R&M Redefines Network Quality; Starts of the worldwide “Better connected” initiative

R&M, the globally active developer and provider of cabling systems for high-quality network infrastructures, based in Wetzikon, Switzerland, is launching the «Better connected» initiative. The focus is on the entire life cycle of data networks – from planning to multiple years of operation. The initiative proves why networks incorporating R&M components help to save time and money.

“It is all about taking more into account than just the material and installation costs and the common standards when planning data networks. A top-quality installation with higher initial costs is always the less expensive solution over the long term“, saysHermann Christen, Market Development Manager at R&M.

Experts in the more than 40 R&M branches worldwide will be providing consulting services to the markets as part of the initiative. At the same time new training programs are being offered by the R&M Academy which awards places to interested planners, project leads, installers and distributors. Academy graduates become qualified R&M partners. They receive exclusive certificates as well as comprehensive specialist, technical and logistical support in network projects.

Visitors to the site will find out why better quality cabling saves money long term. They can also consult a criteria catalog which supports them in the definition of project goals, the evaluation of the infrastructure as well as in the selection of qualified project partners and services.

“The network breakdowns of recent years caused immense damage. Companies lost millions in terms of revenue within just minutes, not to mention their good reputation. Customers lost faith in data centers, the cloud, the Internet of Things and convenient online services“, says R&M of current risks. Hermann Christen: “Permanently fail-safe data networks are essential for business to survive. Which means it is all the more important to prevent faults and downtime throughout the life cycle of a network. Products and systems that have been developed and tested for practice are intended precisely for this purpose.”

Sustainable connectivity solutions are about more than standard-compliant products.At the start of network planning, there should, for example, be detailed specifications as well as independent and verifiable proof of performance for all products. “If you have to start providing proof later, you lose valuable time. Poor documentation leads to higher planning costs,” explains R&M.

Cabling systems have to be able to be installed fast and safely without any complications. This is how to avoid oversights and errors. R&M products usually surpass the attenuation and transmission values recommended by the standards and thus have sufficient reserve to be able to commission installed networks without any delay.

The same demands also apply for maintenance, upgrade, migration and expansion of a network. “The faster and more perfectly these measures can be carried out, the better and less expensive for the operator. A top-quality plug & play system is a good choice because it excludes loss of time,” according to R&M. This is why the Swiss cabling specialist advocates the exclusive use of modular systems which can be exchanged and extended seamlessly like function blocks.

R&M refers to studies by the Ponemon Institute. These indicate that incorrect handling and the subsequent failure of components are two of the three most common causes of network downtime. “These findings confirm our view that quality issues also apply to security and user-friendliness in running network operations,” says Hermann Christen.

Incorrect operation can be minimized thanks to ergonomically improved assembly systems, patch panels and connections. R&M offers a passive security system which prevents tampering with connections. The monitoring system R&MinteliPhy, also developed by R&M, goes one step further. It enables the remote monitoring of each individual connection in real time using sensors.

R&M also lists know-how, support and warranties as quality factors. This is why the cabling manufacturer pursues an extended quality management system. Among other things, experienced R&M employees oversee projects on site from the planning idea through to measurements taken in the formal acceptance procedure.

Planners, project leads and installers can also gain additional qualifications and competencies at R&M. For this purpose the branches offer the R&M Academy Qualified Partner Program (QPP). Among other things, the courses involve participants practicing handling the R&M cabling components. They learn all about the latest technologies and exchange information and experience. R&M grants a 25-year warranty for networks which have been installed correctly by qualified personnel.

R&M is constantly collecting direct feedback and information on user experience. Customer proximity enables transparent exchange. Findings are incorporated in the further development and optimization of the products. This is how practice-oriented solutions can be made, geared to optimal planning and application possibilities as well as cost control over the entire value added chain.

R&M is convinced that high quality in all areas contributes to cost savings over the long term. A network experiences less downtime when the right expert knowledge, better technologies and well-devised protection programs are used. The longer a network is available, the more stable the network operator’s sales revenue.

Ultimately those responsible for the network fulfill the quality and compliance requirements of their companies, customers and insurance company when they can prove greater operational reliability and one-hundred-percent control.