MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 25 -- ADC and Corning Cable Systems have announced a technology transfer agreement for a Corning Cable Systems hardened connector products used in drop cable deployments in optical access networks. ADC said it elected to pursue a formal technology transfer agreement before manufacturing the product to ensure full compatibility between the two companies' products. "ADC understood the benefits of Corning's innovation early on, but believed strongly that its full potential would only be realized if they were able to work directly with Corning," said Greg Wiehle, vice president of engineering with ADC's global connectivity solutions business unit. "The agreement allows ADC to interact in real-time with Corning's engineering and operations teams, facilitating firsthand direction regarding intermateability." The companies said another goal of the agreement is to develop the hardened connector 'option of choice' for the FTTx (fiber-to-the-curb/business/home) environment. Corning Cable Systems is part of Corning Inc.'s telecommunications segment. ADC provides connections for wireline, wireless, cable, broadcast and enterprise networks. For more information, visit: www.corning.com