Draka’s next generation of intelligent network software makes a major step forward in accelerating FTTH project costing

FTTH Council Europe, Copenhagen, February 11, 2009 -- Draka Communications, a global leader in the optical fiber industry, announces that its 2009 version of the company’s intelligent software has made significant progress in now being able to speedily identify the best network solution, as well as guiding a designer to the most optimal network solution. Draka’s software suite is able to calculate design and registration time per connection in as little as 1 minute. As such it enables further total cost of ownership reductions.

Draka’s software suite can guide a designer in mapping a network, providing a breakdown of all materials and the associated labour resources required. It can view all route connections in the network to identify what kind of connections they are , essentially for planning and maintenance. It can detail project addresses, house registration and digging and installation costs. And above all, it can answer the question, how much will it cost?

Applying the same techniques used for years in sophisticated computer aided design software Draka’s software suite is able to calculate design and registration time per connection in a record time, thanks to the rapid evolution of both the software and computing power. In addition, total cost project breakdowns can be simulated and shown graphically to give network construction partners an accurate overview of a project status at all times.

“ Our network planning software is based upon proven computer aided design functionality which adds the same benefits to the construction of an FTTH network as for any advanced architectural project or for a complex, high- density circuit design, “ says Albert Grooten, Technology Director, Broadband, Draka Communications. “ With today’s computing power paired with our constantly accumulating experience, our present version can optimize networks further, helping reduce the total cost of ownership over a network lifecycle, from basic design right through to ongoing network maintenance and any eventual upgrade or extension.”

As each FTTH project varies in size, shape and environment, intuitive, self-learning software tools are essential to standardize and automate the process of building and managing the entire network construction supply chain. The Draka software suite was originally developed over 10 years ago to plan and manage copper cable networks in overseas environments involving as many as 1,500 components. As the average FTTH project, each of which is unique, comprises some 500 components, the Draka software has proven to accommodate easily the majority of FTTH environments. It helps standardise the entire process while giving fine control of the supply chain from product inventory through to the end consumer registration identification. As such it can contribute to substantial cost-economies.

Draka has been refining its network software over the years, building upon its vast turnkey project experience of large, traditional copper telecom networks in Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Indonesia and Turkey and other dense urban conglomerations while easily adapting to fiber projects in France (Paris) and Amsterdam (Citynet project). DrakaXSNet software integrates design, deployment and registration software to give network architects and engineers a high degree of project control at all levels of implementation.

Draka, headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is a €2.8 billion, publicly listed (Euronext) company with 9,550 employees worldwide. As from 2008, Draka’s activities are divided into three Groups: Energy & Infrastructure, Industry & Specialty and Communications.

Draka Communications is a world leader in the development, production and sale of optical fiber, cable and cable systems. Draka has 68 operating companies in 30 countries throughout Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia.

For more information please visit www.draka.com.