Optical Switches Delivered by Optical Micro-Machines Inc. At the Core of Siemens' TransXpress Optical Service Node - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, March 20, 2000

Optical Micro-Machines Inc., (OMM) announced Wednesday that the company's optical switch subsystems were selected by Siemens' Information and Communications Networks Group for use in the Siemens' TransXpress Optical Service Node (OSN) MODIF/OXC demonstrations at CeBIT 2000.

OMM is already shipping the first commercially available large-scale optical switch subsystems based on micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) to the rapidly emerging optical switching market.

"Our collaboration with OMM and their ability to deliver product today has made it possible for us to introduce the TransXpress OSN MODIF/OXC -- the world's first optical cross connect system," said Hubert Jager, business manager for Optical Networks at Siemens.

OMM's optical switches feature non-blocking, low optical insertion loss and fast switching speeds. OMM's advanced capabilities in automation and packaging has made it possible to deliver first-to-market commercial optical switching subsystems.

"We are delighted to have been selected by Siemens for their optical cross connect system," said Hus Tigli, president and chief executive officer of OMM Inc. "The market for all-optical switching is already taking off and we are now ramping production to meet the needs of our customers," he added.

OMM has identified automation in manufacturing and packaging as the key success factor to bring high volume and low cost optical switch subsystems to the market today. OMM is investing aggressively in automation to ensure market demands are met and lead-times are continually reduced.

"OMM is clearly the most serious player in the MEMS based optical switch modules today," said Lynn Hutcheson, director of optical components at RHK, a telecommunications market research firm. "Their selection by Siemens is a clear indication that the market is ready to accept MEMS based optical switching," he added.

OMM, headquartered in San Diego, is a privately held company and a leading manufacturer of optical switch subsystems based on micro electromechanical systems (MEMS). More information can be found at www.omminc.com.