LINTHICUM, Md., Sep 4, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- CoreDirector, MetroDirector K2 Helping Global Managed Network Service Provider Reduce Network Operating Expenses

CIENA(R) Corporation (NASDAQ:CIEN) today announced that Infonet Services Corporation (NYSE:IN), a leading provider of global communications services for multinationals, has selected CIENA solutions for use on Infonet's wholly-owned The World Network(R), accessible from more than 3,000 cities in 180 countries around the world. Specifically, Infonet has selected CIENA's CoreDirector(R) intelligent core switch and MetroDirector K2(TM) multiservice platform for deployment across multiple U.S. and European network sites.

Infonet's deployment plans call for more than 30 CoreDirector systems across the network, in addition to MetroDirector K2 switches in more than 40 cities. Deployment is already underway.

Infonet selected CIENA based on its experience with cost-effective, dynamic mesh networks, as well as the ability of CIENA's LightWorks(TM) solutions to enhance the efficiency of the existing global backbone and local metropolitan networks. In addition, CIENA's professional services offering met Infonet's criteria to manage the engineering and implementation of the solution.

"The economic benefits of CIENA's next-generation architecture support our objectives of increasing network efficiency and lowering overall costs while at the same time expanding our network reach into additional markets," said Paul Hibbert, chief technology officer at Infonet. "With intelligent mesh networking capabilities, the CIENA solution also provides a platform to migrate innovative service offerings to a dynamic next-generation architecture while leveraging our existing infrastructure."

Implementing an intelligent, mesh-based architecture will help Infonet migrate to a "self-aware" infrastructure with automated bandwidth provisioning and management across the network, while also providing extensive protection capabilities. CIENA's switching systems are designed to enable a unified and scalable network for delivering converged services to new and existing customers - without the high operational costs associated with managing a static, manual infrastructure.

"We are pleased to be working with Infonet to provide key portions of The World Network's infrastructure," said Gary Smith, president and CEO at CIENA. "The cost-saving automation enabled by CIENA's software-based networking solutions is optimal for Infonet's innovative approach to serving customers around the world."

ABOUT CIENA

CIENA Corporation delivers innovative network solutions to the world's largest service providers, increasing the cost-efficiency of current services while enabling the creation of new carrier-class data services delivered on the existing network infrastructure. Additional information about CIENA can be found at www.ciena.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions of CIENA (the Company) that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this release, including but not limited to the features and benefits of CIENA's products, are based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in such forward-looking statements, due to risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business, which include the risk factors disclosed in the Company's Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 21, 2003. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the Company'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. The Company assumes no obligation to update the information included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ABOUT INFONET

Infonet Services Corporation, known for its quality of service, is a leading provider of managed network communications services for nearly 3,000 multinational entities.

Employing a unique consultative approach, Infonet offers integrated solutions optimizing the complex relationship between enterprise applications and the global network. Extensive project management capabilities are the foundation for the services and solution offerings (broadband, Internet, intranet, multimedia, video conferencing, remote and local access, provisioning, application and consulting services) positioning Infonet as a single-source partner for multinational entities. In particular, Infonet IP VPN solutions offer multinationals a unique combination of Private and Public IP services as well as a full set of Managed Security Services.

Rated "Best in Class" overall in Telemark's survey of Global Managed Data Network Services, Infonet has also won "Best Customer Care" and "Best Carrier" at the World Communication Awards. Founded in 1970, Infonet owns and operates The World Network(R), accessible from more than 180 countries, and provides local service support in over 70 countries and territories.

Infonet's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol IN. Additional information about the company is available at www.infonet.com.

Safe Harbor Statement: Infonet may have made forward-looking statements in this release. These statements, if any, are based on information available to the company as of the date of this release and Infonet undertakes no duty to update the information to take account of later events. The accuracy of our forward-looking statements will also be affected by the strength of the market for Infonet products and services, competition, the timely transitioning of new business opportunities to Infonet's network and the effect of currency fluctuation. Investors should bear these risk factors in mind as well as those elaborated on in Infonet's 10K, 10-Qs and other recent filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These documents are available through the investor relations portion of Infonet's web site at www.infonet.com

SOURCE: CIENA Corporation

CONTACT:          CIENA Corporation
                  Press Contacts:       
                  Denny Bilter or Aaron Graham         
                  877-857-7377                       
                  email: pr@ciena.com                  
                  or
                  Investor Contacts:                   
                  Suzanne DuLong or Jessica Towns 
                  888-243-6223
                  email: ir@ciena.com
                  or
                  Infonet Services Corp.
                  Alex Rassey, 310-335-1144                   
                  alex_rassey@infonet.com

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SOURCE: CIENA Corporation