Major EDFA MSA Launched

OTTAWA -- Agere Systems (NYSE:AGR.A), Alcatel Optronics (Paris:CGO)(Nasdaq:ALAO) and Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT)(TSE:NT.) 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." Agere SystemsAlcatel SA Nortel Networks Corp.