TELLABS INTRODUCES ITS NEXT GENERATION DWDM PLATFORM
Tellabs introduced its next generation DWDM platform featuring multi-wavelength optical add/drop, integrated SDH interfaces and open transponder interfaces that support multiple bit rates and IP applications at distances in excess of 600 km.  The new FOCUS 6200 platform initially will offer 32 channels and can scale to 64 and 128 channels.  Other key features include an integrated optical, SDH network and element management system and a fully automatic installation procedure.  http://www.tellabs.com/news/00news/nr052300.shtml
Tellabs, May 23, 2000

Tellabs has been a supplier of WDM equipment since 1997.

TENOR ADDS ELEMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO OPTICAL SWITCH
Tenor Networks, a start-up based in Acton, MA., introduced an optical Element Management Platform aimed at delivering provisioning, billing, assurance and control features for its metropolitan optical service switch (see below). Tenor Network's TEMPo is a Telecommunication Management Network (TMN)-compliant product supporting Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance and Security (FCAPS) management functions.  It uses a graphical interface for service provisioning, alarm management, performance management, service level monitoring and reporting.  The platform uses Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) and Remote Method Invocation (RMI) interfaces to integrate its service creation, activation and provisioning features into existing Operational Support Systems. Product release is expected in the second half of the year. http://www.tenornetworks.com/Press052200.htm
Tenor Networks, May 23, 2000

In January, Tenor Networks announced an Optical Service Switch (OSX) designed to combine IP routing, the QoS of an ATM switch, and the TDM functionality of a digital cross-connect.  Tenor's vision is comprised of two distinct layers: an optical transport layer and an optical service layer.  The company's Optical Service Switch will convert wavelengths into the electrical domain, where the payload can be examined on a packet-by-packet basis.  The OSXs will then apply value added processing and switching intelligence using MPLS.  The company's first central office TN250G Optical Service Switch will connect to DWDM access, metro, or long-haul transport elements, as well as SONET equipment.  The product's chassis features 240 Gbps of switching capacity and port density of up to 576 DS3 or OC3c ports, 192 OC-12c ports, 48 OC-48c ports, or 12 OC-192c ports. 

Tenor Networks received funding from North Bridge Venture Partners, Matrix Partners, Greylock and Worldview Technology Partners.  Founders of the company formerly worked for 3Com's Switching Division. 

METRO-OPTIX INTRODUCES ITS MULTILAYER BANDWIDTH MANAGER FOR THE OPTICAL EDGE
Metro-Optix, a start-up based in Santa Clara, California, is developing a multi-layer bandwidth manager designed to replace SONET add/drop multiplexers, digital cross-connect systems, ATM edge switches and IP routers in for metropolitan access and inter-office applications.  The Metro-Optix CityStream platform will be based on non-blocking, core switching fabric designed to scale from 100 Gbps (initially) to 400 Gbps (future).  The design will allow TDM, ATM, and IP switch fabrics to be added and removed incrementally as required.  Custom ASICs will be integrated into the core switching fabric, protocol switch fabrics, and interface modules.  The product's architecture will allow physical interfaces to be independent of the protocol carried over them.  Each interface port will support channelized and unchannelized leased line, ATM, and IP services natively.  The design will accommodate up to twenty-four OC-48 line interfaces and 288 multi-protocol DS-3 signals per 7-foot rack.  Metro-Optix said its platform could be optimized for 100% TDM traffic to 100% data oriented traffic, or any combination of these protocols.  Product availability schedules were not specified.  .  A demonstration is planned for next month's SuperComm show in Atlanta.   http://www.metro-optix.com/
Metro-Optix, May 23, 2000

Metro-Optix is led by Arun Bellary, who previously served as General Manager of Ericsson's broadband access products unit.  Since its founding in December 1999, the company has announced $28 million in first round financing from Ericsson, Chase Capital Partners, InterWest Partners, Sevin Rosen and CenterPoint.

UCENT AND ALTEON WEBSYSTEMS ANNOUNCE OEM PACT, WEBSWITCH/VPN FIREWALL
Lucent Technologies will resell Alteon WebSystems' 180e and ACEdirector 3 Web switches within its IPWorX Web performance solution.  Lucent's first customers include SINA.com, a leading portal for Chinese communities worldwide.  The companies also announced the successful completion of advanced interoperability work between Alteon Web switches and Lucent's VPN Firewall Brick, a high-performance security platform with integrated encryption, authentication and firewall features.  Enhanced capabilities enable Alteon Web switches to intelligently health-check Lucent firewalls, ensuring the integrity of the entire data path through each firewall.  By load balancing traffic to multiple firewalls, user traffic can be processed in parallel thereby allowing better response times. In the event of a failed device, port or switch, traffic is automatically diverted to another Alteon Web switch.  http://www.alteonwebsystems.com
Alteon WebSystems, May 23, 2000

CISCO OUTLINES ITS UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE STRATEGY
Cisco Systems outlined a Unified Communications (UC) software strategy based on open, scalable IP platforms for unified messaging (voice, e-mail and fax) combined with real-time call management and notification services.  Later phases of Cisco's plan will target content services and transaction services.  Cisco is pursuing an "ecosystem" partnership program for delivering its software strategy through consultant integrators, systems integrators and resellers, Application Service Providers (ASPs) and outsourcers

Cisco Systems has established an Internet Communications Software Group (ICSG) chartered to deliver software platforms that enable enterprises, service providers and application vendors to realize the full potential of converged voice and data networks.  Cisco said its goal is to offer a customer contact software platform combines contact management, web collaboration, email response management and its IP telephony solutions.  http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/146/
Cisco Systems, May 23, 2000

NORTEL NETWORKS ACQUIRES PHOTONIC TECHNOLOGIES FOR GAIN FLATTENING FILTERS
Nortel Networks acquired Photonic Technologies, a developer of optical components based in Sydney, Australia, for up to US$35.5 million in cash.  Nortel already held approximately one third of the company.  Photonic Technologies is a pioneer in circulators and dynamic gain flattening filters, components that are needed for the migration from 10 Gbps systems to 40 and 80 Gbps systems.  http://www.photonic.com.au/
http://www.nortelnetworks.com/corporate/pressroom/pressconferences/052300/fact_sheet.html
Nortel Networks, May 23, 2000

AVANEX ACQUIRES HOLOGRAPHIX FOR OPTICAL GRATINGS
Avanex will acquire Holographix, a privately held manufacturer of holographic diffraction gratings, for approximately $75 million in stock.  Holographix, which is based in Hudson, MA., offers custom manufacturing services for optical elements, including gratings, mirrors, surface relief structures and hybrid optics.  Avanex is a developer of photonic processors.  Its product line includes a "PowerMux" Wavelength Processor designed to multiplex hundreds of wavelength channels with very tight channel spacing (down 12.5 GHz) and a tunable wavelength filter multiplexer and demultiplexer. http://www.avanex.com/
Avanex, May 23, 2000

BROADCOM TO ACQUIRE PIVOTAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR DVI SOLUTIONS
Broadcom will acquire Pivotal Technologies, a fabless semiconductor company developing Digital Visual Interface (DVI) solutions, for about $243 million (1.94 million BRCM shares). Pivotal has developed both single and dual link DVI transmitters and receivers, as well as proprietary and scalable radio frequency (RF) CMOS solutions for the wireless communications marketplace.  DVI is expected to be a key interface for digital TV and flat panel display.  In addition, Pivotal is combining High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) technology with DVI, which allows secure transmission of uncompressed High Definition TV (HDTV) content from the set-top box to the digital TV.  Broadcom said the acquisition complements its efforts in digital CMOS tuners, Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs. http://www.broadcom.com
Broadcom, May 23, 2000

MARCONI ACQUIRES US DATA CENTER COMPANY FOR $113 MILLION, LAUNCHES VENTURE FUND
Marconi will acquire Systems Management Specialists, a provider of data center and IT outsourcing, for approximately US$113 million in stock.  SMS operates five data centers in the US and employs 600 people.  Marconi said the deal would enhance its ability to offer value-added solutions to Application Service Providers (ASPs).
http://www.marconi.com/news_events/press_releases/current/4458.html
Marconi, May 23, 2000

Earlier this month, Marconi announced the formation of a US$100 million venture capital fund aimed at emerging communications products, technologies and business models.  Marconi Venture will be based in Waltham, Massachusetts.  Marconi has already invested iUS$7.5 million in Ten Square (formerly iamnetworks), a start-up based in San Jose, California that is developing the capability to broadcast interactive content to Ten Square certified platforms at gas dispensers, ATMs, and card readers.

ALCATEL AND NEWBRIDGE MERGER TO CLOSE THIS WEEK
Alcatel and Newbridge Networks have received all necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals necessary to complete their merger.  The transaction is expected to close on May 25.  http://www.alcatel.com
Alcatel, May 23, 2000