SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Olympus Integrated Technologies America Inc., San Jose, Calif., a wholly owned subsidiary of Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, announces the formation of the Olympus Partnership Development Group (PDG). Based in San Jose, Calif., PDG was formed to enhance the success of partner companies through technology and business alliances. Olympus PDG has established an innovative model for developing multi-faceted partnerships whereby Olympus can supply the technical capabilities, resources, and/or financial investment of the Olympus Corporation. This eighty year old, $4 billion dollar organization is positioned to support PDG partners in R&D, engineering, precision manufacturing, sales, marketing and distribution. Partnerships are planned with both early stage and established companies among industries ranging from semiconductors to optical communications and optical networking. Areas of technical interest include laser optics, optical switches, DWDM, and optical wireless as well as machine vision optics, automotive, illumination/lighting, sensors, and security. PDG can provide enabling optical technology including optical mechanical assembly components such as mini-actuators and mini-galvano mirrors, MEMS and optical MEMS, OEM optics (lenses, filters, wave guides, beam splitters, prisms, reflectors), and prototype to large-volume production expertise. In addition, partner companies can leverage Olympus' established distribution and sales/marketing/support infrastructure. Mr. Rick LaFrance, president of Olympus Integrated Technologies America, Inc. explained, "Companies need to respond rapidly with product design, manufacturing, and time-to-market as new generation, advanced technologies are required. Few companies have the resources to turn innovative ideas into viable, marketable products. Olympus Partnership Development Group has established a model to foster successful alliances that build on the strengths of both companies to achieve these objectives." Olympus Partnership Development Group (PDG)