ELKTON, Md., August 15 -- W. L. Gore & Associates Inc. and Avesta announced they will cross-license four-channel parallel optic transceivers as defined by the QuadLink multi-source agreement (MSA) defining small-footprint four-channel optical transceivers. QuadLink is the first parallel optics MSA optimized for 10-gigabit operation across multiple industry standards, including optical internetworking forum (OIF) for SONET/SDH, InfiniBand and 10-Gigabit Fibre Channel. It is based on a four-channel, full-duplex optical transceiver architecture that operates over a single ribbon fiber cable. The companies' technology license agreement enables both of them to manufacture fully compatible 10-gigabit optical transceivers based on the same underlying optical, electrical and mechanical design. "Gore is excited to be a part of this MSA agreement," said Russell Shaller, global business leader for Gore's fiber optic group. "Not only will we help drive this common package and interface specification as the industry standard for compatible, connectorized 4-channel, full-duplex parallel optical transceivers, but our customers will benefit from the security of supply afforded by the combined capacity of multiple manufacturers."