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Technology Stocks : The New QLogic (ANCR) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Roy Sardina who wrote (17741)	8/17/1998 9:52:00 AM
From: Lhn5	Respond to of 29386

Is this a reason why ANCR left the LAN? OEMs Demonstrate Tangible Support for the VF-45 Connector Interface; Twelve Manufacturers Currently Shipping Product or Going to Market in Coming Months AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 17, 1998--In an industry-wide move to make fiber optic LANs simpler and more affordable, a dozen manufacturers recently outlined an active plan for support of the VF-45 fiber optic interconnect and further deployment of the technology in electronics, chips and passive components. The VF-45 interface is an openly licensed duplex interconnect that provides price and performance that will allow fiber-based networking solutions to rival copper-based alternatives. The key to its economy and simplicity is the elimination of the precision optical alignment components found in other conventional and small form factor interconnects. Instead, the VF-45 interface relies on proven V-groove fiber alignment techniques to cut cost and to allow electronics manufacturers to design and build low-cost, high-density fiber solutions. Three of the world's major transceiver manufacturers are designing and currently delivering transceivers for both 1300 nm and 850 nm wavelengths with the VF-45 interface. Honeywell's MicroSwitch Division, Siemens Microelectronics Incorporated, and Sumitomo Electric Lightwave will offer transceiver products ranging from 10 mbps through Gigabit. The companies have each made a commitment to the interface by providing finished product and ongoing samples for new product designs incorporating the VF-45 footprint. Manufacturers announced that the VF-45 transceivers will also be available in 2 X 5 pin out within weeks, allowing board designers complete flexibility in the small form-factor interface they select. VF-45 transceivers are currently available in 1 X 5, 1 X 9, simplex and quad pack configurations. The transceiver manufacturers also intend to bring the VF-45 interface into the industry's Small Form Factor Multi-Source Agreement which specifies a common footprint for high-density fiber solutions regardless of interface. Other significant endorsements for the VF-45 platform include product offerings from a number of electronics manufacturers, as well as OEM suppliers who are designing compatible electronics for private labeling through the world's leading electronics manufacturers. Companies currently providing product, or who will be announcing VF-45 compatible product commercialization over the next few months include ACT Research, BATM Advanced Communications, Davicom Semiconductor, Canary Communications Incorporated, Microcosm Communications Ltd. and Racore Technology Corporation. Cisco Systems Incorporated was the first manufacturer to introduce small form factor compatible electronics in January of this year with the launch of a Catalyst 5000 Token Ring Module with a VF-45 interface. Additional companies are well into the design and evaluation of VF-45 compatible electronics. For passive components, 11 companies are considering licensing and marketing the VF-45 under their own name. In the six months since the commercialization of the VF-45 connector by 3M as the interface behind its Volition brand Cabling System, components have been installed or ordered for some 40,000 data lines worldwide using the interface, more than any other small form factor-based system on the market. More than 200,000 connectors have been manufactured to date and are readily available through more than 100 distributors, resellers and systems integrators worldwide. "We have seen strong demand for the VF-45 connector and have been consistently providing product as end users design the connector into their network," said 3M's John Riccardi, Volition Global Business Manager. "While there has been increased attention paid to category 5 and category 6 copper, end users are looking to fiber optic alternatives. The VF-45 solution enables a choice for end users that is cost-competitive with copper. It has offered proven performance, and the socket sells for only $2.10 (U.S.) due to its innovative design." The VF-45 connector is the only small form factor design to receive application standards body endorsement with its approval from Fibre Channel last year. Corning Incorporated was also among the companies meeting in support of the interface. The company is the exclusive glass optical fiber supplier for the 3M Volition system. 3M recently announced the availability of a 50 micron Volition system containing a new high durability, gigabit-ready Corning optical fiber that is commercially available today through the Volition system. "The Volition system continues to lead the way in cost-effective fiber-to-the-desk solutions through innovative, leading-edge technology. We are very pleased that our latest generation of multimode fiber was chosen as an integral part of their system," said Wendell Weeks, Corning senior vice president of opto-electronics. 3M's Telecom Systems Division is a global leader in providing materials, components, products and services for wiring systems and equipment. Building on three decades of experience, the Austin, Texas-based division last year created the Volition brand fiber optic cabling system. The Volition system is tailored for high-speed local area networks serving multimedia applications to desktop computers. The low cost and ease of installation makes it the first fiber offering that allows users to easily prepare for the needs of the 21st Century. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., 3M manufactures a wide range of products for industrial, commercial and consumer markets. 3M had annual sales in 1997 of more than $15 billion. It operates in 61 countries and employees 70,000 people worldwide. More information about Volition and 3M is available on the company's website at 3m.com. CONTACT: 3M, Austin Holli Haswell, 512/984-3418 or Buerger Media Shannon Henderson, 770/449-1666 shannonh@buerger.com To edit your profile, go to keyword NewsProfiles. For all of today's news, go to keyword News.