Ciena Unveils FlexSelect Architecture as Practical New Approach to Pac

Ciena Unveils FlexSelect Architecture as Practical New Approach to Packet Service Migration and Profitable Network Convergence

    Business Editors/Technology Editors

    LINTHICUM, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 16, 2005--

Blueprint for the Worldwide TDM-to-Packet Migration Combines Software- Defined Infrastructure, Automated Control Plane and Integrated Network
    and Service Management

    Ciena(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:CIEN), the network specialist, today announced its FlexSelect(TM) Architecture, a practical, cost-effective approach to packet service migration that combines programmable hardware with service-oriented management to automate provisioning, transport and management of any mix of services, including SONET/SDH, Ethernet, video and storage. FlexSelect gives telco, cable, enterprise and government network operators a standards-based solution to evolve legacy transport networks at their own pace into fully-automated, service-selectable networks that can respond to customer requests on-demand.
    "Leveraging our leadership in optical networking and control plane automation, FlexSelect is driven by customer demand and recognition of our specialist position in packet network integration and optimization for advanced services," said Gary Smith, president and CEO of Ciena. "Ciena's software-first approach to convergence with FlexSelect enables networking from a new perspective - the end customer - so it delivers the mix of applications they want today and can adapt over time without having to add new hardware, platforms or manually provision new services."
    In line with Ciena's broadened product portfolio and application support, FlexSelect represents the evolution of Ciena's LightWorks(TM) Architecture, which major service providers around the world have adopted to rapidly build core networks and manage them intelligently. FlexSelect extends the LightWorks value proposition by combining unparalleled hardware flexibility with software-driven service manageability. Today, new application requirements at the network edge, intense competition among service providers, and the economic need to strategically coordinate packet migration with evolving end-user demands are driving the need for an unprecedented level of network flexibility. FlexSelect is the only architecture that offers the flexibility, adaptability and manageability required for delivering a complete mix of services and speeds while driving down the total cost of network ownership through practical convergence techniques and automation.
    "Based on our research, there is no consensus on when end users plan to migrate from SONET/SDH- to Ethernet-based services. Therefore, service providers are seeking flexible platforms on which to build converged networks that will fit their cost structures and operational models and let them migrate at their customers' pace," said Dana Cooperson, group director at RHK, Inc. "Approaches like Ciena's FlexSelect Architecture, with software-defined line cards, point-n-click service provisioning and customer-focused management, provide a flexible, service-oriented foundation for efficient network evolution."
    Global migration from TDM to packet services creates new demands on networks - they must be flexible enough to handle both TDM and packet services and speeds, but also be cost-effective and highly automated. FlexSelect offers a comprehensive architecture for delivering 'any service, any where, any time' - from network-wide service level management down to embedded software to control ports on line cards. The FlexSelect Architecture is comprised of three key components:

--	FlexSelect Hardware - flexible network elements and platforms that facilitate service migration, while protecting legacy investment and revenue. Essential in building networks that cost-effectively adapt to evolving customer requirements without needing additional hardware.
--	FlexSelect OS - flexible embedded software that adapts to changing network and service requirements. Features the industry's most advanced optical control plane, which drives network automation and combines distributed programmable switching with wavelength agility to fully optimize networks.
--	FlexSelect Management - flexible, intelligent network and service management features - enabled through ON-Center, Ciena's network management system - that leverage FlexSelect OS and FlexSelect Hardware; includes service modeling, planning, point-and-click service provisioning, fault management, and performance monitoring with granular service level agreements.

    "As PDAs, cell phones and other intelligent IP devices proliferate, they are forcing the evolution to global networking standards for IP services and Ethernet transport. FlexSelect enables our customers to easily bridge legacy networks to this converged model without service-specific overlay networks, forklift upgrades or fixed-functionality platforms," said Steve Alexander, CTO of Ciena. "The end result is an automated, programmable network supporting more services with fewer network elements - which has been shown to reduce total cost of ownership by as much as two-thirds."
    The FlexSelect Architecture is a company-wide initiative and will be supported by platforms across the Ciena portfolio as well as interoperable with third-party equipment. The flagship product of the new architecture is the CN 4200 FlexSelect Advanced Services Platform (see related announcement: "Ciena Announces CN 4200 FlexSelect Advanced Services Platform"). FlexSelect innovations, such as FlexiPort technology and other hardware features, FlexSelect OS and ON-Center's FlexSelect Management are being integrated into other Ciena transport and switching platforms. CoreDirector and CoreStream Agility are already running FlexSelect OS.
    Further information about the FlexSelect Architecture, including a white paper and details on the CN 4200 FlexSelect Advanced Services Platform, can be found on Ciena's web site at http://www.ciena.com/FlexSelect.

    ABOUT CIENA

    Ciena Corporation is the network specialist, focused on expanding the possibilities for its customers' networks while reducing their cost of ownership. The company's systems, software and services target and cure specific network pain points so that telcos, cable operators, governments and enterprises can best exploit the new applications that are driving their businesses forward. For more information, visit www.ciena.com.

    NOTE TO INVESTORS

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof; and Ciena's actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied, due to risks and uncertainties associated with its business, which include the risk factors disclosed in its Report on Form 10-Q, which Ciena filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2005. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding Ciena's expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future and can be identified by forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should," "will," and "would" or similar words. Ciena assumes no obligation to update the information included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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CONTACT: Ciena Corporation Press Contact: Nicole Anderson, 877-857-7377 pr@ciena.com or Investor Contact: Jessica Towns, 888-243-6223 ir@ciena.com

KEYWORD: MARYLAND INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE NETWORKING HARDWARE PRODUCT SOURCE: Ciena Corporation

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