FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOLS Elects Officers to Execute Expanded Mission

 
Arlington, Va., April 25, 2003: The Fiber Optics LAN Section (FOLS) of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) 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 Chair. 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. 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" said Struhar  
 
In addition to Struhar, the following other leaders in the fiber optic industry have been elected:  
 
* Vice Chair, Mike Lynch, 3M  
* Communication Subcommittee Chair, Louise Bryant, OFS  
* Membership Subcommittee Chair, Bob Jensen, Fluke Networks  
* Standards Subcommittee Chair, 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. 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," said Struhar. More information on the use of fiber can be found on the FOLS website (www.fols.org).  
 
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The FOLS focuses on educating end users and influencers about the technical advantages and affordability that optical transmission brings to local area networks and fiber-to-the-desk applications. Member companies of the FOLS include 3M/Volition, AMP/Tyco Electronics, Corning, Leviton Voice & Data, Micro Linear Corporation, OFS, Optek Technology, Panduit, Ortronics, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave and Transition Networks. Visit the FOLS at http://www.fols.org.  
 
TIA is the leading trade association serving the communications and information technology industry, with proven strengths in market development, trade shows, domestic and international advocacy, standards development and enabling e-business. Through its worldwide activities, the association facilitates business development opportunities and a competitive market environment. The association provides a market-focused forum for its more than 1,000 member companies that manufacture or supply the products and services used in global communications. TIA represents the communications sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). Visit us at http://www.tiaonline.org.  
 
Note: The opinions expressed in this release are those of the Fiber Optics LAN Section of the Telecommunications Industry Association and are not necessarily those of the entire TIA membership.