FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 03, 2009

TIA’s Fiber Optics LAN Section Launches New Website

The Fiber Optics LAN Section of the Telecommunications Industry Association has launched an updated website at www.fols.org.

The revised site makes it easier for viewers to find new information and to navigate through the resources offered by FOLS. “Our free cost model is one of the most popular destinations on the site,” explained Rodney Casteel, FOLS Chair. “People from all over the world download and use the model to help them determine the most appropriate architecture for their network installation. When we redesigned the site a priority was to make the cost model much easier to find.” The Cost Model allows users to compare the installed first costs of three network architecture options featuring both copper and fiber cabling media: hierarchical star, centralized cabling, and fiber to the telecom enclosure architectures allowing users to select from both copper and fiber cabling media.

The site also makes it easier for users to register for the FOLS’ Free Webconference series and to track FOLS-sponsored or affiliated events.

“FOLS offers a tremendous number of free resources to network designers, installers and end users,” said Casteel. “The new site makes sure that the information is accessible to all.”

Casteel explained that the FOLS members are producing a series of free Webconferences this year that offer attendees the chance to earn free BICSI Continuing Education Credits (CECs). “At FOLS we recognize that the need for education is ongoing, but this year, many companies have restricted travel budgets. Our Webconference series allows people from all over the country – and even internationally – to participate.” The FOLS Webconferences are available after the live session on demand from the TIA Channel at www.brighttalk.com.

About FOLS
Now in its 16th year, FOLS was founded to provide current and up-to-date information on the use of fiber optic technologies in the Enterprise space. FOLS members are leading fiber cable, component and electronics companies including, Berk-Tek, a Nexans Company, CommScope, Corning, Draka Communications, Fluke Networks, OFS, Ortronics/Legrand, Panduit, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, and Tyco Electronics. Visit the FOLS at www.fols.org.

About TIA
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents the global information and communications technology (ICT) industry through standards development, advocacy, tradeshows, business opportunities, market intelligence and world-wide environmental regulatory analysis. With roots dating back to 1924, TIA enhances the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications. Members' products and services empower communications in every industry and market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety, transportation, government, the military, the environment and entertainment. TIA co-owns the SUPERCOMM® tradeshow and is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Visit tiaonline.org.

TIA's Board of Directors includes senior-level executives from ACS, ADC, ADTRAN, Alcatel-Lucent, ANDA Networks, ArrayComm, AttivaCorp, Avaya, Bechtel Communications, Inc., Cisco Systems, Corning Incorporated, Ericsson, Inc., GENBAND, Inc., Graybar, Henkels & McCoy, ILS Technology, Intel Corporation, Intersect, Inc., LGE, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia Siemens Networks, Nortel, Panasonic Computer Solutions Co., Qualcomm, Research In Motion, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corporation, Tellabs, Tyco Electronics, Ulticom, Inc., and Verari Systems. Advisors to the Board include FAL Associates, Orca Systems and Telcordia Technologies.

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