Aegis Semiconductor Signs with Fabrinet to Expand Manufacturing Capacity of Channel Monitors.

WOBURN, Mass. & BANGKOK, Thailand -- Aegis Semiconductor, the industry-leading supplier of embedded monitoring in next-generation optical communications systems, has brought online additional manufacturing capacity through Fabrinet, both companies announced today. Fabrinet is a Thailand-based global engineering and manufacturing services provider of complex optical and electro-mechanical components, modules and bulk optics.

This additional capacity will boost output for the entire product line of Aegis RoHS-compliant channel monitors, enabling the company to keep pace with increasing customer demand. The market for Aegis optical channel monitors (OCM) is accelerating, fueled by increased deployments of reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) transmission systems.

Deployments of ROADM systems have recently expanded into metro and regional networks. These networks are being upgraded to handle the massive amount of traffic from fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services offered by telecom providers and "triple-play" services offered by cable providers. Aegis OCM modules provide essential functions that enable or enhance the intelligence, flexibility and transparency of ROADM nodes in which they are embedded.

"We found in Fabrinet an invaluable strategic partner that was able to quickly implement and expand our production lines in response to the steep acceleration of recent market demand," said Jeffrey Farmer, president and CEO, Aegis Semiconductor. "From their inception, our product designs were conceived with great emphasis on low-cost packaging and assembly using an outsourced manufacturing model."

"While we do host the manufacturing lines of some of the biggest names in the optical networking industry, we also look to serve promising technologies that exhibit a high potential for rapid growth," said Teera Achariyapaopan, Ph.D., executive vice-president and COO, Fabrinet. "The simplicity of Aegis Semiconductor's optical monitors was recognized early on as having a high potential, and we are pleased to have helped support its runaway success in the market."

About Aegis Semiconductor

Aegis Semiconductor is a privately held company that builds cost-effective solutions for intelligent optical networks. Based on its Active Thin Films technology, Aegis is the first company to deliver low-cost wavelength-monitoring components and modules that are easily manufactured using proven methods from the semiconductor industry. Aegis has raised more than $30 million in funding from leading investors and venture capitalists, including Vesbridge Partners, Alta Partners, Technology Venture Partners and Megunticook Management. The company is located in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA. More information can be viewed at www.aegis-semi.com.

About Fabrinet

The leading outsourced provider of optical componentry, Fabrinet serves data communications, telecom, storage area networks (SAN), cable television, automotive, and industrial sensing markets worldwide with vertically integrated technology solutions. Fabrinet offers a broad range of highly sophisticated engineering services, including comprehensive process technology transfer capabilities, rigorous IP protection with a highly customized "factory within a factory" operating model, a real-time "shop floor" product tracking and information system, clean room assembly environments (up to Class 100) and a partnership model recognized for its customer service and flexibility. Fabrinet also designs and manufactures bulk optical components including glass and crystal through its operating subsidiaries Casix and Vitrocom. ISO 9001:2000, 14001, TL 9000 and ISO/TS 16949:2002 certified, Fabrinet maintains factories in Thailand, China and the United States. For more information visit the website at www.fabrinet.com.