Microlease Chooses Acterna Technology To Provide Advanced Optical Testing Infrastructure

Acterna, the world's second-largest provider of products that test and manage communications networks, today announced a deal with Microlease, one of Europe's largest electronic equipment rental suppliers, worth over five million pounds. The deal emphasises the growing importance of optical network testing, with roughly 95 per cent of the order for optical transmission tools.

Microlease reacted to changing market conditions to place the order. Network system manufacturers, network operators, network maintainers and network owners have witnessed explosive growth in optical fibre technology this year, and they require immediate and complete testing services.

Microlease purchased a number of products from the fibre optical range to meet this growing demand. The Acterna fibre optical product range is designed to meet all testing requirements from design through to implementation. Microlease's order represents a complete solution, capable of translating rapid network deployment and service reliability into profit. Microlease's customers are empowered to meet evolving testing needs, while providing long-term protection for their most significant investments.

Ian Phillpot, transport sales programme manager UK, at Acterna said: "Fibre optical technology is the future of the industry, and this order emphasises our investment in it. Microlease's purchase of the ONT-50, as soon as we brought it to market, shows that Microlease shares in our vision."

Test programmes are driven by the need to have new installations up and running within a strict timetable. Network suppliers, providing a backbone made primarily of fibre optics, need to deliver fault free installations to customers or face stiff financial penalties. Acterna solutions ensure suppliers deliver quality results in the timetable agreed.

Simon Mitchell, marketing manager UK, at Microlease said: "Microlease is very close to its customers and offers rental solutions which free up capital and save time. Our purchase of these Acterna products reflects our commitment to supporting the growth in optical technology.

Acterna, 20400 Observation Drive, Germantown, MD 20876-4023. Tel: 800-346-2248; Fax: 301-353-9380.