TIA FOLS elects 2007 officers

FEBRUARY 6, 2007 -- The Fiber Optics LAN Section (FOLS) of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) has elected its slate of officers for 2007. The FOLS focuses on educating end users and influencers about the technical advantages and affordability that optical transmission brings to local area networks and fiber-to-the-desk applications.

Andrew Oliviero, senior product manager, optical fiber at OFS was elected as section chair. "Andrew is an excellent choice to lead the Fiber Optics LAN Section," said Dan Harman, chair in 2006. "After serving as our vice chair in 2006, Andrew is already an integral force in our ongoing initiatives and brings a true understanding of both market needs and FOLS objectives."

Harman added that "Andrew is a noted authority in the industry who speaks frequently at conferences. He brings both technical expertise and applications knowledge to the leadership of the FOLS, which will help the section better answer the concerns and questions that users face when they make their infrastructure decisions. In addition, Andrew has played a key role in furthering our influence and relations with BICSI, an initiative that our members feel is critical."
"I am honored to lead the FOLS," said Oliviero, "especially at a time when we see so much interest in the use of fiber for customer-owned LANs. In 2006, we saw end-users begin to embrace the use of fiber-specific architecture such as fiber-to-the-telecom enclosure, as they began to see how they could combine high performance and low cost in a standards-compliant architecture. We believe that this momentum will continue in 2007."

In addition to Oliviero, the following other leaders in the fiber-optic industry have been elected to FOLS positions:

• Vice chair: Dan Harman, 3M
  
• Communication chair: Alexandra Manning, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave
  
• Membership chair: Mario Rossi, Leviton Voice & Data
  
• Standards chair: Herb Congdon, Tyco Electronics.

FOLS serves as an educational resource, providing information to users about the benefits of fiber in customer-owned networks. For example, the FOLS's newly updated, free cost model can be found on its website, where you can also find case histories, fiber FAQs and standards updates.

FOLS members are leading fiber cable, component, and electronics companies including, 3M, ADC, Berk-Tek, a Nexans Company, CommScope, Corning, Corning Cable Systems, Draqa Comteq, Leviton Voice & Data, OFS, Ortronics/Legrand, Panduit, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, and Tyco Electronics.