Telecom 99: Agilent Technologies Unveils Tools for the Creation and Management of Next-Generation Networks.

GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 11, 1999--

New Test Solutions to Speed Deployment 

and Management of Converged Voice and Data Networks

Agilent Technologies, a new company formed with the realignment of Hewlett-Packard Company, today demonstrated its commitment to the creation of next-generation communication networks with its newest products at Telecom 99. Agilent is a leading provider of network monitoring and test solutions for the development and management of wired and wireless global networks. The Telecom 99 show runs here from Oct. 10 through 17.

"Networks are changing dramatically, and we are focused on providing solutions that help network operators reduce costs, increase quality of service and deliver industry-leading services over any network," said Tom White, senior vice president and general manager of Agilent's Communications Solutions Group. "Our latest monitoring and test solutions anticipate the challenges operators face when deploying and managing new services on converged voice and data networks."

In addition, Agilent is showcasing its communication network-consulting services through its work with Swisscom AG and other leading communication-industry companies, including Nortel Networks, Lucent Technologies, Carrier 1 and COMMswitch SA, to create and manage the Telecom 99 network. The network -- called TNet99 -- is being used to provide network services to hundreds of Telecom 99 exhibitors.

Latest Solutions at Telecom 99

Network operator's today face the major challenge of combining circuit-switched and packet-switched networks -- also known as hybrid networks -- to support growing customer demand for low-cost voice and data services. At Telecom 99, Agilent announced the extension of its product portfolio to help network operators successfully deploy and manage next-generation networks, services and security policies. Key announcements included the following:

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--   The HP accessATM/IP network monitoring system(1), which helps
     fixed-line and mobile-communication network operators accelerate
     the deployment and improve the management of next-generation
     hybrid networks while maintaining a high quality of customer
     service. (See Oct. 4 news release titled "Agilent Introduces
     System to Help Network Operators Manage Converging Networks.")

--   The latest release of HP Firehunter(1) (Version 3.0), which
     provides Internet and enterprise service providers an easily
     customized solution that proactively monitors and manages the
     performance and availability of individual customers'
     business-critical Internet services. It includes an enhanced
     service-level agreement (SLA) management feature that allows
     providers to measure, compute and report the value of SLA
     compliance. (See Sept. 28 news release titled "HP Firehunter 3.0
     Raises the Bar for Internet Service Assurance Solutions with
     Customer-focused Management.")

--   The SQL Server 7.0 Database Scanner(1) and HP SFCommand(1),
     products that represent the latest applications in Agilent's
     growing suite of network-security applications. The SQL 7.0
     Database Scanner enables network managers to find and fix
     security holes in SQL 7.0-based networks. The SFCommand security
     application helps network operators integrate all security
     applications, such as monitoring and implementing security
     policies, across every server in their network. (See Oct. 4 news
     release titled "Agilent Adds Two Products to its Growing Suite of
     Security Applications.")

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About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies is a diversified technology company, resulting from HP's plan to strategically realign itself into two fully independent companies. With 43,000 employees serving customers in more than 100 countries, Agilent Technologies 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 Technologies had net revenues of nearly $8 billion in fiscal year 1998.

Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.agilent-tech.com.

(1) These products will be available from Agilent Technologies, under

the Agilent name, beginning Nov. 1.