Success Story | Aeroflex Wireless Division
Organization ProfileAeroflex Incorporated is a global provider of high technology solutions to the aerospace, defense and broadband communications markets. The company's diverse technologies allow it to design, develop, manufacture and market a broad range of test, measurement and microelectronic products. Aeroflex's common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market System under the symbol ARXX, and the company is included in the S&P SmallCap 600 index. Aeroflex Wireless Division ("Aeroflex"), which is a part of Aeroflex Incorporated, has a goal to be one of the world's top manufacturers of wireless test equipment for wireless service providers. The company designed the Racal Instruments Wireless Solutions (RIWS) 6413A, a single-box portable solution that allows 3G network operators and installers to perform functional tests without external control equipment. Business Challenges
Aeroflex needed to develop various robust interoperable protocol stacks within a condensed timeframe. The company was under pressure to complete integration and customization of these protocol stacks into their existing platform, the Racal Instruments Wireless Solutions 6413A, which acts as an RNC simulator to test Node B elements. Aeroflex faced several challenges, one of the largest being the Iub interface, which was implemented in a slightly different manner by all the major Node B vendors such as Ericsson, Nokia, Nortel and Siemens. In order to meet dual-aggressive goals of accelerating the product launch while adhering to tight budget constraints, Aeroflex evaluated several companies to outsource the project. Aeroflex chose Continuous Computing because Continuous Computing offered Aeroflex a comprehensive portfolio of 3G radio network subsystem signaling and data plane modules to help the company deliver RNC and Node B testing solutions. In addition to supplying Aeroflex with high performance products, Continuous Computing also offered Aeroflex a full range of professional services including turnkey platform integration, product customization and device driver development. Customer CollaborationSpecifically, Continuous Computing provided Aeroflex:
Furthermore, Aeroflex depended on Continuous Computing for extensive onsite support and product integration. Working closely with Continuous Computing aided Aeroflex's overall success of the critical 6413A project realization and interoperability demonstration with a live Node B. Most importantly, Aeroflex successfully completed Node B Receiver tests incorporating Bit Error Rate (BER) testing. Continuous Computing helped Aeroflex meet its aggressive timeline. It would have taken a significant amount of time and engineering resources for Aeroflex to develop its own solution. By collaborating with Continuous Computing, considered to be experts in the field, Aeroflex reduced its time-to-market schedule and decreased project risk. Continuous Computing provided Aeroflex with protocol stacks, layer management and application development in a relatively short timeframe - seven months - when it would have taken Aeroflex years to develop everything on its own. Success with Continuous ComputingAeroflex was already familiar with Trillium protocol software from Continuous Computing. "We previously had purchased Trillium product, and we were very happy with the code. Most importantly, we really liked working directly with the Continuous Computing engineering team, with whom we meet weekly for progress reports," states Bob Miller. Aeroflex relied on Continuous Computing to help roll out the RIWS 6413 by providing industry-proven 3G wireless solutions, customization and integration into its product line. This, coupled with Continuous Computing's high level of Customer support, helped Aeroflex meet its customers demands for an on-time delivery. Results
Although Aeroflex considered protocol stacks from other vendors, they ultimately decided to use Trillium products from Continuous Computing. Continuous Computing provided Aeroflex with a positive overall business experience, including the expertise and insight to understand Aeroflex's unique challenges and the flexibility and willingness to satisfy Aeroflex's timeframe and contract requirements. Because Aeroflex needed many different protocols, the company considered Continuous Computing a perfect match. Continuous Computing not only had an entire suite of protocol stacks but also provided ongoing asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) driver support, which Aeroflex considered critical to its selection decision. Also, since Aeroflex integrated its solution on Interphase hardware, and Interphase is a Continuous Computing partner, Aeroflex had confidence that the complete, integrated solution would perform seamlessly. |
 |
Quick Facts
Customer Quotes"In terms of the initial delivery, Continuous Computing met our schedules to the day. If we would have missed the schedule, our customer order would have been seriously jeopardized. By having Continuous Computing provide us with the Trillium protocol stacks, we were able to provide the operator with an on-time beta release delivery." "We are working with a lead customer who is a major European network operator. In order to sell the operator the RIWS 6413A, Aeroflex had to give the operator a demo showing the product's full capability. If Aeroflex had missed the first deliverable, we would have consequently jeopardized significant orders. Continuous Computing helped us meet the timeline and make the necessary demonstrations." - Mr. Bob Miller, Senior Project Manager, Aeroflex |
