Mtnlady,
My understanding has been that Nortel, Lucent, Alcatel, Ciena, etc. are optical system providers. These companies build and install optical networks. [In some instances they also have agreements with their customers to maintain these networks]. JDS Uniphase, Corning, SDL, etc. produce optical components that are used by the above companies.
Admittedly, this is a simplistic view, since Nortel, Ciena, etc. also manufacture some of the optical components [in most cases for internal use].
Cisco competes with Nortel, Ciena, etc. It makes sense for Cisco to partner with component manufacturers, like Corning, to build the best possible optical systems. IMO, the partnership makes a lot of sense. Or maybe I am biased because I am a Cisco shareholder <g>. [Or my understanding could be completely wrong. By the way I also own JDS Uniphase and Nortel]. |
