MEMS gaining momentum in optical networking

24 October 2001 News

Despite the recent market downturn, MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology remains an oasis within the telecommunications industry. MEMS will play a key role in providing the advanced components needed to get the most out of telecom carriers' fibre-optic cable investments. As a result, sales of MEMS for use in optical networking will rise from $67m in 2001 to $2,3 bn in 2005.

This is according to research group In-Stat which adds that although there have been layoffs, funding mishaps, and scaled-back business plans among some MEMS manufacturers targeting the optical networking segment, MEMS as a whole has not been impacted as significantly as the greater telecom market. In fact, VCs (venture capitalists) are still providing significant levels of equity to MEMS firms, customers continue to be enthusiastic in their evaluations, and more companies are moving toward production ramp-up.

More significantly, claims the group, new applications for MEMS in optical networking have come to the fore. MEMS-based variable optical attenuators, tunable filters, and tunable lasers have expanded the market beyond switches, providing additional revenue streams within the telecom sector. Market movement is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2001, with increased momentum in early 2002.

www.instat.com

Further reading:

From the editor's desk: Inspiring the next generation
Technews Publishing News
   Welcome to the August issue of Dataweek. Peter Howells is still on leave, so I am back for this issue. I hope you enjoy the content and find value in it. August is Women’s Month in South Africa, ...

Read more...

---

Procurement is becoming a competitive advantage
RS South Africa News
As mining, manufacturing and industrial businesses continue to navigate rising costs, supply chain disruption and increasing pressure to improve operational performance, procurement and inventory management have become strategic business priorities rather than simply administrative functions.

Read more...

---

Powell Electronics signs partnership agreement with IOT Electronics
IOT Electronics News
Powell Electronics has entered into a partnership agreement with IOT Electronics to strengthen its presence across southern Africa.

Read more...

---

Omniflex delivers ICCP systems across London
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists News
Omniflex has supplied impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems for a range of prominent buildings across London, helping to protect reinforced concrete structures from corrosion and extending their service life.

Read more...

---

New appointments for Würth Electronics South Africa
Würth Electronics South Africa News
New appointments for Würth Electronics South Africa

Read more...

---

MTN celebrates 80 Western Cape digital graduates
News
Eighty unemployed young people from across the Western Cape have successfully completed MTN South Africa’s Digital Skills for Digital Jobs (DS4DJ) programme, earning accredited qualifications in Data Analytics, Systems Development and Cybersecurity.

Read more...

---

GirlCode Hackathon 2026 kicks off across South Africa and Botswana
News
GirlCode, in partnership with Absa Group, Truecaller, MTN, SAP Fioneer, RS South Africa and other ecosystem partners, successfully hosted the first leg of the 2026 GirlCode Hackathon.

Read more...

---

Rooibos heads to space
News
A South African scientific initiative linking agriculture and space research has officially launched today with the Rooibos in Space programme at Parklands College’s Innovation Centre in Cape Town.

Read more...

---

From the editor's desk: Local can be international
Technews Publishing Editor's Choice News
Welcome to the July 2026 issue of Dataweek. As you can see from this introduction, Dataweek’s regular editor, Peter Howells, is on extended leave and I am filling the void in his editor’s column – hopefully without being too boring.

Read more...

---

Landis+Gyr EMEA introduces new company name: EYKON
News
EYKON is the new company name of Landis+Gyr EMEA, formerly part of the Landis+Gyr Group. The company supports electricity, gas, water and thermal utilities in managing increasingly complex networks, improving operational efficiency and enabling more sustainable use of resources.

Read more...

---