BTEXACT PROVIDES 'BLUE STAMP' ACCREDITATION FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS

BTexact offers test and evaluation services for manufacturers to enable faster connection to BT's networks and further credibility with other operators

BTexact Technologies, BT's advanced research and technology business, today launched 'Blue Stamp', a new accreditation test service for telecommunications equipment manufacturers (TEMs).
    
Recognised and approved by BT Wholesale, BT's applications and network business, 'Blue Stamp' tests verify that telecoms equipment operates correctly to relevant international and UK standards and will work reliably when connected into networks that contain other manufacturers' products. In particular, the equipment's response to error conditions elsewhere in a network is explored.
    
Successful completion of the 'Blue Stamp' tests results in equipment being granted 'Blue Stamp' accreditation indicating that it is suitable for connection to BT's networks subject, in certain cases, to final check and interconnect testing to ensure it is correctly installed and configured. The introduction of Blue Stamp allows TEMs to gain accreditation for their products prior to approaching potential customers.
    
BTexact's test and evaluation laboratories test all aspects of telecoms equipment's expected behaviour. Selected tests are performed in BTexact's model network, which is fully representative of the live BT network. Tests investigate equipment behaviour both in response to specific correct message contents and sequences and in response to error conditions caused by failure of other equipment to which it is connected. This eliminates the risk of 'Blue Stamp' accredited equipment causing major failures on BT's networks.

'Blue Stamp' accreditation will cover a range of technology areas including voice, IP and data networks and elements, as well as access and core network technologies. Currently, the accreditation service is offered for equipment that would connect to BT's network using either SS7 or SDH protocols. Tests ensure that products meet the appropriate ITU-T, ETSI, NICC and PNO-ISC standards that apply to equipment used in the UK. The precise nature of the testing depends upon the particular protocol used, but typically consists of two phases: interface validation testing and interworking testing. For example, for SS7 during the interface validation phase, equipment is connected to a SS7 protocol simulator and its conformance to the relevant specifications and standards is checked. The interworking test phase then connects the equipment into the captive model network, where a series of tests are performed to prove its operation in this environment.
    
Stewart Davies, BTexact's CEO said: "BTexact recognises that speed to market is becoming ever more critical in the telecommunications industry, but operators must still ensure that equipment connected to their networks meets stringent performance requirements.
    
"As an integral stage in its test and evaluation business, BTexact's 'Blue Stamp' mark and accreditation certificate offers telecoms equipment manufacturers BT approved evaluation and accreditation capabilities."
    
Upon satisfactory completion of the test and evaluation programme, TEMs are permitted to use the 'Blue Stamp' mark of approval in product related marketing material. Accredited products are also listed on BTexact's web site, allowing potential purchasers to confirm their credentials.

ENDS

About BTexact Technologies
BTexact Technologies, BT's advanced research and technology business, offers expertise and experience in communications technology and e-business, backed by a team of more than 3000 technologists and one of the world's largest communications -research and development facilities. As the centre of technical expertise for the BT Group, BTexact has established a record of world-first achievement and of successful delivery of projects, large and small. It has also created an intellectual property portfolio of some 14,000 patents based on almost 2000 inventions, some of which are being converted into valuable new businesses by BTexact's Brightstar incubator.

BTexact helps businesses and organisations inside and outside BT Group gain maximum advantage from communications technology. It creates value and competitive advantage by combining a deep knowledge of networks and networked applications with proven skills in business consulting, change management and innovation. Its services are focused to help customers assess the value and performance of communication technologies and systems, identify potential risks and ensure they gain maximum advantage from investments in communications technologies and applications.

BTexact's employees include many who are world leaders in their specialist fields, working at the forefront of standards development and new technologies in areas including multimedia, IP and data networks, mobile communications, network design and management, and business applications. Services are offered to customers directly or through world-class business partners, which include BT Group businesses such as BT Retail, BT Wholesale and BT Ignite.

BTexact is headquartered at Adastral Park, at one end of the Cambridge-2-Ipswich Hi Tech Corridor, and is a founder member of the Cambridge Network. It has offices and laboratories worldwide including locations across the UK and in Asia, continental Europe, and North America.

For more information about BTexact Technologies, please go to www.btexact.com.

For further information, contact:
      
David Pincott, Pirate Communications, T: 0207 760 7052,
Mob: 07866 261198 or email: david@piratecomms.com

Justine Manché, Pirate Communications, T: 0207 760 7053,
Mob: 07811 164724 or email: justine@piratecomms.com

Paul Brewer, Pirate Communications, T: 0207 760 7057,
Mob: 07812 348222 or email: paul@piratecomms.com

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