SAN JOSE, Calif. - March 19, 2012 - Cisco today announced the completion of the acquisition of privately held Lightwire, Inc. Headquartered in Allentown, Penn., Lightwire develops advanced optical interconnect technology for high-speed networking applications. The acquisition will allow Cisco to deliver cost-effective, high-speed networks with the next generation of optical connectivity, allowing service provider and data center customers to meet the growing demands of video, data, voice, mobility and cloud services.

The acquisition of Lightwire exemplifies Cisco's build, buy, and partner innovation strategy and supports its focus on driving market leadership in core networking, one of Cisco's five strategic priorities. The acquisition also builds on Cisco's existing optical networking expertise and complements Cisco's acquisition of CoreOptics in 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Cisco acquiring?

A: Cisco is acquiring Lightwire. Together, Cisco and Lightwire will enable cost-effective, high speed networks with the next generation of optical connectivity, allowing service providers and data center providers to meet the growing demands of video, data, voice, mobility, and cloud services.

Q: Why did Cisco choose Lightwire?

A: Cisco recognizes that silicon CMOS photonics will play a significant role in the enablement of high-speed networks. Cisco chose Lightwire based on its strong, established working relationship and on the company's expertise in CMOS photonics and packaging. Cisco expects seamless integration with its existing module and silicon engineering teams. With the combined know-how from Cisco in silicon design and Lightwire in CMOS photonics, Cisco is reinforcing its commitment to high-speed networking and to the important segments of service providers and data center markets.

Q: What is the strategic importance of the Lightwire acquisition to Cisco's Service Provider strategy? And to Data Center?

A: Lightwire's technology and products address the present business challenge facing Data Centers and Service Providers today - how to manage tight capital and operating budgets while accommodating network traffic growth driven by video, mobility, and cloud services using a scalable architecture. This acquisition reinforces Cisco's commitment to networking and its continued mission to create cost effective and efficient advanced optical transport, switching, and routing solutions that address Service Provider and data center needs.