Crowthorne, UK – December 2, 2008: Optical expert Fibre Technologies Ltd, a Berkshire-based company, today announced a strategic partnership with Ciena^? Corporation, the network specialist. Ciena chose Fibre Technologies as a business partner in the region because of its focus and proven deployment expertise in implementing next-generation optical networks for telecommunications companies and enterprises. Through the agreement, Fibre Technologies is now a designated Solutions Provider Partner within Ciena’s BizConnect global partner programme, extending its capabilities to help customers in the UK adapt and scale their networks via Ciena’s portfolio of innovative platforms, software and services.

Ciena has a strong reputation and presence with Tier One carriers worldwide, and is now seeking to increase business and channel activity amongst Tier Two and Tier Three carriers and enterprises. “We see Fibre Technologies as a key partner in helping us expand our UK business,” explains Ian Clarke, regional sales director at Ciena. “It’s clear that Fibre Technologies understands the issues, challenges and benefits of optical networks and has a high profile within the UK marketplace. Our partnership will be instrumental in growing Ciena’s market share in key industries within the region over the next few years.”

Fibre Technologies managing director Ian Hunt comments: “Having a recognised industry player such as Ciena choose to partner with Fibre Technologies is a major endorsement of our business ethos and is key to the next phase of Fibre Technologies’ growth as a business.

“Our fundamental understanding and track record in optical makes us the perfect partner for a company like Ciena. Our customers are looking at ways to improve the capacity and performance of their networks and protect their existing infrastructure investments. Having Ciena’s solutions in our toolkit will add value to our existing customers and help us attract more large enterprise business.”

In addition to its agreement with Ciena, Fibre Technologies partners with a variety of companies for the strategic delivery of carrier-grade products to customers in the UK, including Absolute Analysis, arcutronix, Creanord, PacketLight Networks, MRV Communications and MICROSENS.

About Ciena

Ciena specialises in the transition to service-driven networks. We provide the flexible platforms, intelligent software and professional services to help our customers use their networks to fundamentally change the way they compete. With a growing global presence, Ciena leverages its heritage of practical innovation to deliver maximum performance and economic value in communications networks worldwide. For more information, please visit www.ciena.com

About Fibre Technologies

Fibre Technologies Ltd (FTL) enables companies to cope with the increasing demand for greater network bandwidth. Its fibre optic communication products and services allow telecommunications carriers, ISPs, universities and IT infrastructure providers to alleviate congestion in existing networks by providing innovative solutions that overcome capacity limitations.

Founded in 1990, FTL works with its customers to understand their needs and anticipate market trends. The company’s technical expertise and market understanding, coupled with a focus on customer service has resulted in a customer base that includes BT, ntl:Telewest Business (Virgin Media), Logica, StorageTek, Subsea 7, IPC Media, Sun Microsystems and a number of top Universities and research facilities such as those at Bristol, Lancaster, Imperial College, Warwick and many others.