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Technology Stocks : Ciena (CIEN) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: E_K_S who wrote (5316)	11/5/1998 11:44:00 PM
From: John F. Dowd	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 12623

This might be bad news for CIEN if Alcatel have developed their own DWDM tech. On the other hand it might be good news if they are using CIEN's stuff. Does anyone know? JFD

To: E_K_S who wrote (5316)	11/5/1998 11:45:00 PM
From: Frank A. Coluccio	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 12623

Eric, The total number of calls is not astounding in itself, given that they are using four fiber pairs... they've pumped the lines to full bore to their current capabilities. However, I think that your question concerning WDM and DWDM is the point here, and it is reflective of the current confusion caused by marketecturists. G. Gilder has a good time with this one. The point being, why call it dense? Dense compared to what? It's a term that will outgrow itself very quickly. WDM is WDM. If further descriptors must be used, then perhaps WDM-4 or WDM-96, and eventually WDM 1024, and higher, etc., should be used. Apparently, the British have not caught on yet to this new way to obfuscate issues. In answer to your question, then, they're all WDMs of one quantity or another. HTH, Regards, Frank C.

To: E_K_S who wrote (5316)	11/6/1998 11:00:00 AM
From: E_K_S	Respond to of 12623

Cien's upgrade path?? Can somebody explain if CIEN's technology (and product offerings) include an upgrade path for current and old customers. Can older WDM or DWDM systems be upgraded to higher bandwidth designs by simply swaping out "control point" components? Or rather, are these emerging designs proprietary where each system requires unique one-of-a-kind components that limit the customer's option for future upgrade enhancements (ie Alcatel, Sprint etc.)? If Cien provides products and technology that clearly provide as easy upgrade path for new & old customers, then this would be another positive for generating long term growth. EKS