Fluke Networks Delivers World's First Cloud-Connected Cable Certification Tool to Optimize Test Results Management and Maximize Project Profitability

ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at the BICSI Fall Conference & Exhibition, Fluke Networks is unveiling LinkWare™ Live, the first cloud-based service that enables contractors, cable installers and project managers using the Versiv™ family of certification testers to upload, manage, and analyze certification test results from cabling projects—anytime, anywhere. LinkWare Live works with DSX-5000™, OptiFiber® Pro, and CertiFiber® Pro certification testers to optimize project management and safeguard contractor profitability by providing real-time access to testing results, extending support to technicians in the field, and eliminating costly truck rolls simply for tester transport back to the office. LinkWare Live is a free service available to all Versiv customers.

According to recent Fluke Networks surveys of more than 1,000 cable installers (who had collectively installed approximately 1 million links in the previous month), poor test results management creates a significant drag on productivity and profitability:

• Eighty-three percent reported having one or more test results management issues in the month prior to the survey
• The average time contractors spent dealing with test result issues in a single month was 15.2 hours—nearly two full workdays, not including the hours required to get the test results back to the office for analyzing and reporting
• Half of the respondents said it would be beneficial to access project status information from any location

Project managers struggle with manual, error-prone results management processes
Collecting certification test results is a significant challenge because they are stored in testers that frequently move from one job site to another. These job sites can be hundreds of miles away from one another, as well as from headquarters. Accidentally erased or failed memory cards can negate several days' worth of work, leading to costly truck rolls, lowered profit margins and delayed payment.

LinkWare Live saves time, reduces rework and improves profitability
By uploading tests to LinkWare Live regularly, project managers can save trips solely to collect results, prevent data loss and continuously track project progress. LinkWare Live also automatically organizes test results by job, eliminating the painstaking task of manually combining files from multiple testers.

Managing test results through a cloud-based service offers significant advantages:

• Increased productivity by no longer needing to manually transport testers from the field just to download test results
• Reduced time spent categorizing and compiling test results by automatically consolidating them into the correct job
• Less rework by reducing the likelihood of losing test results when testers or memory cards are lost, stolen or erased
• Faster troubleshooting by providing instant access to results from anywhere
• Real-time visibility into project status from any location

Using LinkWare Live, contractors can achieve greater project profitability; increase the potential for more project wins; and use its unique analytics and benchmarking to improve installation, certification and troubleshooting efforts out in the field.

Quotes:
"We've been using LinkWare Live with our Versiv testers, and one of the biggest benefits we've seen is the ability to upload test results from the field so we can actually keep our testers in the field, where they are making us money," said Chris Tracy, project manager at Skyline Communications. "We have to provide regular testing reports to show our progress and get paid for the work we've completed. With LinkWare Live and Versiv, we don't have to stop testing to bring the tester back to the office each week, so we not only save valuable time, we can also invoice sooner and get paid more quickly."

"From the introduction of our first cabling certification solution in 1997, we've meticulously designed our products to meet the ever-evolving needs of cabling contractors. One need that hasn't changed is fast, accurate certification results that contractors and their customers can trust. Our primary objective is to increase contractor profitability by helping streamline workflows," said Jason Wilbur, vice president and general manager of the Datacom Installation business unit at Fluke Networks. "LinkWare Live is the next step in the evolution of cable testing and certification, offering the industry's first 'anywhere, anytime' visibility, ensuring every project is done right – the first time, on time."

Learn more:
Fluke Networks is debuting LinkWare Live during a gala lunch event later today (Sep 30) at the BICSI Fall Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim, CA.

Visit www.LinkWareLive.com for more information and or to create a free LinkWare Live account. LinkWare Live requires Versiv firmware version 3.06 or higher, which is available at no charge from www.FlukeNetworks.com.

About Fluke Networks
Fluke Networks is the world-leading provider of network test and monitoring solutions to speed the deployment and improve the performance of networks and applications. Leading enterprises and service providers trust Fluke Networks' products and expertise to help solve today's toughest issues and emerging challenges in WLAN security, mobility, unified communications and data centers. Based in Everett, Wash., the company distributes products in more than 50 countries. For more information, visit http://www.FlukeNetworks.com or call +1 (425) 446-4519.

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SOURCE Fluke Networks