New MEF COO Outlines Accelerating Carrier Ethernet Strategy for 2007

In his new role as Chief Operating Officer for the Metro Ethernet
Forum (MEF), Kevin Vachon today outlined the expanding scope of
Carrier Ethernet and the strategic role of the MEF in the year ahead.
Also speaking today at NetEvents European Press/Analyst Summit in
Evian, Nan Chen, President of the MEF delivered an industry update,
projected technical work and the road ahead for MEF certification and
provided an overview of European marketing initiatives.

Figures confirming the astonishing growth in the Carrier Ethernet
market were provided by Michael Howard, Principal Analyst at
Infonetics Research, who stated: "Carrier Ethernet Switch and Router
(CESR) manufacturer revenue worldwide grew an astounding 132% from
2005 to 2006, and will continue strong growth to $9.1B in 2010, a
5-year CAGR of 16%. Carriers clearly want and are deploying Carrier
Ethernet qualified routers and Ethernet switches. Meanwhile, other
technologies are in decline, as worldwide spending on metro SONET/SDH
equipment hit a peak in 2006, and will be lower than CESR in 2007,
with a negative 5-year CAGR through 2010."

In his new role as MEF COO, Kevin Vachon will be responsible for
managing the day to day activities of the MEF, including coordinating
and enhancing contracted professional resources to the Technical and
Marketing Committees and enhancing member support with the creation of
"Member Services" function. Kevin will also continue to dialogue with
industry stakeholders regarding the mission and activities of the MEF
and the benefits of membership. He brings to the Forum 25 years of
experience in networking and telecommunications - including 2 years as
CEO of DIATEM Networks and 6 years as Chairman and CEO of Nuvo Network
Management.

The appointment is especially timely, as the Forum's membership
recently broke through the 100th member ceiling and already includes
114 members with a major influx of cable equipment and MSO companies
this year. For the past 15 months, Kevin has acted in a business
development capacity with the MEF and has been instrumental in leading
the Forum's membership growth initiative.

Kevin drew attention to the massive untapped market beyond the
fiber infrastructure, and the role of Ethernet access via bonded
copper, coax and wireless technologies, where ethernet is the logical
choice with no rival protocols on the horizon. New projects for the
MEF include a planned e-tree definition to meet the growing demand for
point to multipoint services, an aggregation interface to enhance
support for residential services, the optimization of Carrier Ethernet
to meet the needs of wireless backhaul usage, and further OAM work
needed to meet the soaring volumes of Carrier Ethernet deployment.

Nan Chen, President of the MEF, commented: "The MEF has grown
steadily since 2001, but has accelerated significantly this year. The
growth has been in terms of Carrier Ethernet scope, Forum activities
and membership numbers - and every indication suggests that these
trends will continue. Our volunteer management team have done a superb
job, being busy people in their own right, but we welcome Kevin's
professional management skills to take us into the next phase of
growth, and to maintain and enhance the many benefits the Forum offers
to all its members."

"The MEF has proved to be one of the most dynamic and respected
industry forums ever" commented Kevin Vachon, "and I could not be
joining at a more exciting time. I look forward to working with its
active members as we continue to expand the influence of the MEF and
advance the global adoption of Carrier Ethernet."

Press resources:

In addition, information relating to this release and respective
powerpoint presentation is also available at
www.zonicgroup.com/press_resources/mef