MINNEAPOLIS -- ADC (Nasdaq:ADCT; www.adc.com) announced today that it is part of Cisco Systems' (Nasdaq:CSCO) Advanced Technology Provider program for its optical metro transport and metro dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) initiatives in the United States. The ATP designation is by invitation only and recognizes ADC for having the ability to provide the core knowledge and skills required to successfully deploy and support Cisco Optical Metro DWDM and Optical Metro Transport solutions.

DWDM technology allows for the transmission of multiple electronic signals over a single optical fiber, which can vastly increase capacity without the need for additional fiber. Optical metro transport and metro DWDM help lower operational costs, simplify network architectures and extend the range, as well as the ability to help telecommunications carriers generate new revenue by making it easier to add network connections.

"ATP partners are instrumental in helping Cisco penetrate new growth markets," said Paul Mountford, senior vice president of Worldwide Channels for Cisco Systems. "Our Optical Network Transport and DWDM ATPs enable ADC to successfully deploy two of Cisco's key advanced technologies to the marketplace."

"Carriers have done an exceptional job of lowering their operating costs and maximizing their infrastructure, and now the battle is to add more revenue," said Jo Anne Anderson, president of the Systems Integration and Software Services Business Units for ADC. "Optical metro transport and metro DWDM are very appealing as they not only give carriers the opportunity to quickly add more customers, they give them the mechanism to offer new high-bandwidth, high capacity services.

"We know our customers are excited by these technologies. We're pleased to be part of Cisco's efforts," Anderson said.

ADC Telecommunications Inc.

Cisco Systems Inc.