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Networks First Launch Independent Network Assessment Tool for IP Telephony

‘Owl’ capacity planning enables VoIP call volumes and quality to be tested across networks before deployment.

Networks First, a provider of support services for network infrastructures has launched ‘Owl’, claiming it to be the industry’s first independent network assessment tool for IP telephony. Owl provides capacity planning which helps qualify that a data network is capable of supporting VoIP applications before the installation of an IP telephony solution. The service uses synthetic VoIP calls to assess VoIP quality and fully prepares a network infrastructure for VoIP deployments ensuring high call quality for end-users ahead of a solution going live.

The Owl service includes consultation on the configuration needs of new and existing infrastructures to ensure they maintain optimum performance; diagnoses and isolates network issues that might affect VoIP quality and tests call volumes. As part of the service, Networks First also provides a vendor independent technically qualified report to show due diligence in terms of industry and vendor specific design and implementation of best practices for VoIP implementation.

Peter Titmus, Managing Director Networks First, comments: “Many network support services are not designed to test for real conversation packets until IP telephony solutions have gone live. Owl assures IP telephony viability so companies can rest assured that call quality will meet end-users expectations. With our new service the planning and due diligence is all taken care of before putting anything in place so there are no nasty surprises.

“We look at the underlying performance of a network and analyse all of its components. Our highly qualified, experienced network consultants get underneath the facts and figures. This is the only way to ensure the sustainability and organic growth of a network infrastructure as new applications are brought on board.

“Voice and data applications have very different characteristics and Networks First provides the know how to make sure everything runs smoothly. The independent nature of Owl means that companies are getting impartial advice on their network needs totally tailored towards them.”