IFS Joins NetClear ESS Affiliate Program

Nov. 8, 2007
Program seeks to create interoperability and integration for structured cabling systems

New London, CT and New Holland, PA (October 26, 2007)… Berk-Tek, a Nexans Company, and Ortronics/Legrand are pleased to announce that the International Fiber Systems (IFS) product line from GE has been added as an approved affiliate vendor for the NetClear ESS (Electronic Safety and Security) program.

The rapid rate of IP convergence, previously disparate disciplines, including data, video and power for security installations, are now being connected together over one standardized structured cabling network to allow the sharing of resources. This architecture provides a higher level of network efficiency, while increasing the network's return on investment. In response to this industry demand, Ortronics/Legrand and Berk-Tek, a Nexans Company, have expanded their NetClear structured cabling solutions for enterprises to include security and surveillance applications through the new NetClear ESS program. "The industry is demanding interoperability and packaged solution sets, confirmed by the manufacturers that it all works. As part of the NetClear ESS program, Berk-Tek and Ortronics are teaming up with appropriate vendors in the video surveillance business, such as camera manufacturers and active component manufacturers to offer proven integrated solution sets for both I.T. managers and security integrators," notes Chris Adams, Marketing Manager for Ortronics/Legrand. "The NetClear ESS objective is to offer our customers a group of like-minded technology affiliates that can bring solution sets, system experience and teams of industry experts to those ready to embrace IP technology for security applications."

IFS designs, manufactures and markets active fiber optic video networking using IP and Ethernet protocol. "Our association with NetClear ESS as an affiliate vendor provides products, solutions and support to Berk-Tek and Ortronics/Legrand to demonstrate the value of digital, optically linked security devices as proprietary analog networks move from a coax-based infrastructure," states Skip Haight, Director of Marketing, IFS. "Our two companies and product solution sets will allow integrators, installers and end-users to benefit from the performance, simplicity, and single-team support needed for deploying fiber-fed security networks," he adds.

Through NetClear ESS, Ortronics/Legrand and Berk-Tek provide industry leading copper and fiber optic structured cabling systems to assure scalability and performance for all types of networks and technologies. "NetClear ESS solutions demonstrate a progressive path to security over IP, from analog to hybrid to total IP through a copper and fiber structured cabling environment," notes Carol Everett Oliver, RCDD, Marketing Analyst for Berk-Tek. "The IFS products allow copper media to be converted to fiber to use as either a backbone between closets or even between cameras, which often involves long runs. This way, both copper and fiber can reside on the same Ethernet switch to allow IP convergence," she adds.

As part of the NetClear ESS initiative, educational programs, such as full-day seminars, on-site training classes and webinars will be created for both security integrators and cable installers.

About the NetClear Alliance: NetClear is a Technology Alliance between Berk-Tek, a Nexans Company, and Ortronics/Legrand to provide advanced, end-to-end co-engineered solutions for enhanced Category 5e, Category 6, Augmented Category 6 – 10 Gigabit and optical fiber channels - all backed by a 25-year warranty. For more information, visit www.netclear-channel.com

About Berk-Tek, a Nexans Company: For more than 45 years, Berk-Tek has been a leading manufacturer of more than 100 different network copper and fiber optic cable products designed to transport high-speed voice, data and video transmissions. For more information, visit www.berktek.com.

About Ortronics/Legrand: Ortronics/Legrand is a global leader in high performance structured cabling solutions, services, and support. Ortronics offers a complete range of Category 5e, 6 and 10 Gig copper, fiber optic, wireless and residential/MDU connectivity solutions. In addition, Ortronics offers Cablofil wire mesh cable tray and Wiremold pathways. For more information, visit www.ortronics.com.