W. L. Gore & Associates, INC., Agilent Technologies, And Mitel Agree To Common Standard For 12 Channel Parallel Fiber Optic Modules
February 12, 2001 - Newark, Del. -- W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A), and Mitel Corporation (NYSE/TSE:MLT) today announced that they have signed a Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) that will set the industry standard for next-generation parallel fiber optic modules.
The three companies have leveraged their wide range of experience in fiber optic and semiconductor technologies to standardize the package, and optical and electrical interfaces for their respective modules to ensure that customers will have access to multiple international sources that are compatible with other components within their systems. Each of the companies expects to offer the modules in 2001.
Designed for a variety of fiber optic communications applications, the parallel fiber optic modules include transmitters and receivers featuring 12 channels at 1 - 2.7 Gbaud/channel for an aggregate bandwidth of 12 - 32.4 Gbaud. The modules are designed to meet skyrocketing demand for network capacity in proprietary terabit switch/router links as well as very short reach OC-192 and Infiniband connections.
"This agreement is a win for each of the signing companies, and for our respective customers," said Tom Fawcett, Agilent's marketing manager for Optical Systems Interconnects. "We gain the ability to drive this common package and interface specification as the industry standard for 12 channel parallel fiber optic modules. Our customers gain flexibility and the advantages of competitive sources."
"This agreement is a win for each of the signing companies, and for our respective customers," said Tom Fawcett, Agilent's marketing manager for Optical Systems Interconnects. "We gain the ability to drive this common package and interface specification as the industry standard for 12 channel parallel fiber optic modules. Our customers gain flexibility and the advantages of competitive sources."
"The MSA will enable our customers to quickly bring expandable terabit networking equipment to market," said Olof Svenonius, product line manager for parallel fiber optic modules at Mitel Semiconductor. "Working in concert with Agilent and Gore expands the available supply of interchangeable devices through multiple sources while providing the unbeatable benefits of cost, board space and time-to-market afforded by parallel fiber."
Performance of single-fiber and copper interconnects is limited in terms of bandwidth, density and distance. Network system manufacturers are finding that parallel fiber optic modules are the best and in many cases the only method of equipment interconnection. The new modules can support transmission requirements of greater than 30 Gbaud while utilizing less than two inches of board space for a Tx/Rx pair. The transmitter and receiver are compatible with an industry-standard MTP* /MPO terminated parallel fiber optic interconnect.
Product design, development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of the parallel fiber optic modules will take place independently. To obtain a copy of the multi-source specification and for more information of parallel optics, click here or refer to the participating companies' Web sites.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a diversified technology company with approximately 47,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries. Agilent is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. In fiscal year 2000, Agilent had net revenue of $10.8 billion. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.
About W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. is a leader in providing high technology solutions for electronic, industrial, medical, and fabric applications. Headquartered in Newark, Delaware, Gore operates more than 45 facilities, has over a billion dollars in annual sales, and employs approximately 7,000 associates worldwide. Gore is well known for its unique corporate culture and is repeatedly named among the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America." For more information, visit the Gore Web site at www.gore.com/electronics, or call 1 (800) 445-GORE, or fax requests to 1 (800) 757-4673.
About Mitel
Mitel is evolving to become a global provider of semiconductors for converging voice and data networks in a rapidly evolving Internet economy. In Fiscal 2000, the company had annual revenues from semiconductor operations of $600 million and presently employs some 2,500 people worldwide in its semiconductor business. For more information go to www.mitelsemi.com, or contact: Claire Nagy, Mitel Semiconductor, (613) 592-2122, claire_nagy@mitel.com or Tiana Wiersma, BW&A, (503) 241-1574 tiana@bwapr.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risk, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the companies, to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward- looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, among others, the risks discussed in documents filed by the companies with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are encouraged to consider the risks detailed in those filings
* MTP is a registered trademark of US Conec
