FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TIA FOLS Elects 2006 Officers

 
The Fiber Optics LAN Section (FOLS) of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) has elected its slate of officers for 2006. FOLS serves as an educational resource, providing information to users about the benefits of fiber in customer-owned networks. Visit the FOLS at www.fols.org to access the organization's free interactive cost model, or to read case histories, FAQs and standards updates.  
 
Dan L. Harman, Applications Engineer at 3M was elected as Section Chair. "Dan is an excellent choice to lead the Fiber Optics LAN Section," said Gary Cawley, Chair in 2005. "He has been an active force in the Section for several years, most recently playing an integral role in developing the Section's latest generation of our Cost Model." Cawley added that "Dan has a lot of exposure to end users and brings to the FOLS a true understanding of the challenges they face. He can help the Section better answer the concerns and questions that users face when they make their infrastructure decisions."  
 
"This is an exciting time to be leading the FOLS," said Harman. "Fiber is gaining mindshare among users as they become aware of the cost and performance benefits it offers compared to new generations of UTP copper. Fiber is an especially attractive option for users who want the flexibility of supporting voice, data, video and security over the same infrastructure."  
 
In addition to Harman the following other leaders in the fiber optic industry have been elected:  
 
- Vice Chair, Andrew Oliviero, OFS;  
- Communication Subcommittee Chair, Rodney Casteel, CommScope, Inc.;  
- Membership Subcommittee Chair, Beni Blell, Berk-Tek, a Nexans Company; and  
- Standards Subcommittee Chair, Herb Congdon, Tyco Electronics.  
 
 
Now in its 13th year, FOLS was originally founded to provide information on the use of fiber in the backbone and horizontal portions of premises networks. More information on the use of fiber can be found on the FOLS Web site at 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. FOLS members are leading fiber cable, component and electronics companies including, ADC, AMP/Tyco Electronics, Berk-Tek, a Nexans Company, CommScope, Corning, Corning Cable Systems, Draka Comteq, Leviton Voice & Data, OFS, Ortronics, Panduit, and Sumitomo Electric Lightwave. Visit the FOLS at www.fols.org.  
 
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) is the leading trade association for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry. As owner and producer of GLOBALCOMM, TIA serves ICT suppliers to global markets through its leadership in standards development, domestic and international policy advocacy, and facilitating member business opportunities. TIA represents the communications sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). Visit us at http://www.tiaonline.org.  
 
GLOBALCOMM is a trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). The Next-Generation Communications Marketplace and Summit will take place June 4-8, 2006, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Visit www.globalcomm2006.com.