Nortel acquires MEMS-makers Xros

In a stock-purchase deal, Nortel Networks (Brampton, Ontario, Canada) announced an agreement to acquire Xros (Sunnyvale, CA) for $3.2 billion. Xros manufactures network optical switching systems based on optical microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. At OFC 2000, Xros introduced its X-1000, a crossconnect capable of connecting up to 1152 pairs of inputs and outputs via an all-optical pathway. Customer trials are expected this summer, with shipments beginning next year.—W. Conard Holton