Microtest Adds Single-Mode Fiber Optic Adapter to Cable Certification Line.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 2001

OMNIFiber(TM) SM Certifies Premise and Campus Installations

with Lasers at 1310nm and 1550nm

Microtest(R), Inc. (Nasdaq: MTST), the technology leader in network cable testing, announces the addition of enhanced single-mode fiber optic testing capability for OMNIScanner(TM), OMNIScanner(TM)2 and the new OMNIScanner(TM)LT. Named OMNIFiber(TM) SM, the adapter transforms any OMNIScanner into a comprehensive laser-based, single-mode fiber optic certification tool.

Increasingly, hybrid bundles of multimode and single-mode fiber cabling are being installed in buildings and across campuses. Fiber is often installed as future proofing and contractors must provide certification assurance for all fiber installed to network owners. Microtest is augmenting its LED-based fiber optic certification adapter with a comprehensive laser-based fiber optic testing to address this trend in single-mode installation.

OMNIFiber SM measures power, optical loss and length at both 1310nm and 1550nm wave lengths. In OMNIFiber SM, the industry's fastest fiber testing is delivered by checking duplex fibers in both directions, at both wave lengths, from simple one-button Autotest. Results are automatically evaluated against fiber optic industry standards like Gigabit Ethernet or Fibre Channel, for instant performance certification and are also stored for subsequent reporting. OMNIFiber SM features interchangeable connector adapters allowing it to directly support a variety of fiber optic connection systems (ST, SC, LC, FC and MTRJ). The OMNIFiber SM will not become obsolete from proliferating fiber connection alternatives; owners need only buy new connector adapters as required. OMNIFiber SM for OMNIScanner offers installers who are certifying mixed cabling projects a flexible tool to switch from copper cable testing to single-mode fiber cable testing in a snap.

OMNIScanner companion software for the PC, Scanlink(TM) Tools, is fully compatible with the OMNIFiber SM. Users can view, save, and export results, print reports and otherwise manage fiber and copper cable certification results from a single easy to use database. Contractors now need only use a single tool, OMNIScanner with Scanlink Tools, to test and report upon all copper and fiber cabling in premise networks.

"The release of OMNIFiber SM continues expansion of our innovative fiber testing portfolio. We are the largest premise-focused fiber optic test company with a line of six tools targeted at local network installation professionals and network managers," said David Coffin, vice president and general manager of Microtest's Network Test and Measurement Division.

The MSRP of OMNIFiber SM is US$5,495 distributed in North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. It will be available second quarter through all Microtest authorized distributors and resellers. Software and firmware upgrades to OMNIScanners and Scanlink Tools, to accommodate the OMNIFiber SM, will be available free on Microtest's web site, www.microtest.com. Demonstrations of the OMNIFiber SM will be given at several tradeshows: OFC, USA in March; CeBIT, Germany in March and BiCSi, USA in May.

Microtest's purpose is to bring people and information together with innovative technology that simplifies evolving networks. Microtest is a leader in network test and measurement products such as OMNIScanner(TM)2, PentaScanner(R), CertiFiber(R), and OMNIFiber(TM), and network appliance and storage products such as FileZerver(TM), DiscZerver(TM), and LinuxZerver(TM). Headquartered in Phoenix, Microtest has international offices in Munich, Germany; Crawley, United Kingdom; Beijing, China; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Guadalajara, Mexico and Singapore. Visit Microtest at www.microtest.com.