Product Testing – the issues

Today’s technology companies face intense pressure to bring products to market quickly. A missed window of opportunity can literally make or break a firm, and as design cycle times shorten, the pressure increases. Unfortunately, numerous companies have learned the hard way that introducing a product before it has been fully tested can be equally disastrous. Many firms simply do not have the internal bandwidth or expertise to properly test a product’s performance without compromising the introduction schedule or product quality.

Outsourcing product testing is an option that enables technology firms to focus on their core competencies and leverage the expertise of independent testing professionals. A reliable test lab can fully test and prove product performance objectively and reliability. Also, by operating 24/7 and using acceleration factors, they can shorten the testing timeline without sacrificing quality results.

Percept – Looking Back

Founder and CEO, Brian Cleveland, formed Percept Technology Labs to meet the complex product testing needs of technology firms. Brian’s role as a successful product development manager at StorageTek and two technology start-up companies gave him first-hand experience and in-depth understanding of the complete product development and testing process. Taking this valuable insight and his vision to provide high quality, cost-effective product testing for other technology companies, Percept Technology Labs began offering specialized testing services in 1996.

According to Brian, “Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with some of industry’s leading technology innovators. It’s been satisfying to forge strong and lasting relationships with our clients by providing quality testing and consulting for their most complex and advanced data storage and ITE technologies. The Percept team has tested virtually every type of data storage device, system and interface on the market, and in recent years we’ve moved into new technology areas such as cell phones, wireless mouse products, iPod accessories and information leak prevention systems. In a business environment where most firms do not make it five years, we are grateful and gratified to enjoy a thriving business working with some of the industry’s leading companies on their most exciting new technologies and products.”

 Project Profiles

Over the past decade, Percept has worked with more than 100 technology firms, tailoring and implementing specific test plans that delivered the accurate and unbiased results needed by each firm. Here are a few examples that highlight Percept’s capabilities.

Test Project Management – Outsourcing Test Services

BSI - Storage automation and device manufacturer, BSI (Benchmark Storage Innovations, now part of Quantum) selected Percept as the firm’s exclusive product testing partner. From 1999 – 2003, Percept managed all design verification and compliance testing for every Benchmark tape and automation product released. Percept enabled BSI to streamline its product development and testing processes and launch quality products quickly enough to hit critical market windows, while realizing significant cost-savings.

Product Testing & Competitive Analysis

Quantum - Since 2000 Percept has provided testing services including tape product qualifications, competitive analysis of media offerings, and partial DVT testing including compliance testing and mitigation. Quantum has used Percept primarily for overflow work.

Competitive Analysis Testing

Microsoft – The firm’s commitment to deliver sufficient battery life in its wireless products drove Microsoft’s decision to use Percept to test and independently verify the true battery life its two newest wireless mouse products along with comparable products from major competitor, Logitech. Accurate and unbiased test results from Percept proving superior battery life are prominently displayed on Microsoft wireless mouse packaging labels, giving the firm a competitive edge over rival products.

Regulatory Compliance Testing & Certification

LeftHand Networks – Since 2002 Percept has performed compliance testing, mitigation and compliance consulting for LeftHand Networks, the company that introduced the storage industry’s first full-featured IP Storage Area Network (SAN). This full range of compliance testing provided everything necessary for the company’s hardware products to be shipped fully compliant around the globe.

Griffin Technology – Mac-product innovator, Griffin Technology, chose Percept to perform compliance testing and obtain worldwide certifications for their line of iPod accessories.

Specialized Battery Testing

Cooper Power – producer of medium and high voltage electrical equipment for the utility and industrial markets, Cooper Power, chose Percept to run a suite of specialized battery tests to help them select the optimal batteries for their products.

About Percept Technology Labs

Percept Technology Labs is an established, independent product test and consulting company with a proven track record of helping customers test and improve their products since 1996. Specializing in data storage, ITE and consumer electronics products, Percept does more than simply test products in its 5,000 square foot real world and environmentally controlled lab spaces. With years of specialized technology testing experience and absolute commitment to customer care, the Percept team manages the entire product testing, improvement and certification process from start to finish. Percept provides everything clients need to launch and deliver their products around the world – on time and within budget. Customers include leading information technology equipment (ITE), data storage, consumer electronics, scientific instrumentation, and telecommunications firms. To learn about Percept’s full line of testing and consulting services, visit www.percept.com or call 303-444-7480.

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