28 April 2003 St. Louis Lightwave--Dominion Lasercom, a global supplier of free space optical (FSO) broadband systems, is working with distribution partner Graybar, to sell its digital audio video infrared data (DAViD) free-space laser communications system in North America. DAViD uses FSO technology to deliver data through an infrared laser beam at rates of 10 Mbits/sec to 1 Gbit/sec, up to 1.25 miles.
This point-to-point laser data transmission serves as a last-mile alternative to high-speed broadband carried over copper or fiber, especially in enterprise campus environments, which accounts for about 65% of the market. The equipment takes up very little space, and can be installed on rooftops, on poles, or from inside windows, and uses a rapid deployment kit that fits in a suitcase, said Dennis DeSousa, senior vice president, Communications/Data Business, for Graybar.
The carrier-grade FSO equipment market continues to expand in North America, where sales are projected to grow from $200 million this year to about $870 million in 2005, according to Strategis Group. Worldwide FSO equipment revenues are projected to reach $2 billion in 2005, up from less than $100 million in 2000. DAViD is a cost efficient way for data and telecommunications service providers to expand their networks and reach new customers, DeSousa explained. Dominion's patented fiber-coupled antenna and laser modem technology has enabled it to establish a strong leadership position in the FSO market.
"Graybar was our first choice as a distribution partner for the DAViD system because of its strong reputation in the marketplace as North America's leading distributor," said Mark Docuet, co-founder and vice president, market development, for Dominion Lasercom (Bryan, Texas). "All of us at Dominion are looking forward to working closely with an organization that has a long history as a pacesetter of innovation and professionalism."
DeSousa said Dominion Lasercom's products and services will further strengthen Graybar's portfolio in delivering wireless broadband solutions for telecommunications and networking customers. "Graybar has always been a forerunner in bringing to market ground-breaking products, and Dominion's FSO design has clearly set a new mark in broadband delivery solutions for our customers," he said. "Our sales and marketing staff are enthusiastic and excited about this wireless product and how it fulfills a market demand for both the first and the last mile."