MERRIMACK, N.H. and HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Xanoptix Inc. and Tyco Electronics Corporation today announced completion of a licensing agreement for the use of Xanoptix's high fiber count MT-based ferrule in Tyco Electronics' Fiber Optic Cable Assemblies. In doing so, both companies are aligning to meet the demand for denser cabling schemes for parallel optic transceiver applications and structured cabling solutions. "Based upon their market leadership and broad expertise in fiber optics, including MT cable technology, we are delighted to welcome Tyco Electronics as a licensee for our high-density ferrules. Fiber optic cables based on these ferrules will enable the next generation of high fiber count cabling solutions," said James Norrod, Chief Executive Officer of Xanoptix. MT-style connectors meet the increasing demand for parallel optical data transmission by providing a high fiber count in a dense package via an arrayed configuration of the fiber holes. Xanoptix and Tyco Electronics are extending the capabilities of MT-style connectors beyond 12 and 24 fibers, making configurations up to 72 and higher possible. The heart of these connectors is Xanoptix's higher density version of the field proven MT ferrule. "As more speed and added features are demanded from equipment at lower cost and requiring less space, it's only natural that more functionality must be packaged into each component in the system. Xanoptix's approach to parallel optics will allow our board level systems designers to offer significantly improved solutions to their customers," said Dennis Renaud, Director, Global Fiber Optics Engineering and Product Management at Tyco Electronics. Tyco International Ltd.Xanoptix Inc.