Abstract: A system and method for managing a telecommunications network. The system and method employs a network management architecture that provides an overlay in which network management functions are performed. The network management architecture includes a workstation function that provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for a user to interact with an object model of the physical telecommunications network, a telecommunications network management subsystem that provides an object model of the network including object models of network equipment and connectivity between the equipment, a database subsystem that stores "current" and "future" views of the network, and an object request broker that translates objects from a first object-oriented paradigm to a second object-oriented paradigm for use by the GUI. The network management architecture facilitates network design by determining network performance metrics.

Abstract: A suture retainer includes a first panel and foldably connected second through fifth panels. When all of the panels are folded, the retainer has the approximate size and shape of the first panel, and the suture is contained within the folded panels. Separator facilities on the first panel prevent suture strands from becoming tangled. The separator may constitute a pleated low friction sheet with the strands contained between the plats, or it may constitute one or more sinuous cuts in the first panel which define tabs for holding the strands. Sutures are withdrawn from a site at one end of the first panel. The second panel is foldably located at the other end of the first panel and maintains suture strands within the boundary of the first panel. The third panel is foldable about a side of the first panel to overly the folded second panel, the separator and the sutures and to complimentarily overly the first panel.