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Finisar: Finisar, Opnext and Sumitomo Electric/Excelight Announce Multi-Source Agreement for 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s Optical Transce

^{Published on 2009-03-23 03:05:25, Last Modified on 2009-11-03 18:52:20 - Market Wire}
 

SUNNYVALE, CA--(Marketwire - March 23, 2009) - Finisar Corporation (NASDAQ: [ FNSR ]), Opnext, Inc. (NASDAQ: [ OPXT ]) and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd./Excelight Communications, Inc. announced today that they have entered into a Multi-Source Agreement (MSA). The purpose of the CFP MSA is to define a hot-pluggable optical transceiver form factor to enable 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s applications, including next-generation High Speed Ethernet (40GbE and 100GbE). Pluggable CFP transceivers will support the ultra-high bandwidth requirements of data communications and telecommunication networks that form the backbone of the internet.

According to industry analysts, IP traffic is expected to nearly double every two years through 2012, potentially resulting in core network bandwidth shortages. The IP traffic volume will be driven by high-quality video services like VOD and IPTV as well as the availability of high-speed and high-capacity access networks such as FTTx and WiFi. To prevent these shortages, carriers and service providers are already planning the deployment of next-generation high-speed network protocols. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is currently working on the standardization of 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s Ethernet under its P802.3ba Task Force. In addition to the existing 40Gb/s telecom standards, both the OIF and the ITU-T are working on standardizing SDH/OTN telecom interfaces for long-haul transmission of 100Gb Ethernet.

Pluggable transceiver modules compliant to the CFP MSA will be used on these 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s interfaces. The CFP MSA is defining the specifications required to support multiple applications using the same form factor. These applications include various protocols (such as 40GbE, 100GbE, OC-768/STM-256, OTU3), media types (multimode and single mode fiber optics) and link distances. The CFP MSA utilizes numerous innovative features like advanced thermal management, EMI management and 10Gb/s signal integrity design to define the transceiver mechanical form factor, the optical connector, the 10x10Gb/s electrical connector with its pin assignments, the MDIO-based transceiver management interface and the hardware required on the system host board.

For further information, including detailed CFP specification documents, customers may visit the CFP MSA website at [ www.cfp-msa.org ] or contact the following representatives:

Finisar Corporation: Christian Urricariet, [ christian.urricariet@finisar.com ]

Opnext, Inc.: Matt Traverso, [ mtraverso@opnext.com ]

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd./Excelight Communications, Inc.: Eddie Tsumura, [ tsumura-eiji@sei.co.jp ]

About Finisar

Finisar Corporation (NASDAQ: [ FNSR ]) is a global technology leader for fiber optic subsystems and network test systems that enable high-speed voice, video and data communications for networking, storage, wireless, and cable TV applications. For more than 20 years, Finisar has provided critical optics technologies to system manufacturers to meet the increasing demands for network bandwidth and storage. Finisar is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, USA with R&D, manufacturing sites, and sales offices worldwide. For additional information, visit [ www.finisar.com ].

About Opnext

Opnext (NASDAQ: [ OPXT ]) optical technologies add the spark of innovation to a world of new applications, from the latest communications networks to high-demand consumer electronics. The Company's industry expertise, future-focused thinking and commitment to research and development combine in bringing to market the industry's largest portfolio of 10G and 40G next generation products and solutions. Formed out of Hitachi, Opnext has built on more than 30 years experience of advanced technology to establish its broad portfolio of solutions and solid reputation for excellence in service. For additional information, visit [ www.opnext.com ].

About Sumitomo Electric Industries

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. (SEI) designs, manufactures and sells optical fiber, cable and components, advanced electronic devices, and automotive parts. Through a successful strategy of research and diversification, SEI has become one of the world's leading companies at the forefront of the revolution in information and communications. Sumitomo's world-class research and manufacturing capabilities in optical technology continue to expand and strengthen the product portfolio while maintaining industry leading levels of reliability. The company has operations around the world in more than 30 countries and employs 150,000 people. SEI reported group net sales of $25.3 billion for the year ended March 2008. [ www.sei.co.jp/index.en.html ]

The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by their use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "will," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "strive," "designed" and similar words. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, any statement or implication that the products described in this press release (i) will be successfully introduced or marketed, (ii) will be qualified and purchased by MSA members' customers, or (iii) will perform to any particular specifications or performance or reliability standards. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that, if realized, could materially impair the MSA members' respective results of operations, business and financial condition. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, factors discussed from time to time in financial reports filed by one or more of the MSA members. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and none of the MSA members assumes any obligation to update or qualify any of the statements made herein.