JULY 7, 2008 -- Ignis Photonyx (search for Ignis Photonyx) has been recognized by the European Commission, through the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Program, for its next-generation WDM-PON (search for WDM-PON) technology. Together with other European telecom system providers such as Ericsson AB, Ignis Photonyx says it will lead a joint development effort for enabling more cost-effective broadband services.
The project is being funded by the European Commission for approximately $4.7 million.
The project, called GigaWaM, was initiated by Ignis Photonyx and will be technically-lead from the Ignis PLC-fab in Birkeröd, Denmark.
More than 160 European telecom projects applied for EU funding through participation in the ICT program, though only 27 projects were accepted; according to Ignis, the GigaWaM project received significant recognition.
Behind the EU ICT program is the entire European telecom industry with committee members from the leading and fastest growing telecom providers in Europe.
"This is a strong recognition of the unparalleled expertise and know-how in Ignis Photonyx and our faith in WDM-PON," contends CEO Magnus Breidne. "The GigaWaM project is fully-aligned with the strategic roadmap for Ignis Photonyx. We are a leading supplier of WDM-PON components, and we aim to further grow and strengthen this position," he reports.
The size of the market for WDM-PON products that will be the offspring of the GigaWaM project is estimated to be approximately $362 million annually within the next 4 to 5 years, claim Ignis representatives. This will support the fast-growing and ever increasing demand for higher bandwidth and help the international ICT industry improve the offering of triple-play services and applications, such as high-definition TV and video on demand.
"As the WDM-PON market is maturing, we will experience increased pressure on performance efficiency and production cost," adds Breidne. "The GigaWaM project is focusing on technology that can offer high-speed broadband for low-cost across all markets."
Current technology utilizing copper lines has reached its maximum capacity, and the demand for next-generation technology is accelerating. WDM-PON will replace today's GPON technology, Ignis believes, and the aim of the GigaWaM project is to develop a prototype of a WDM-PON optical subsystem.
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