Martinsried/Munich, Germany; Mahwah/New Jersey, USA. July 16, 2003. ADVA Optical Networking (FSE: ADV), a leading global provider of optical networking solutions, today announced that it has joined the Metro Ethernet Forum, the leading industry group dedicated to accelerating the adoption of Ethernet in metro networks worldwide. ADVA joins a prestigious group of 68 other companies, including component suppliers, equipment vendors, and service providers focused on optical Ethernet solutions for metro areas.
Ethernet is commonly regarded as a simple and cost-effective technology that provides rapid provision on demand, packet-based operation, and end-to-end transparency. The Metro Ethernet Forum seeks to build consensus and unite service providers, equipment vendors, and end-customers, facilitate implementation of existing and new standards, and enhance worldwide awareness of the benefits of Ethernet services and transport networks. The organization's 69 members actively participate in committees and panels to define Ethernet services and carrier-class Ethernet-based transport technologies, particularly by specifying architecture, protocols, and management.
Brian P. McCann, ADVA's Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer, commented, "Ethernet solutions are one of the three most important application areas ADVA is actively driving today. Enterprises are finding that their local area networks can be easily extended across a metro area, enabling multiple sites to be connected seamlessly, cost-effectively and at native speeds. We are helping metro carriers turn this demand into new revenues by offering an increasingly richer array of fully-managed Ethernet services. Joining the Metro Ethernet Forum was an important step for ADVA to ensure that our next-generation features and products are synchronized with the emerging industry."
ABOUT METRO ETHERNET FORUM
Created to accelerate the adoption of Ethernet in metro networks worldwide, the Metro Ethernet Forum consists of 69 member companies representing a range of leading Ethernet service providers, major incumbent local exchange carriers, top network equipment vendors and other prominent networking companies. For more information about the Forum, visit the MEF web site at www.MetroEthernetForum.org. For a complete listing of all current MEF members, please visit the MEF website at:
www.metroethernetforum.org/members.htm.
ABOUT ADVA OPTICAL NETWORKING
ADVA Optical Networking is a leading global provider of optical networking solutions for rapid and cost-effective provisioning of high-speed data, storage, voice, and video services in the metropolitan area. ADVA's carrier-class portfolio is comprised of the Fiber Service Platform family of products - explicitly designed to ensure the lowest total cost of ownership. ADVA's solutions have been deployed at over 70 carriers and service providers (including PTTs, RBOCs, LECs, and IXCs) and more than 500 enterprises worldwide. ADVA's products are sold through an international network of blue-chip distribution partners in addition to its own direct sales force. Further information about ADVA Optical Networking: www.advaoptical.com.