Oracle’s announcement to acquire Empirix’ e-TEST suite solutions is a positive move for all involved.

The acquisition helps Oracle round out its Enterprise Manager offering with a comprehensive testing component for pre-deployment applications.

The acquisition is a natural fit for the e-TEST suite products which are architected to work with modern applications and deliver testing capabilities to both packaged and custom applications.

The acquisition takes only a portion of the Empirix’ product lineup.  Once the acquisition is completed, Empirix will continue to offer its HAMMER and OneSight products.  The HAMMER products are especially interesting since they focus on the testing of emerging technologies such as VoIP, NGN and IMS.

The need for automation in network equipment testing is growing.

In a recent voke survey 85% or respondents say their testing needs are increasing every 12 months. And 75% of the respondents see sub-optimal testing as an impact to the bottom line of their organization.

The primary reasons for the increased need for network equipment testing are:

• More products / features (30%)
• Increased complexity (13%)
• Market expansion (13%)
• Time-to-market demands (10%)

These statistics are clear indicators that there is a need for automated network equipment testing tools.

With the Oracle acquisition of Empirix e-TEST suite, Empirix will be able to focus on the emerging and rapidly moving market of network equipment testing.

This acquisition represents value to Oracle, e-TEST suite and Empirix customers.  Watch for swift integration and innovation from Oracle.  Watch for leaner version of Empirix to focus and educate an emerging market on the benefits of automation.