ADVISORY/OFC 2004 - Experts from the U.S. Government and Global Business Community to Discuss Latest Applications, Trends and Current Realities of Optics.

Assignment Desks/High-Tech Writers

ADVISORY...for Tuesday (Feb. 24)

OFC 2004

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

Register and Attend the Premier International Optics and Electronics Industry Event

What:          Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exposition
               (OFC) Plenary Session
               --  TRANSFORMATION IN THE DOD
                   How and why DWDM is being used to transform the
                   Pentagon. A brief history of where the DOD has
                   been, where it is now and where it is going with
                   the use of information to provide the best
                   military possible.

                   Presented by: John P. Stenbit, assistant secretary
                   of defense of the C3I successor organization,
                   Networks and Information Integration/Department of
                   Defense Chief Information Officer.

               --  ACCESS TO BROADBAND NETWORK AND NEW LIFE
                   Discussion of the widespread availability and
                   success of broadband access in Korea and the
                   evolution of fiber in the loop to fiber to the
                   home. Future uses of and new demands for optical
                   communications will be discussed.

                   Presented by: Dr. Yong-Kyung Lee, president and
                   CEO of KT Corporation (Korea Telecom)

               --  OPTICAL NETWORKING - THE MAGIC ELIXIR FOR
                   RESTORING HEALTH TO CARRIER BUSINESS MODELS
                   Discussion of the current financial challenges
                   facing carriers around the world, the specific
                   issues to be resolved and a plan to return the
                   carriers to financial health. Presentation will
                   also include a brief overview of the regulatory
                   and other changes necessary to usher in a new era
                   of prosperity in the optical networking industry.

                   Presented by: Bill Cadogan, general partner at
                   St. Paul Venture Capital

When/Where:    February 24, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., at the Los Angeles
               Convention Center.

Details:       As the most influential technical and business
               conference in the industry, this year's OFC is the
               most time-efficient, cost-effective opportunity to
               meet with optics and electronics companies from around
               the world. Nearly 600 companies will exhibit the
               latest products, providing attendees a first-look at
               the technology of the present and future. The
               technical program will feature hundreds of sessions,
               including workshops, short courses and paper
               presentations, giving participants the opportunity to
               customize their learning experience.

Registration:  Registration for OFC 2004 has begun and can be
               accessed online at
http://www.ofcconference.org/media_center/MediaRegistrationForm.aspx.

Contact:       Please contact us or visit the event Web site at
               www.ofcconference.org for additional information,
               including travel arrangement details.

               Leah Wilkinson, 703-892-8080, [e-mail]
               Keira Shein, 410-602-1855, [e-mail]
               Colleen Morrison, 202-416-1437, [e-mail]