EATONTOWN, N.J. -- OpNext, Inc., a global leader in high performance optical networking components, today announced that it has received CIENA’s 2002 Supplier Performance Award. OpNext was selected for demonstrating exceptional quality, service and delivery in its contribution to CIENA’s intelligent optical networking solutions. The award was presented at CIENA’s Supplier Appreciation Day held on September 10, 2002 and was presented to OpNext by Mark Cummings, senior vice president of operations, CIENA, and Steven Fisher, vice president of materials and sourcing, CIENA.“CIENA has confidence in OpNext’s ability to supply outstanding optical components, and provide excellent quality and service,” said Mark Cummings, senior vice president, operations for CIENA. “OpNext has gone further and worked harder to meet and exceed specified engineering, quality, and purchasing requirements, and this award acknowledges their efforts throughout the past year.”“OpNext is honored to be recognized by a valued customer in this way. Recent developments in the optical component market, particularly in the O/E space, have substantially changed the competitive landscape. While we respond rapidly to this dynamic and changing marketplace, we consistently remain true to our founding philosophy of focusing on the needs of our key customers and providing top quality service”, said Harry Bosco, president and chief executive officer of OpNext, Inc. OpNext Inc.Ciena Corp.