EVERETT, WA — (Marketwire) — 05/01/09 — Fluke Networks, provider of innovative Network SuperVision Solutions(TM) for the testing, monitoring and analysis of enterprise and telecommunications networks, today announced the availability of a wide range of troubleshooting and management tool sets for the industrial Ethernet market. Fluke Networks’ industrial Ethernet solutions, along with electrical test solutions from sister company Fluke Corporation, help plant maintenance professionals quickly troubleshoot industrial network issues, prevent reoccurrence of these issues and improve uptime and plant productivity.

Industrial Ethernet offers benefits and new challenges

Industrial Ethernet use is projected to grow 50% each year for the next five years(1), replacing an assortment of analog devices and vendor-proprietary communication links that perform critical plant automation and process management tasks. This transition offers lower costs and simpler operation through standardized components and a mature, proven technology. But it also creates a challenge. Ethernet was developed in relatively clean office settings, and now must perform in the harsh environment of the factory. This put increased importance on the quality of the installation, as well as ongoing monitoring for degradation from heat, corrosion and vibration. Ethernet also adds a new technology segment to the plant maintenance professional’s growing list of responsibilities.

New industrial Ethernet tools save money, simplify deployment

Responding to comments from current industrial Ethernet users, such as “downtime is $3,500 per hour” and “I need to check the cabling before making the expensive call to the integrator(2),” Fluke and Fluke Networks have assembled a set of industrial Ethernet test and measurement tools that address the new responsibilities placed on plant maintenance professionals. Now maintenance staff can troubleshoot problems ranging from electrical wiring and discrete devices — problems for which Fluke electrical tools are well known and trusted — to cable degradation, signal interference and network traffic issues.

The new industrial Ethernet solutions offered by Fluke and Fluke Networks cover three primary areas where industrial networking issues can occur: the network, electrical signaling, and cabling infrastructure. Specific problems addressed by these industrial Ethernet solutions include:

Latest industrial Ethernet solutions available online

In addition to a complete portfolio of troubleshooting and management tools, the industrial Ethernet solutions from Fluke and Fluke Networks are supported by an online Solution Center that offers quick links to troubleshooting guides, white papers and training information. More information can be found at www.flukenetworks.com/industrial.

Product availability

Fluke Networks industrial Ethernet solutions are available for immediate delivery from leading industrial distributors that currently carry the Fluke line of digital multimeters and ScopeMeter test tools.

About Fluke Networks

Fluke Networks provides innovative solutions for the installation and certification, testing, monitoring and analysis of copper, fiber and wireless networks used by enterprises and telecommunications carriers. The company’s comprehensive line of Network SuperVision(TM) Solutions provide network installers, owners, and maintainers with superior vision, combining speed, accuracy and ease of use to optimize network performance. Headquartered in Everett, Washington, the company distributes its products in more than 50 countries. More information can be found by visiting Fluke Networks’ Web site at www.flukenetworks.com or by calling (800) 283-5853.

(1) “Industrial Ethernet Infrastructure,” ARC Advisory Group, 2006

(2) Fluke Networks customer interviews, 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Dan Wright Public Relations Manager Fluke Networks (425) 446-5633 Email Contact