Fluke Networks, a manufacturer of optical fiber test, inspection and certification solutions, and Pearson Technologies, an optical fiber design and installation consulting company, have joined the Fiber Optics Local Area Networks Section of the Telecommunications Industry Association.
The FOLS is a consortium of leading optical fiber, cable and components manufacturers that was formed nine years ago to provide users with information about the benefits of optical fiber in customer-owned networks. Other FOLS members include 3M/Volition, ADC, AMP/Tyco Electronics, Corning, Inc., Corning Cable Systems, Leviton Voice & Data, OFS, Optek Technology, Panduit, Ortronics, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, and Transition Networks.
"Fluke Networks is closely aligned with the goals of the FOLS," says Bob Jensen, standards and technology development manager for Fluke Networks. "We are interested in serving the fiber LAN market and helping to educate users about the importance of fiber optic installation and testing. We felt that joining FOLS would broaden our reach to end users and installers and help us to positively impact the industry overall."
"As a consultant who conducts fiber optic training, I know how much end users and system designers need vendor-neutral industry resources such as FOLS," says Eric Pearson, president of Pearson Technologies. "I have worked with FOLS on several important projects and am looking forward to being more involved with the group's initiatives now that I am a full member."
"We are delighted that Fluke Networks and Pearson Technologies have joined our membership," says John Struhar, chairman of the FOLS and distinguished member of technical staff at OFS. "The strength of FOLS lies in the diversity of our members and our ability to bring an informed perspective to end users and system designers. Fluke Networks, as a worldwide provider of fiber optic test equipment, contributes a wealth of expertise in testing tools and installation practices. Pearson Technologies, in their role as
fiber optic trainers and consultants, will give us direct insight into the installer mindset. I am looking forward to working with both companies."
Struhar adds that both Fluke Networks and Pearson Technologies are already integral to several section initiatives.
"We're pleased to announce that Eric Pearson is helping us update our popular fiber vs. copper cost models, which were introduced last year," says Struhar. "Prices for fiber optic cable, components and electronic equipment continue to drop, making the cost justification for fiber stronger than ever. In addition, Bob Jensen has helped us conduct research on end-user interest for a Tri-Speed Optical Ethernet standard, which FOLS proposed to the TIA FO 4.2.2 committee. Based on that input, a task force is now starting work on the new standard."
For more information, visit www.fols.org.