QSC deploys Carrier Ethernet network with Ciena and AXIANS

Ciena® Corporation (NASDAQ: CIEN), the network specialist, and AXIANS today announced a joint project with QSC, the nationwide German telecommunications provider. The project, which marks the first deployment under the Ciena-AXIANS partnership, is a resilient network solution for QSC’s microwave network based on Ciena’s Carrier Ethernet Service Delivery portfolio.

Cologne-based QSC AG is a German telecommunications provider with its own broadband network and one of the largest microwave networks in Germany, offering businesses of all sizes a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality broadband communication options. The company operates on a nearly nationwide scale, connecting more than 200 German cities with populations of more than 40,000. QSC implements complete enterprise networks (VPNs), including managed services; operates voice and data services on the basis of its Next Generation Network (NGN), and provides leased lines in a wide variety of bandwidth options up to 800 Mbps via microwave technology.

The large-scale Carrier Ethernet project, a nationwide network roll-out in Germany, is part of a two-year initiative by the service provider that began in December 2008. At that time, QSC made a commitment to improve the reliability and manageability of its wireless local loop network and further develop it for delivering enhanced Quality of Service (QoS) to its customer base.

"As an innovative operator, we wanted to take a leap forward with Carrier Ethernet technology,” said Bodo Plieth, director of wireless networks, QSC AG. "It allows us to offer more services and greater reliability to our customers, at the same time offering cost competitive ways to meet our customers’ needs. The solution delivered by Ciena and AXIANS helps us streamline and automate our network operations while providing significantly enhanced service to our customers.”

The network solution deployed by AXIANS and Ciena is based on next-generation Carrier Ethernet technology, specifically Ciena’s LE-311v™ Service Delivery Switch and CN 3940™ Service Delivery Switch – both part of Ciena’s Carrier Ethernet Service Delivery portfolio. In addition, the newly-installed equipment is managed by Ciena’s Ethernet Services Manager to automate the network. The upgrade allows QSC to migrate its network to a more packet-centric architecture, while still being able to offer traditional data services.

"The main benefits that the new network brings to QSC are immediately visible,” said Jens Wulff, manager, AXIANS Business Unit CSP. "The Ethernet solutions deployed simplify network administration thanks to the remote management functions, and significantly reduce operational costs of running the network.”

"Establishing cooperation with local systems integrators is a key part of Ciena’s strategy, particularly in Europe. Their impressive knowledge of the market, natural feel for the appropriate solution mix, and expertise in implementation of our systems are instrumental in effectively serving customers in the region,” said Timon Lutze, managing director for Central and Northern Europe at Ciena. "The joint project we are carrying out for QSC illustrates that advantage, and proves the strength of our partnership with AXIANS.”

AXIANS Germany is a Solution Provider Partner in Ciena’s BizConnect global partner program.

About Ciena

Ciena specializes in the transition to service-driven networks. We provide flexible platforms, intelligent software and professional services to help our customers use their networks to fundamentally change the way they compete. With a global presence, Ciena leverages its heritage of practical innovation to deliver maximum performance and economic value in communications networks worldwide. We routinely post recent news, financial results and other important announcements and information about Ciena on our website at www.ciena.com.

About AXIANS

As a global brand of VINCI Energies, one of the leading European providers of energy and information technology, AXIANS focuses on designing, delivering and maintaining next-generation networking technology that helps customers extend and maintain their competitive momentum. The solution portfolio includes Optical Transmission, Service Infrastructure, Network Protection and Professional Services as well as Network Management and Application Acceleration for enterprise customers, carriers and service providers.

In an international team of technical experts and consultants AXIANS established itself as the leading systems integration and service partner for large enterprises and service providers in the Central European Region. AXIANS is partner of ServiceOne Alliance, an alliance of like-minded networking service partners that has been created to provide high quality, consistent local service delivery for customers around the globe. More information about AXIANS at www.axians.com.

Note to Ciena Investors

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof; and Ciena's actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied, due to risks and uncertainties associated with its business, which include the risk factors disclosed in its Report on Form 10-Q, which Ciena filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 4, 2009. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding Ciena's expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future and can be identified by forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should," "will," and "would" or similar words. Ciena assumes no obligation to update the information included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.