Test and measurement kingpin JDSU Uniphase Corp. announced plans Thursday to acquire Casabyte Inc., which makes service quality monitoring systems for wireless operators, for an unspecified amount.
In its continuing effort to broaden its portfolio through acquisition, the deal gives JDSU a product line that helps wireless operators launch and support data and video services. Casabyte, based in Renton, Wash., will be integrated with JDSU's test and measurement division, which sells service assurance wares to telcos and cable operators.
JDSU describes service assurance solutions as enabling network operators to identify, troubleshoot and prevent network degradation that can impair voice, data, video and mobile service quality. JDSU expects to complete the acquisition by the end of March.
The deal, coupled with JSDU’s purchase of testing vendor Acterna Inc. last year, is part of an emerging trend where test vendors expand beyond testing network components to ensure the quality of the more content-rich services that ride atop them.
According to Frost & Sullivan, the world wireless network monitoring market generated revenue of $186.6 million in 2005. In 2010, the market is estimated to reach $242.2 million.
Casabyte's products include the Remote Cellular Automated Test System platform and a managed wireless test platform known as RoamerNet. JDSU already offers the NetComplete portfolio, a set of test systems designed to ensure high-quality performance of IP networks and services such as IPTV and VoIP.
Casabyte ware is compatible with U.S. and international wireless protocols 2G (GSM, TDMA, cdmaOne & iDEN), as well as 2.5G (GPRS, EDGE & CDMA2000 1xRTT) and 3G (WCDMA/UMTS & CDMA2000 1xEV-DO).
“The convergence of fixed-mobile networks and services requires communications test solutions for any service at any point in the network -- from the head end to the handset," said John Peeler, president of JDSU's Communications test and measurement division.
JDSU said it is buying Casabyte for such assets as its wirless product line and its customer relationships, as well as to help expand JDSU's global direct sales organization and other distribution channels.
Casabyte Inc. www.casabyte.com
JDSU Uniphase Corp. www.jdsu.com
