ALPHA SYSTEMS INC.

Communications networks (backbone communications networks) are becoming an increasingly essential part of the social infrastructure. The operation of these networks requires the use of a diverse range of software systems.

Given that the two main elements of such networks are transmission lines (paths) and nodes (connection points or junctions), all the various devices installed at the nodes must be controllable from external locations: this necessitates the provision of various services. The devices installed at the nodes have evolved from the old telephone switches, and they now include transmission devices, edge nodes, transit switches, base transceiver stations, and routers. These pieces of equipment need to be complemented by complex, large-scale software systems so they can be controlled remotely: such combinations of hardware and software are referred to as node systems. (>> Node Systems)

Telecommunications operators need to provide their customers -- both individual consumers and corporations -- with various reliable communication services, including both voice and data transmission. For this purpose, they construct and operate the sort of network systems described in the preceding paragraph. To enhance the smooth functioning of these systems, telecommunications operators must perform a number of tasks as the following.

• Network monitoring (identifying malfunctions, monitoring performance, traffic, and so on)
• Network configuration management
• Network system control (path reliability, transmission quality)
• Application service management
• Customer account management
• Subscriber and account management

These kinds of operations, encompassing the operation and maintenance of communication networks, also require complex, large-scale software systems known as network management systems. (>> Network Management Systems)

These systems are not used solely with conventional landline telephone systems or normal desktop Internet connection, but also with all types of mobile networks such as cellphone systems and PHS. (>> Mobile Network Systems) Additionally, with mobile communications, software requiring a considerable amount of memory must be installed in the handsets, too. In the case of third-generation (3G) cellphones or other mobile terminals, development of the program codes requires million-line programs, and development costs for such programs can run as high as \10 billion or more.

Alpha Systems offers development services for the categories of software described above. Our services range from initial identification of system requirements through system test to maintenance.