JDSU, which provides communications test and measurement solutions, has reached an agreement to purchase Casabyte, which provides service quality monitoring solutions for mobile network operators. Casabyte addresses the growing need for Quality of Service (QoS) test solutions, as network operators deliver bandwidth-intensive multimedia content over converged fixed-mobile networks. Casabyte will be integrated with JDSUs Communications Test and Measurement division, a leading provider of service assurance solutions to telecomms and cable network operators worldwide.
JDSUs acquisition of Casabyte is designed to accelerate the companys service assurance growth by capitalizing on a number of key assets, including Casabytes established wireless service quality solutions expertise and innovation; the established customer relationships JDSU and Casabyte have with leading fixed and wireless network operators worldwide; and JDSUs global direct sales organization and other distribution channels.
Service assurance solutions enable network operators to identify, troubleshoot and prevent network degradation that can impair voice, data, video and mobile service quality. JDSU expects to complete the acquisition of Casabyte in the current fiscal third quarter ending 31 March, 2007. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
According to OSS Observer, an industry research firm specializing in telecom software market analysis, the mobile probe test system market addressed by Casabyte will grow by 12 to 14% annually over the next five years. 
“JDSU has a leading position in the residential broadband market, says OSS Observer Analyst Patrick Kelly. Casabytes solutions should help JDSU provide a broader offering of products to support customers deploying fixed-mobile networks and services. Casabytes product set is very complementary with JDSUs NetComplete service assurance product portfolio.
Casabytes service quality monitoring solutions help ensure quality of service, reduce operating expenses and lower customer churn as mobile network operators deploy next generation networks and new, content-rich data and video services.  Casabytes products include the RCATS (Remote Cellular Automated Test System) platform, and a managed wireless test platform known as RoamerNet. The company serves tier-one mobile service providers.       
The convergence of fixed-mobile networks and services requires communications test solutions for any service at any point in the network from the head end to the handset, says John Peeler, president of JDSUs Communications Test and Measurement division. With the addition of Casabytes product portfolio, JDSU offers the industrys broadest set of service assurance solutions for the deployment of quad-play broadband services for consumers and businesses.