive, cost-effective network and service management solutions for their fast-growing businesses," said Sultan Zia, Vice President, Communications Industry Practice, Compaq Services. "With TeMIP Solution Sets, Compaq combines the strength of its widely recognized TeMIP platform with leading partner applications. It provides our customers with specific, but extremely scalable solutions that can cope with future growth and very fast turnaround requirements on the implementation of new services."

Solution Sets to Address Industry Needs

The communications industry is facing increasingly aggressive competition that requires rapid testing and deployment of new services while containing costs. To meet these market requirements, Compaq is developing a series of solutions requiring less customization. Building upon the initial TeSS for Service Assurance, Compaq is developing solutions for the management of mobile networks, broadband networks, SS7, and Data/IP networks.

"When we design a TeMIP Solution Set, we search for `repeatability,' said Anders Engvall, TMN (Telecommunications Management Networks) Business Manager with Compaq. "We strive to ease integration of key applications with complementary sets of options designed for specific customer profiles, and draw on our considerable experience with successful implementations to identify solutions to business problems that offer a high return for our customers."

First Solution Set: TeSS for Service Assurance

TeSS for Service Assurance, designed to run in a UNIX/Windows NT client/server environment, is expandable and provides a foundation for all subsequent solution sets. It combines the strength of TeMIP fault and configuration management integrated with best-in-class third-party technology. TeSS SA uses the market-leading partner application, Clarify ClearSupport CommCenter, for trouble ticketing, and the leading rule-based engine, ILOG Rules, for correlation. The solution provides fault and trouble management for proactive resolution of potential service problems. Compaq's use of Clarify and ILOG technology enhances customers' ability to proactively manage their network operations and delivers best-in-class technology with a single point of contact.

"The integration of ClearSupport CommCenter with TeMIP fault management will provide network managers zero-touch process flow-through, from network alarm to trouble ticket generation," said Allan Alexopulos, Director of Telecommunications Solutions, Clarify Inc. "This solution reduces administrative overhead while increasing the efficiency of operators and gives them the ability to respond to problems rapidly to keep service levels high."

"ILOG Rules is becoming the standard choice for alarm filtering and correlation for network management applications," said Hassan Laasri, Director of Telecommunications Marketing at ILOG. "By including ILOG Rules in TeSS SA, Compaq is helping its customers more productively manage their infrastructures and services. Alarm filtering enables network operators to quickly and easily focus only on the relevant network data."

TeSS SA also provides an automated network data loading tool and an extensive set of self-management applications and customization scripts. This solution is for maximum flexibility and reliability.

Availability and Pricing

Compaq will begin TeSS SA field trials this week, with general availability scheduled for the end of the year. TeSS SA will be available in four configurations including one for rapid prototyping and "proof-of-concept" pilots. Associated consultancy, systems integration, support and remedial services are part of the TeSS offering. Pricing is based on customer requirements. Standardized interfaces, from the TeMIP Access Module Library, and network elements or element managers from a variety of vendors also are available.

Company Background

Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a Fortune Global 100 company. Compaq is the second largest computer company in the world and the largest global supplier of personal computers. Compaq develops and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, networking and communication products, commercial desktop and portable products and consumer PCs. The company is an industry leader in environmentally friendly programs and business practices.

Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products are on the World Wide Web at http://www.compaq.com and are available by calling 1-800-OK-COMPAQ. Product information and reseller locations are available by calling 1-800-345-1518.

Compaq, Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.