Abstract: A method and apparatus for escalating messages to a user concerning events of importance to the user comprising receiving information concerning an event, evaluating its importance to the user, and if the event is determined to be important enough for the user to be contacted, selecting a first way of contacting the user and using that first way to do so, waiting for a period of time for the user to respond, and if the user does not respond, selecting a second way of contacting the user and using that second way to do so.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for taking action in response to an event without contacting at least one person if the level of importance of the event to a first person meets or exceeds one threshold, but is below or only meeting another threshold.

Abstract: An optical test system for use in testing fiber optical transmission systems and components comprises a modular construction in a single housing. The modular construction includes a plurality of laser source channels, a MUX, additional optical conditioning devices both upstream and downstream of the MUX, and a master controller for operating the system components in synchrony. The integral housing, together with the modular construction, provides increased structural density that occupies in many instances at least seventy percent less space than is required for other optical test systems. The use of a master controller to drive the system affords expanded system functionality.