In an editorial in the July issue of Cabling Installation & Maintenance, Arlyn Powell speculated on the impact on Microtest after its acquisition by Fluke Networks ("Reading between the lines...", page 84). If he had checked with anyone at Fluke Networks or Microtest prior to writing his opinion, he would have learned that, in fact, this merger of two leading suppliers of LAN cabling test equipment is great, not only for Fluke Networks, but also for Microtest, their customers, and the industry.
Clearly, both companies are highly respected for their technical competence and contributions to cabling standards development. In fact, it was Fluke Networks' respect for Microtest's technology prowess, ability to innovate, and strong position with cabling contractors that led to the acquisition.
The Microtest acquisition represented a substantial investment on the part of Fluke Networks. This means that for a reasonable return on its investment, Fluke Networks needs to see significant ongoing revenues from Microtest products. To that end, Microtest is investing heavily in new-product development and additional enhancements for the OMNIScanner series. In fact, more than $600,000 in new engineering talent was added to Microtest since the offer to acquire was made. Currently, more than $2 million in development resources are assigned to OMNIScanner projects. This is not a product line that is going away.
"The OMNIScanner2 and other Microtest products are essential elements in our worldwide product strategy," said Chris Odell, president of Fluke Networks. "The Microtest Phoenix facility is, and will remain, a key product development center for Fluke Networks."
We would like to assure Microtest customers and suppliers that as a result of this new relationship between Microtest and Fluke Networks, that the organization they have come to know and trust is bigger, stronger, faster, and will now be able to provide even greater benefits to our customers and the marketplace.
Will Ott
Business Unit Manager, Media Test Productst
Fluke Networks Inc.
David Coffin
Vice President and General Managert
Network Test & Measurementt
Microtest Inc.
