Mahi Acquires Photuris, Closes $70 Million in Funding

Mahi Networks, a start-up based in Petaluma, California, has acquired Photuris, another start-up, in a bid aimed at creating a technology leader for next generation, integrated, multiservice, metro packet switching, TDM grooming and high-capacity metro core aggregation systems. Both companies target large carriers and MSOs. Mahi's Mi7 Metro Core Aggregation System (MCAS) combines switching, transport, and differentiated service and control features. The system integrates SONET add-drop multiplexer (ADM), 3/3 digital cross-connect (DCS), DS-3 breakout capability and Layer 2 Ethernet transport switching in a single box. Mahi's Mi7 is designed to aggregate and groom multi-vendor SONET rings in a new consolidated central office architecture that supports automated provisioning of capacity.



Photuris, which is based in Piscataway, New Jersey, developed an automated optical transport system for high-capacity metro and regional DWDM networks. Its platform features a "Versicolor" capability that integrates four functions on a single optical line card: WDM demux/mux at the system input/output; fully flexible, reconfigurable OADM wavelength switching (any wavelength to any port, independent of any other wavelength); per-wavelength power balancing; and real-time per-wavelength optical power monitoring. The Photuris system also features "ADM-on-a-Wavelength" line cards that deliver SONET ADM terminal functionality, enabling transceivers to be added to hot-pluggable ports as services are activated. The platform could serve as a reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer for ring applications needing single wavelength granularity.



Both companies have been shipping their products since last year. Mahi, which will sell the Photuris V32000 platform as the Vx7 Multi-Service Core Transport Systems, said its two products are complementary in metro/edge core applications, providing the "right mix" of pass-through and local switching for SONET and Ethernet. Mahi is also retaining members of Photuris' staff, as well as its facility in New Jersey.



Separately, Mahi Networks closed $70 million in new funding, bringing its total raised to date to $255 million. The company said the new funding would enable it to expand its manufacturing and to support operations for its growing deployments. A syndicate of eight private equity funds contributed to the funding. Participants included Jerusalem Venture Partners, Meritech Capital Partners, Oak Investment Partners, Rho Ventures, St. Paul Venture Capital, Van Wagoner Capital Management and Wasserstein Ventures. On a pro-forma basis, the combined company (Mahi+Photuris), has raised over $375 million in funding. http://www.mahinetworks.com