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Openreach Selects Ciena to Aim at Ethernet Market

Openreach, BT’s local access network business, has selected Ciena’s packet networking solutions to support the evolution of its Ethernet services.

Openreach’s communication provider (CP) customers are looking to capitalise on the UK’s high-capacity Ethernet business services market, which is expected to grow by 23 per cent over the next three to four years according to Ovum1, by offering faster and more reliable Ethernet service delivery. CPs also need to support enterprise clients’ increasing application-centric network consumption behaviors, enabling services such as bandwidth on-demand, cloud computing and high-bandwidth applications, including video, CRM platforms and real-time data backup.

Jon Hurry, MD, Strategy, Commercial, Portfolio & Policy, Openreach commented “We have been providing our Ethernet Access Direct products to the UK communications industry since 2009. During this time, market demand for secure, dedicated business connectivity has grown exponentially – literally underpinning the bread and butter of businesses right across the UK. Maintaining a robust supply chain against this backdrop is of paramount importance to us and our customers. Choosing Ciena as our new dual NTE vendor will provide assurance of continuous supply while also maximising opportunities to further develop the capabilities we offer.”

François Locoh-Donou, senior vice president, global products group at Ciena added “Openreach is delivering on its promise to provide flexible and robust Ethernet services in the UK. By deploying a simplified, on-demand infrastructure with our packet networking and software solutions, Openreach is ensuring its communication provider customers have access to the support and services they need to be competitive.”