Deltek deploys passive optical LAN from Tellabs

Deltek, a provider of enterprise software and IT supplier, says it is using passive optical LAN equipment from Tellabs Inc. (NASDAQ: TLAB) to deliver gigabit-to-the-desk services over a passive fiber-optic cable infrastructure at the company's new headquarters in suburban Washington, DC.

Passive optical LANs leverage the passive optical network (PON) technology used in FTTx applications (see “Optics to the desktop sets LANs alight”).Optical LAN technology delivers significant savings in capital expenses, power consumption, and space requirements, Tellabs claims. Those savings add up to a lower total cost of ownership compared with traditional copper-based LANs. Tellabs says its enterprise customers can save up to 70% of total cost of ownership, 80% of energy consumption, and 90% of space requirements.

In the case of Deltek, the new optical LAN will fulfill Deltek's immediate bandwidth needs with gigabit-to-the-desk service, while also providing the capacity to scale the network as bandwidth needs grow over the next 25 years. George Goforth, Deltek vice president of IT, wanted a solution that could not only deliver additional bandwidth and ultra-reliable performance, but also reduce hardware and hardware-maintenance costs.

"The passive pptical LAN proved to be the ideal choice," he said. "We have reduced our capex budget because we no longer have to swap out switches every four to seven years. The operational simplicity means our IT staff members don't have to spend a lot of time on LAN and port management, so they can focus on other support activities."

The passive optical LAN also fits with Deltek's environmental-sustainability goals. Deltek headquarters achieved a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver accreditation by the U.S. Green Building Council for its reduced power consumption, innovation, and sustainability.

Tellabs optical LAN partner NET 100 installed and turned up the fiber-optic network and will provide ongoing support for the optical LAN at Deltek.

For more information on FTTx/access systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.