Mitel Corporation and Agilent Technologies Agree to Common Standard for 4-Channel Parallel Optic Module

Source: Mitel and Agilent

Ottawa, Canada and Palo Alto, California - Mitel Corporation (NYSE/TSE:MLT) and Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today announced that they have signed a Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) that will set the standard for next-generation 4-channel parallel fiber optic modules operating at data rates up to 10 Gbaud.

The two companies have leveraged their wide range of experience in fiber optic and semiconductor technologies to standardize the package, and optical and electrical interfaces for their respective modules. This ensures that customers will have access to multiple international sources that are compatible with other components within their systems. Both companies expect to offer the modules in 2001.

Designed for a variety of fiber optic communications applications, the parallel optic module features four transmit and four receive channels in one package, each operating at 1 Gbaud to 2.5 Gbaud, for an aggregate bandwidth of 4 Gbaud to 10 Gbaud in each direction. The module is designed to meet the skyrocketing demand for network capacity in next-generation systems, including very short reach OC-192 and InfiniBand connections.

In February, a 12-channel MSA was announced between Mitel, Agilent Technologies and W.L. Gore & Associates. Mitel and Agilent expect that the design and manufacturing expertise developed for the 12-channel product will be applied to the new four-channel transceiver.

"Parallel optics technology is the most economical way to satisfy 10 Gbaud data rate requirements up to 300 meters," said Tom, Agilent s marketing manager for Optical Systems Interconnects. "We will apply our high volume manufacturing and superior design technology for port-side interconnects to deliver a 4-channel solution that meets the market s ongoing demand for higher bandwidth."

"The MSA will standardize a common package so that customers will have access to multiple sources for interchangeable devices," said Olof Svenonius, product line manager for parallel fiber modules at Mitel Semiconductor. "Now our customers will be able to quickly bring high-capacity networking equipment to market with the unbeatable benefits of lower cost, board space and time-to-market afforded by parallel fiber."

Performance of single-fiber and copper interconnects is limited in terms of bandwidth, density and distance. Network system manufacturers are finding that parallel fiber optic modules are a cost-effective 10 Gbaud solution for short reach applications. The new modules can support transmission requirements of 10 Gbaud while utilizing less than one inch of board space. The transceiver is compatible with an industry-standard MTP/MPO-terminated parallel fiber optic interconnect.

Product design, development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of the parallel fiber optic modules will take place independently. To obtain a copy of the multi-source specification and for more information on parallel optics, please visit www.agilent.com/view/paralleloptics and www.mitelsemi.com/new/pfm-msa.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. With 48,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries, Agilent had net revenue of $10.8 billion in fiscal year 2000. Information about Agilent can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.

About Mitel Corporation

Mitel Corporation is a global provider of communications semiconductors for converging voice and data networks in an Internet economy. Backed by a strong technology portfolio, some 2,300 customer-focused employees worldwide, and sales in more than 100 countries, the company delivers broadband connectivity solutions targeted to wireline, wireless and optical markets. In Fiscal 2000, Mitel Corporation had annual revenues from semiconductor operations of $600 million. For more information visit www.mitelsemi.com.

Mitel Corporations Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risk, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the companies, to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward- looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, among others, the risks discussed in documents filed by the companies with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are encouraged to consider the risks detailed in those filings.

Agilents Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements (including without limitation, information regarding the expectation that the multi-source agreement between Mitel Corporation and Agilent Technologies will set the standard for next-generation 4-channel parallel fiber optic modules -- up to 10 Gbaud data rates, that customers customer will have access to multiple international sources that are compatible with other components within their systems, that both companies will offer the modules in 2001, and performance aspects of products) that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the results of Agilent Technologies to differ materially from management s current expectations. These and other risks are detailed in Agilent s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2000, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.