Alcatel-Lucent to acquire Tropic Networks
APRIL 3, 2007 -- Alcatel-Lucent (search for Alcatel-Lucent) signed an agreement to acquire substantially all assets, including all intellectual property, of Canadian metro WDM networking supplier Tropic Networks Inc. (search for Tropic Networks). This transaction builds upon the collaboration the two companies established in July 2004, with the Alcatel-Lucent investment and global supply agreement.
Bandwidth-hungry services for consumers--including gaming, IPTV, and video-on-demand--as well as advanced data services like mission-critical business applications are leading operators to increase the flexibility and ease of use of their optical networks. This new service growth also requires automated monitoring processes to maximize network simplicity for high efficiency in service delivery.
Through this acquisition, Alcatel-Lucent says it is taking a new, strategic step in focusing on telecom and cable operators' key requirements for simplified network planning, accelerated wavelength/service provisioning, and advanced optical monitoring technology that eases overall maintenance activities across their optical infrastructure.
The further integration of key intellectual property developed by Tropic Networks, namely the Wavelength Tracker, enhances the competitiveness of Alcatel-Lucent's optical product portfolio and gives operators the benefit of cost-effectively upgrading their networks according to the latest innovations in optical transmission, say Alcatel-Lucent representatives. In combination with Alcatel-Lucent's ROADM (search for ROADM) technology, the advanced optical layer management technology developed by Tropic Networks delivers the flexibility and security to maximize network efficiency and operational cost savings.
In addition, the acquisition provides for uninterrupted supply to Alcatel-Lucent and Tropic Networks' customers, allowing them to benefit from integration synergies with the overall Alcatel-Lucent portfolio, note company representatives. "We are continuing to make strategic moves that serve our customers with the ability to successfully address new opportunities for the end-users' benefit," reports Romano Valussi, president of Alcatel-Lucent's Optics activities.
"The relationship developed over three years has been valuable and we are proud to join Alcatel-Lucent, the worldwide leader in optical networking," adds Kevin Rankin, CEO of Tropic Networks. "Our vision of a fully flexible and scalable optical network is finding a further expansion with Alcatel-Lucent's advanced product portfolio and new opportunities to bring technology advancements to the market."
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