Honeywell introduces Avaya's iPatch^TM monitoring system; helps manage voice and data cable networks 

BIRMINGHAM, UK, 21 MAY 2001 – At IFSEC 2001, Honeywell provides the first UK demonstration of Avaya's new iPatch^TM monitoring system, an intelligent system that broadens cable network management monitoring capabilities. Honeywell is Avaya's only European Prestige VAR (value added reseller). 

The iPatch system gives real-time status of voice and data port connections, and speeds and improves accuracy of patch cord installations.

Through a combination of software and electronically-enabled hardware, the iPatch system increases productivity and precision in maintaining networks by continuously monitoring and recording the status of port connections at the patch panel. The iPatch system tracks the location, availability and use of ports and creates a connectivity map showing patch cord links between the network equipment and user voice and data workstation outlets. The connectivity map can be viewed at any time from a remote PC or from the iPatch system equipment in the telecommunications room. The iPatch system automatically updates the map every time a port change occurs, helping to assure that system administrators always have an accurate picture of their status. System administrators can use their computer to easily schedule work orders, track their fulfillment and receive immediate alerts when unauthorised port connections or disconnections occur.

"Most businesses today rely on paper records or electronic spread sheets to keep track of changes to port connections," said George Brooks, iPatch system product manager, Avaya. "Over time, the records can get out of sync with the reality. The only way to confirm the actual status may be to go physically to the telecommunications room and trace patch cord connections by hand – a time- consuming task with uncertain consequences. Incorrect information can trigger costly mistakes that disrupt business.

The iPatch system eliminates questionable records, making it easier to quickly and accurately perform patch cord moves, adds and changes and thus minimising the risk of unnecessary downtime."

The iPatch system guides technicians with visual and audio prompts as they make patch cord connections. iPatch system panels are equipped with trace buttons and LEDs above each port. The panels communicate with iPatch system Rack Managers outfitted with LCD displays. When system administrators generate work orders for moves, adds and changes, the Rack Managers display the involved ports on the LCD, and the LEDs above both of the ports are lit. Technicians can also identify and display both ends of installed patch cords using one-button tracing. An audible "positive" or "negative" sound informs technicians if a connection is properly completed.

The iPatch system accommodates a standard modular patch cord, and consists of iPatch System Manager Software, iPatch Network Manager, iPatch Rack Managers and iPatch Panels. The iPatch Panel is built on the SYSTIMAX1100 panel design and is available in 24 or 48 port configurations for SYSTIMAX GigaSPEED? or SYSTIMAX Power Sum applications. A typical configuration includes a single Network Manager supporting up to 99 iPatch Rack Managers, which support up to 40 iPatch 24-port panels.

Avaya's SYSTIMAX Structured Connectivity Solutions, Avaya's premier structured cabling system for commercial applications, is also available through Honeywell, as Avaya's only European Prestige VAR (value added reseller). SYSTIMAX is an open, modular cabling solution, capable of simultaneously carrying data, voice, video and intelligent building management applications. The SYSTIMAX family of products, including the SYSTIMAX GigaSPEED copper solution as well as OptiSPEED™ and LazrSPEED? fibre solutions are backed by an industry-leading product warranty and applications assurance guarantee.

Readers can request further details from Honeywell Home and Building Control, Honeywell House, Arlington Business Park, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1EB. Tel: 01344 656000. Fax: 01344 656240. E-mail: uk.infocentre@honeywell.com Web: myserviceandsolutions.co.uk

Honeywell Home & Building Control is a US$5 billion business that provides products and services to create efficient, safe, comfortable environments. The business offers controls for heating, ventilation, humidification and air-conditioning equipment, security and fire alarm systems, home automation systems, energy-efficient lighting controls and building management systems and services.

Honeywell is a US$25-billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; power generation systems; specialty chemicals; fibers; plastics; and electronic and advanced materials. The company is a leading provider of software and solutions and Internet e-hubs including MyPlant.com and MyFacilities.com, and it is a founding member of Cordiem, LLC, an aerospace industry business-to-business Internet exchange and applications service provider. Honeywell employs approximately 125,000 people in 95 countries and is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HON, as well as on the London, Chicago and Pacific stock exchanges. It is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. Additional information on the company is available on the Internet at www.honeywell.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements about future business operations, financial performance and market conditions. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties inherent in business forecasts as further described in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act.

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Honeywell Home and business Control
Honeywell House, Arlington Business Park
Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1EB
Tel: 01344 656000. Fax: 01344 656240.
Enquiries e-mail: uk.infocentre@honeywell.com
Web: www.honeywell.com/uk
www.myserviceandsolutions.co.uk

royer.slater@honeywell.com Ref: UK29/01