Alcatel Partners with OMM To Strengthen Technological Lead in Next-Generation Photonic Cross-Connects.

Business & Technology Editors

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 28, 2000

Use of Three-Dimensional MEMS Micro-Mirror Photonic Switching

Subsystems Will Offer Unprecedented Traffic Capacity

Alcatel (NYSE:ALA), the world leader in optical networking and intelligent cross-connect systems, today announced a partnership with OMM, a supplier of micro-electromechanical subsystem (MEMS) photonic switching components, to include three dimensional (3D) MEMS technology in Alcatel's next-generation CrossLight photonic cross-connects.

This partnership, which includes an investment of Alcatel in OMM, will strengthen Alcatel's technological lead in photonic cross-connect systems.

In addition to current two dimensional (2D) technology being used in CrossLight systems, 3D MEMS-based subsystems from OMM will be used to extend the already unequalled capacity of the system up to more than 4000x4000 ports. The CrossLight architecture has been designed specifically to take advantage of new photonic technologies within its matrix to enable the network to grow seamlessly as applications evolve. Alcatel's CrossLight photonic cross-connect will allow operators and service providers to achieve fast time-to-market for high-capacity and high-quality services. This is accomplished with a cost-effective technological evolution path to meet future capacity growth needs.

3D MEMS switching components are micro-machined mirrors, fabricated on silicon chips. For very large cross-connects, 3D components, moving in three dimensions when switching the light, allow for more connections in the same space and cost conditions than current 2D MEMS technology. 3D MEMS are produced with the same silicon foundry process that has been used for years by the computer industry to provide reliable processors. Exploiting these established silicon fabrication techniques, OMM uses miniature steerable mirrors to switch light over three dimensions to connect wavelengths from one path to another in high-density dense wavelength division multiplexing networks. These mirrors require tiny amounts of power to control and scale to real-world telecom switching needs.

Christian Reinaudo, president of Alcatel's Optics Group, said, "Alcatel has launched the CrossLight photonic cross-connect to meet its customers' ever-increasing capacity needs and take a worldwide leading position in this promising market. In our effort to always pave the way for new technologies, our partnership with OMM will allow us to provide the most advanced solutions to our customers in the future and to maintain our technological lead over the competition."

Unveiled recently, the Alcatel CrossLight photonic cross-connect routes light through its all-optical switching matrix, eliminating the optical-electrical conversion typical in existing electrical solutions. In contrast to an electrical solution, which can handle only a fixed amount of traffic, CrossLight's capacity can increase as a customer's need for bandwidth grows and offers the world's largest capacity levels. CrossLight complements Alcatel's existing broadband cross-connect portfolio. CrossLight will enable carriers and service providers to allocate bandwidth on demand for the busiest parts of their networks and will reduce network cost by 40 percent. In addition, Alcatel's customers can take advantage of the company's complete optical core solutions and technologies, including Alcatel 7770 RCP core router platform, all supported by the same, unified network management platform.

About Alcatel

In November 1999, RHK, a leading telecommunications analyst firm, said that Alcatel holds a 21% share - the number one position - of the world's total transport market, which comprises submarine and terrestrial transmission systems. RHK noted that Alcatel's market-leading 37% market share in the submarine networks segment helped secure the top position in the total transport market. In addition, RHK found that Alcatel commands a 37% share of the digital cross-connect systems (DCS) segment. Cross-connect systems contain the enabling technology for operators to offer high bandwidth services. Alcatel is also cited as the global leader in terms of DWDM market share for the global market encompassing both terrestrial and submarine applications.

Alcatel builds next generation networks, delivering integrated end-to-end voice and data networking solutions to established and new carriers, as well as enterprises and consumers worldwide. With 120,000 employees and sales of EURO 23 billion in 1999, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.

Visit us at www.alcatel.com

About OMM

OMM, headquartered in San Diego, California, is a supplier of MEMS-based (micro-electromechanical systems) photonic switching solutions to communications equipment manufacturers. The company's switching solutions are available as modules with integrated drive electronics or subsystems that incorporate board level electronics and related optoelectrical components. OMM offers a complete range of two-, three-, or four-plane subsystems that can be used in all-optical cross connect or optical add-drop multiplexing configurations. OMM is also currently developing a family of large optical cross-connect subsystems using proprietary three-dimensional MEMS solutions. The company's advanced capabilities in MEMS, optics, packaging, and automation in manufacturing have made it possible to deliver commercially available photonic switching subsystems. Find more information at http://www.omminc.com.