Agere Systems, Alcatel Optronics, Nortel Networks Announce Multisource Agreement for Compact EDFAs for Optical Networking Systems
OTTAWA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 13, 2002--Agere Systems
(NYSE:AGR.A - news), Alcatel Optronics (Paris:CGO)(Nasdaq:ALAO - news) and Nortel
Networks (NYSE:NT - news; TSE:NT. - news) today announced a multi-source agreement
(MSA) for compact Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs) used in
optical networking systems.
The agreement establishes a standard that specifies uniformity for
product package outlines, pin function definitions, and optical and
electrical characteristics. Agere, Alcatel Optronics and Nortel
Networks will independently develop and market compact EDFAs based on
this standard, ensuring that optical systems manufacturers have a
choice among compatible sources.
Compact EDFAs offer condensed, small form factor packaging with
high flexibility at low cost. These devices target single-channel or
narrow-band applications from the metro edge to ultra long haul, and
are typically used when a quantity of channels are split off of the
main networking path to a switch elsewhere in the network.
Compact EDFAs improve system performance by overcoming optical
power or attenuation losses inherent with multiplexers or
demultiplexers. This adds more flexibility in optical add/drop switch
applications, and delivers preamp functionality in receivers to extend
the reach of long and ultra long haul systems.
"The MSA founder members have created a strong physical standard
for these exciting new amplifiers," said Pat Walsh, vice president,
Product Line Management, Optical Components, Nortel Networks. "In
today's market, it is important that customers have the assurance that
these components can be sourced from more than one vendor. This MSA
provides an avenue to creating that security of supply."
"MSAs have become strategically important for opto-electronic
component manufacturers as they secure the implementation of new
generation optical platforms for our customers," explained Philippe
Bregi, Chief Operating Officer of Alcatel Optronics. "Standardization
and integration is key to optimizing the design and lowering the cost
of optical systems. It gives flexibility and simplifies system
manufacturing. This MSA by three leading optical component vendors is
the first real step towards optical amplification standardization and
opens the door to many others."
Through this multisource agreement, system designers can feel more
confident about getting the components they need and being able to
incorporate them without costly and time consuming system redesign.
Under the terms of the MSA, Agere, Alcatel Optronics and Nortel
Networks are expected to manufacture compact EDFAs that conform to
specified packaging dimensions and pin functionality, and meet or
exceed specified optical and electrical characteristics. The MSA
specifications will be made available shortly.
Agere Systems is the world's No. 1 provider of components for
communications applications with leadership in optical components and
integrated circuits. This dual capability uniquely positions Agere to
deliver integrated solutions that form the building blocks for
advanced wired, wireless, and optical communications networks. Agere
also designs and manufactures a wide range of semiconductor solutions
for communications-related devices used by consumers such as cellular
phones, modems, and hard disk drives for personal computers and
workstations. In addition, the company supplies complete wireless
computer networking solutions through the ORiNOCO product line. More
information about Agere Systems is available from its Web site at
www.agere.com.
Alcatel Optronics (Paris:CGO)(Paris:PA)(Nasdaq:ALAO - news) is a global
player which designs, manufactures and sells high performance optical
components and subsystems for terrestrial and submarine optical
telecommunications networks. With particular expertise in DWDM
components for high bit-rate and metro systems, the company's wide
product technology portfolio well positions Alcatel Optronics to
respond to rapidly evolving requirements of optical networks. Alcatel
Optronics can be found on the Web at www.alcatel.com/optronics.
Nortel Networks Optical Components is a world innovator in the
design, development and manufacture of components for optical
networking, from discrete optical components to advanced circuits and
modules. One of the largest optical component businesses globally, it
has established decades of leadership in opto-electronics,
microelectronics, and systems knowledge and creates integrated
solutions that accelerate the power and reach of communications
systems around the world.
Nortel Networks is an industry leader and innovator focused on
transforming how the world communicates and exchanges information. The
company is supplying its service provider and enterprise customers
with communications technology and infrastructure to enable
value-added IP data, voice and multimedia services spanning Metro and
Enterprise Networks, Wireless Networks and Optical Long Haul Networks.
As a global company, Nortel Networks does business in more than 150
countries. More information about Nortel Networks can be found on the
Web at www.nortelnetworks.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements based on
information available to Agere as of the date hereof. Agere's actual
results could differ materially from the results stated or implied by
such forward-looking statements due to a number of risks and
uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not
limited to, completion of the distribution of Agere stock by Lucent
Technologies Inc., customer demand for our products and services,
control of costs and expenses, timely completion of employment
reductions and other restructuring and consolidation activities, price
and product competition, keeping pace with technological change,
dependence on new product development, reliance on major customers and
suppliers, availability of manufacturing capacity, components and
materials, general industry and market conditions and general domestic
and international economic conditions including interest rate and
currency exchange rate fluctuations. For a further discussion of these
and other risks and uncertainties, see our annual report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001. Agere disclaims any
intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.
Certain information included in this press release is
forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties.
The results or events predicted in these statements may differ
materially from actual results or events. Factors which could cause
results or events to differ from current expectations include, among
other things: the severity and duration of the industry adjustment;
the sufficiency of our restructuring activities, including the
potential for higher actual costs to be incurred in connection with
restructuring actions compared to the estimated costs of such actions;
fluctuations in operating results and general industry, economic and
market conditions and growth rates; the ability to recruit and retain
qualified employees; fluctuations in cash flow, the level of
outstanding debt and debt ratings; the ability to make acquisitions
and/or integrate the operations and technologies of acquired
businesses in an effective manner; the impact of rapid technological
and market change; the impact of price and product competition;
international growth and global economic conditions, particularly in
emerging markets and including interest rate and currency exchange
rate fluctuations; the impact of rationalization in the
telecommunications industry; the dependence on new product
development; the uncertainties of the Internet; the impact of the
credit risks of our customers and the impact of increased provision of
customer financing and commitments; stock market volatility; the
entrance into an increased number of supply, turnkey, and outsourcing
contracts which contain delivery, installation, and performance
provisions, which, if not met, could result in the payment of
substantial penalties or liquidated damages; the ability to obtain
timely, adequate and reasonably priced component parts from suppliers
and internal manufacturing capacity; the future success of our
strategic alliances; and the adverse resolution of litigation. For
additional information with respect to certain of these and other
factors, see the reports filed by Nortel Networks with the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless otherwise required
by applicable securities laws, Nortel Networks disclaims any intention
or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Nortel Networks, the Nortel Networks logo and the Globemark are
trademarks of Nortel Networks. ORiNOCO is a trademark of Agere
Systems.
Contact:
Nortel Networks
Carrie Kasten, 972/684-9404
ckasten@nortelnetworks.com
or
Alcatel Optronics
Benedicte de Bollardiere, +33 (0) 1 64 49 16 75
benedicte.de_bollardiere@alcatel.fr
or
Agere Systems
Glen Haley, 908/508-8662
glenhaley@agere.com
