Europe : The Wireless Business Unit of Marconi Corporation announced today the global availability of Planet EV 4.1, a major advancement in the evolution of its next-generation wireless network design and optimisation suite. The release focuses upon providing operators competitive advantages by solving difficult engineering and business challenges represented by 3G (Third Generation) networks.

The design and delivery of high-speed data services delivery is a major emphasis of the release. The Planet EV Optimiser module now has added support for Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), and CDMA2000 technologies, increasing its automated network optimisation value. The release also marks the unveiling of Rollout Planner for W-CDMA, a fully integrated solution that dramatically improves speed-to-market of 3G networks and services, and eliminates wasted infrastructure spending. Additionally, new CDMA and Evolution Data Only (EV-DO) network simulation capabilities have been introduced and enhanced, making it a robust solution for networks of all technologies.

Planet EV 4.1 also builds upon its core platform and features. Macrocell prediction accuracy is significantly improved with the availability of a new Communications Research Center Predict propagation model, reducing the reliance on costly tuning efforts. Complex engineering projects are simplified and operational efficiencies are gained through reduced task times enabled by the next generation of Planet EV's Data Manager. In addition to improved
technology and design and optimisation functionality, the platform strategy of being open and creating a more synergistic engineering ecosystem is further enabled by the introduction of a new data application programmable interface, providing more rapid and flexible integration of third-party and in-house solutions.

"We are very proud of keeping our commitment to our customers to invest in the innovation of next-generation [radio frequency] design and optimisation solutions, as evidenced by Planet EV 4.1," said Chip Wagner, head of Marconi's Wireless Business Unit. "Our approach to partnering with our customers and supporting successful and profitable 3G networks with such a complete and fully integrated platform and product suite is defining a new standard for engineering excellence."