Alcatel-Lucent Transfers OMSN R&D to SM Optics

Alcatel-Lucent and SM Optics have announced the transfer of the research and development activity responsible for optical multi-service node (OMSN) platforms, including the 1850 TSS product family and related network management systems to SM Optics, an Italy-based SIAE MICROELETTRONICA company.

A total of 256 specialized R&D engineers and technicians currently based at Alcatel-Lucent’s site in Vimercate, Italy, will be integrated into the SM Optics team, and in a second phase, 110 specialized R&D engineers and technicians currently based at Alcatel-Lucent’s sites in Shanghai and Chengdu, China, will be integrated in another SIAE MICROELETTRONICA joint venture company in China. Under the terms of the agreement, Alcatel-Lucent will maintain responsibility for product strategy, manufacturing, and market-facing activities related to the technologies concerned.

Commenting on the agreement, Roberto Loiola, CEO and Managing Director of Alcatel-Lucent Italia, said, “Through this transfer of  R&D operations to SM Optics, Alcatel-Lucent will be able to maintain its full support for customers, leveraging the valuable experience and specialist expertise of the teams involved while ensuring future employment opportunities for those involved. At the same time, Alcatel-Lucent in Italy will focus on the strategic development of next-generation networking and access technologies, including WDM and wireless transmission.”

Romano Valussi, a board member of SM Optics added “We are delighted with the agreement reached with Alcatel-Lucent, a major partner in the industry. The agreement enables the new company to maintain and enhance Alcatel-Lucent’s huge installed base. In addition, thanks to the R&D agreement, we will reinforce our end to end capability which is a core strength of SIAE MICROELETTRONICA.”

SIAE MICROELETTRONICA, founded in 1952, is a leader in wireless communication technology.

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