SPIRENT BEEFS UP TEST TOOLS

Spirent Communications' growth strategy took on a decidedly services-based look this week at Networld + Interop as the company launched its ServiceEdge program in an effort to exploit its technical expertise.

The expanded ServiceEdge program will include test methodology development, engineering services and test automation. It will also include a three-tiered training and certification program aimed at enterprises, equipment manufacturers, government agencies and carriers.

“Our three-tiered approach and certification are the biggest differentiator in our portfolio,” said Patrick Johnson, director of professional services at Spirent Communications.

The three programs are called ServiceEdge Express, which is geared toward engineering and testing services, ServiceEdge Tutor, which focuses on education, and ServiceEdge Care, which comprises a set of support services.

The Tutor program focuses on test methodology and offers several certification tracks. The program consists of a blend of online self-paced instruction, instructor-led training and Web-based evaluations. Spirent is planning to offer 25 online courses, 20 classroom courses and five certification paths.

The successful completion of the course can lead to certification as a Spirent Certified Performance Analyst or a Spirent Certified Performance Expert, which the company hopes will become accepted by the telecom industry as an acknowledged certification.

The ServiceEdge Care program is designed around Spirent products and is a maintenance and technical assistance program designed to maximize its customers' return on investment by helping them utilize tools to their full potential.

“Professional services can't just center around your product, but they do have to enable your product,” Johnson said.

ServiceEdge Express provides more traditional professional services, such as consulting and engineering. Spirent will develop custom test applications, automated test systems and results analysis, particularly for high-port density testing.

Classroom instruction is done using Spirent test equipment, but the knowledge focus is on learning how to test the broader technologies such as ATM, Ethernet, IPv4 and Ipv6.

Spirent anticipates a need for training as voice-over-IP deployments increase. Rural telcos providers said at a recent industry event that lack of human resources training in both telephony and IP technologies concerned them.

Also, Telcordia Technologies mostly exited the training business with the recent closing of its Lisle, Ill., training center.

“We are trying to set an example in the industry and give customers the tools to challenge their vendors,” Johnson said. “Who knows for sure if their vendor is the real expert in any given situation.”

Patrick Kelly, partner and co-founder of analyst firm OSS Observer, said it will be a challenge for Spirent to build mind share for its certification program, but the company's stronghold with the major equipment manufacturers gives them the necessary understanding of how the equipment and technologies work.

“It will take some time and work to get there, maybe three to five years if they are successful,” Kelly said. “But their strength is in broadband access, and that is where they will get the best leverage.”

Kelly added that with the various complexities of new services, service providers are lacking the necessary skill sets.

“So they are looking for suppliers that can help them get there,” he said.