The Fiber Optics LAN Section of the Telecommunications Industry Association has elected officers to lead the section's expanded mission in 2003.
John Struhar, distinguished member technical staff at OFS Optics, was named as section chairman. He will lead the initiative, which will provide IT and MIS managers information about the benefits that optical fiber can bring to newly emerging applications in customer-owned networks.
"I am privileged to chair the FOLS at a time when optical fiber is making its way into many new applications," says Struhar. "By expanding our charter, FOLS can help answer questions, provide resource materials and make the migration of fiber into these networks much easier, and most importantly explain why it is now a cost effective alternative."
In addition to Struhar, the following other leaders in the optical fiber industry have been elected:
* Vice chairman, Mike Lynch, 3M,
* Communication Subcommittee chairman, Louise Bryant, OFS,
* Membership Subcommittee chairman, Bob Jensen, Fluke Networks,
* Standards Subcommittee chairman, Herb Congdon, Tyco Electronics.
Now in its 10th year, FOLS was originally founded to provide information on the use of fiber in the backbone and horizontal portions of premises networks. To meet the emerging needs of end users, FOLS members decided that in 2003 it would expand its scope.
"Our members see fiber being used to help organizations meet system needs in a variety of customer-owned networks, ranging from industrial applications and Storage Area Networks to internal networks inside central offices," says Struhar. "We have an opportunity to help them better understand where fiber can offer them solutions that are cost effective and effective both in terms of installed first cost and lifecycle cost."
The FOLS focuses on educating end users and influencers about the technical advantages and affordability that optical transmission brings to the desktop as well as a full range of additional customer-owned network applications. FOLS members are fiber cable, component and electronics companies including, 3M/Volition, AMP/Tyco Electronics, Corning, Fluke Networks, Leviton Voice & Data, OFS, Optek Technology, Ortronics, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave and Transition Networks.
For more information visit www.fols.org.
