LINTHICUM, Md., May 05, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) ----Ciena(R) Corporation (NASDAQ:CIEN), the network specialist, today announced the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) has completed testing of Ciena's CN 4200(R) FlexSelect(TM) Advanced Services Platform, CoreDirector(R) Multiservice Optical Switch and CoreStream(R) Agility Optical Transport System for optical standards and interoperability in Department of Defense (DOD) networks. The JITC testing verifies that the Ciena WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) and optical switching products adhere to various contract and testing requirements required by the DOD, making the purchase and deployment of the platforms by approved agencies for use within DOD networks an easier process.

JITC, an organizational element of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), certifies interoperability for all products considered for use in DOD networks. JITC's optical standards conformance and interoperability testing includes a thorough assessment of a product's adherence to protocol compliance, stability, management, scalability and security, based upon rigid requirements set forth by the DOD. With JITC certification, Ciena's products are allowed expanded use in DOD networks as well as simplified purchasing and deployment processes. JITC began evaluating Ciena's solutions in January at its test facility in Indian Head, Maryland.

In 2003, Ciena's CoreStream Agility was selected as the optical transport system for DISA's Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) after a field test and evaluation by the project's system integrator, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). The CN 4200 platform was later added to the DISN. Additionally, Ciena's CoreDirector has been widely used by various government agencies and research and engineering customers.

"DOD concerns such as interoperability and security have long been a priority for Ciena. This extensive certification is a key milestone in our continued focus on this market, enabling these products to be used more widely across DOD networks, including enterprise-class DWDM deployments," said Dave Peed, vice president and managing director of Ciena Government Solutions, Inc. "Our solutions have performed tremendously in networks worldwide, including DISA's DISN and numerous government agencies and research and education networks, and we look forward to extending this same flexibility, manageability and reliability to more parts of the DOD and its associate agencies."

Ciena's FlexSelect Architecture

Ciena's FlexSelect Architecture integrates strategic technologies -- service level management, automated multi-layer mesh restoration, connection-oriented Ethernet tunnels, and OTN -- across platforms to let customers deliver any service to any port on the network, on demand. The following JITC-assessed products are key components of Ciena's FlexSelect Architecture:

-- CoreDirector Intelligent Optical Switch: Industry-leading intelligent optical switches for automated management and dynamic control of SONET/SDH and Ethernet (GbE/10GbE) connectivity.

-- CoreStream Agility Optical Transport System: Support long-haul, regional and ultra long-haul DWDM and optical switching for core networks.

-- CN 4200 FlexSelect Advanced Services Platform: Multiservice metro/regional DWDM/CWDM platform featuring programmable interfaces, OTN-based transport and automated management.

Ciena in Government

Ciena's demonstrated record of excellence and superior customer satisfaction in the government sector is evidenced in its support of DISA's DISN, the Department of Energy's UltraScience Net, and additional deployments across federal agencies. Ciena has also partnered with Internet2 to support its next-generation nationwide research and education network. Ciena's FlexSelect Architecture allows agencies and government solution providers to create assured networks that mitigate risk, consolidate networks and provide high-performance network connectivity--meeting the requirements of emerging agency applications.

About Joint Interoperability Test Command

The Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) conducts testing of national security systems and information technology systems hardware, software and components. Services include developmental, conformance, interoperability, operational and validation testing. JITC provides "one-stop systems testing" with its one-of-a-kind array of test beds and uniquely qualified staff. The command can interface all of its on-site capabilities and its network with any other testing or operational facility worldwide. The JITC facilities are located at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., and Indian Head, Md. JITC is a member of the Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB). JITC services the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), combatant commands, the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies, allies, coalition partners and commercial vendors. For complete service descriptions and points of contact, go to http://jitc.fhu.disa.mil.

About Ciena

Ciena specializes in network transition. We provide the flexible platforms, intelligent software and professional services to build converged networks for enhanced services and applications. With a growing global presence, Ciena leverages its heritage of practical innovation to deliver maximum performance and economic value in communications networks worldwide. For more information, visit www.ciena.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 March 7, 2008. 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.

SOURCE: Ciena Corporation

Ciena Corporation Press contact: Nicole Anderson, 877-857-7377 pr@ciena.com
   or Investor contact: Marie Downing, 888-243-6223 ir@ciena.com 

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