Alcatel-Lucent, a specialist in IP networking, ultra-broadband access and cloud technology, has announced the transfer of R&D 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.
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.’
SM Optics, founded in 2014, is a company that specialises in fibre based communication, counting on a proven management and R&D team with 20+ years of experience in the optical domain. SIAE MICROELETTRONICA, founded in 1952, is a provider of wireless communication technology. It offers operators advanced technological solutions for microwave and millimetre wave transport, services and design.
As part of the transfer, 256 specialised 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 specialised 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.
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.’
