BTI and Bookham to Develop Optical Subsystems

OXFORDSHIRE, England, July 29 -- BTI Photonic Systems, a supplier of managed link transport systems for optical networks, and Bookham Technology plc, a provider of components, modules and subsystems for telecommunication networks, have announced a technology, product and commercial association to deliver optimized optical subsystems.

The association allows both companies to introduce advanced optical solutions based on Bookham's portfolio of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers and optical add/drop multiplexers, together with BTI's Netstender family of intelligent link systems.

"Many of our key customers want to purchase subsystems rather than components so they can optimize the payback on their own engineering resource," said Steve Turley, chief commercial officer at Bookham. "By combining Bookham's leadership in optical technology and design strength with BTI's system platform and management software leadership, we are creating a competitive alliance to deliver leading-edge subsystems for the intelligent optical network. The enhanced solutions we will be able to offer will complement our existing product lines and will allow us to address an expanded market."

The companies' new integrated optical products will include a 1U rack mount EDFA subsystem and a highly scalable 2U subsystem offering advanced signal conditioning and expansion capabilities. The systems will be made available worldwide through Bookham's and BTI's sales channels.

For more information, visit: www.bookham.com