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Merit Network Selects ADVA Optical Networking as Vendor of Choice for REACH-3MC Optical Hardware RFP

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September 20, 2010

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Merit Network, Inc. has selected ADVA Optical Networking as Vendor of Choice for Merit’s Broadband Stimulus Project, REACH-3MC. ADVA Optical Networking was selected from a number of qualified vendors that responded to a Request for Proposal (RFP) Merit issued in late March.

While there were several strong proposals, the Merit team’s thorough review of all RFPs showed that ADVA Optical Networking could best deliver a viable technology solution in support of the REACH-3MC project.
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“The ADVA Optical Networking proposal meets our immediate needs for a 40 channel system and has the ability to offer native 10 Gbps waves today,” said Merit’s Director of Network Engineering and Operations, Pete Miller. “Additionally, with this system in place, it will be possible to upgrade to 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps with no optical layer changes.”

“From a wavelength perspective, the system is scalable up to 80 wavelengths per fiber pair with any combination of 2.5 Gbps, 10 Gbps, 40 Gbps, or 100 Gbps wavelengths,” he said. “Merit will be able to offer an extremely robust and highly available network infrastructure, which will allow us to dynamically manage and provision end to end services.”

Brian Savory, director of business development, ADVA Optical Networking, said, “The FSP 3000 offers the scalability that Merit Network needs as it grows its network to meet customer demands. This solution provides a seamless overlay to existing networks with no system downtime during deployment.” Mr. Savory went on to say, “ADVA Optical Networking has always supported the Research and Education Community and we are happy to continue working with Merit Network in this next phase of their network expansion.”

“The ADVA Optical Networking proposal includes 8 degree ROADM technology,” said Robert Duncan, Merit’s director of infrastructure architecture and strategy. “This type of technology is critical for Merit to integrate our existing network infrastructure and to ensure we have the appropriate flexibility to deploy the REACH-3MC network infrastructure.”

“Merit believes that ADVA Optical Networking’s broad experience in designing and deploying DWDM networks will prove to be a valuable asset,” said Bob Stovall, vice president of Network Engineering and Operations for Merit Network.

The Merit evaluation team made their selection based on the following criteria: functionality, hardware components, and cost. The platform’s ability to support the technology and hardware of Merit’s existing 1,600 mile backbone was a strong consideration as well.

About Merit Network

Merit Network Inc., is a nonprofit corporation owned and governed by Michigan’s public universities. Merit owns and operates America’s longest-running regional research and education network. In 1966, Michigan’s public universities created Merit as a shared resource to help meet their common need for networking assistance. Since its formation, Merit Network has remained at the forefront of research and education networking expertise and services. Merit provides high-performance networking and IT solutions to Michigan’s public universities, colleges, K-12 organizations, libraries, state government, healthcare, and other non-profit organizations.

For more information: www.merit.edu

About REACH-3MC

The REACH Michigan Middle Mile Collaborative (REACH-3MC) will build 2,287 miles of open-access, advanced fiber-optic network through rural and underserved communities in Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas. The network will also provide backhaul to key connection points in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Led by Merit Network, Michigan’s research and education network, REACH-3MC includes sub-recipients from the private sector to make broadband readily available to households and businesses that lack adequate service options in the 52 counties that make up the project service area. REACH-3MC is funded by a two grants (Round I and Round II) from the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), commonly referenced as the Stimulus Package.

About ADVA Optical Networking

ADVA Optical Networking is a global provider of intelligent telecommunications infrastructure solutions. With software-automated Optical+Ethernet transmission technology, the Company builds the foundation for high-speed, next-generation networks. The Company’s FSP product family adds scalability and intelligence to our customers’ networks while removing complexity and cost. With a flexible and fast-moving organization, ADVA Optical Networking forges close partnerships with its customers to meet the growing demand for data, storage, voice and video services. Thanks to reliable performance for more than 15 years, the Company has become a trusted partner for more than 250 carriers and 10,000 enterprises across the globe.

For more information: www.advaoptical.com

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