New strategic relationship will result in faster deployments of optical networks
CORNING, N.Y. - November 14, 2000 - Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) and Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) today announced a strategic alliance to deliver IP+ optical solutions to their service provider customers. By combining Corning's expertise and leadership in optical fiber and photonic products with Cisco's expertise in Internet scale optical networking solutions, the alliance will work together to speed deployment of optical infrastructures. These solutions are expected to reduce service providers' time to market and the cost of deploying the optical network.
"Optical networking is revolutionizing the Internet and creating unprecedented opportunities that benefit the Internet ecosystem," said Mike Volpi, senior vice president and chief strategy officer at Cisco Systems. "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."
Through this non-exclusive alliance, Corning and Cisco will form teams to develop pre-engineered optical solutions consistent with customer requirements. Products included with this effort are Cisco's core products, Corning's full line of optical fiber products, including the latest generations of Corning LEAF. and MetroCor optical fiber, and Corning's photonic products including MEMS based optical switches and Raman amplifiers. In addition, Corning will supply optical amplifiers to Cisco.
"Corning is delighted to be working closely with Cisco, which is recognized throughout the industry for innovative, end-to-end networking solutions," said Wendell Weeks, executive vice president, Corning Optical Communications. "We look forward to working together to develop future generation communications platforms for their customers."
CorningEstablished in 1851, Corning Incorporated (www.corning.com) creates leading-edge technologies for the fastest-growing markets of the world's economy. Corning manufactures optical fiber, cable and photonic products for the telecommunications industry; and high-performance displays and components for television and other communications-related industries. The company also uses advanced materials to manufacture products for scientific, semiconductor and environmental markets. Corning's revenues in 1999 were $4.7 billion.
