Cisco Systems, Inc., is joining forces with Corning Inc., to provide data
carriers with pre-engineered optical network solutions, it was announced
Tuesday.
The non-exclusive strategic alliance brings the Cisco product line of
optical switches and amplifiers to Corning’s popular LEAF optical fiber lines.
Mike Volpi, Cisco senior vice president and chief strategy officer, said
the agreement is a good fit for both companies.
“Optical networking is revolutionizing the Internet and creating
unprecedented opportunities that benefit the Internet ecosystem,” Volpi
said. “Corning’s expertise in optical fiber and photonic products, coupled
with Cisco’s expertise in building IP-based networks is a powerful
combination that will enable service providers to deliver rich new services.”
The deal is the second big announcement in two days for the fiber optic
company. Drs. Donald Keck, Robert Maurer and Peter Schultz were awarded
the 2000 National Medal of Technology, for their invention of the low-loss
optical fiber. The breakthrough was made when the three were employees at
Corning in the ’70s.
The medal is awarded yearly to innovators who make contributions that
significantly impact commerce and advance the American standard of living.
In separate news, Cisco announced Monday its plans to purchase Australian
wireless chipset maker Radiata, Inc., for $295 million in stock. Cisco,
which already had a 11 percent ownership stake in the company, said it
plans to boost the data speeds of its current and future wireless networks
products using the chipsets from its latest acquisition.
The deal marks the possible start of a Cisco spending spree in the
Asia-Pacific rim region.
Richard Freemantle, Cisco vice president of Asia-Pacifica operations, said
the company is always looking to acquire good equipment companies to
bolster its product offerings.
“We are looking all the time, we are restless always,” Freemantle said.
