World’s leading supplier of media conversion products to provide small form-factor fiber connectors for Panduit fiber optic network cabling

Bothell, WA and Tinley Park, IL, March 7, 2000 – Allied Telesyn (www.alliedtelesyn.com), the world’s No.1 brand for media conversion products, and Panduit Corp. (www.panduit.com), a leader in fiber optic cabling solutions, announced today that Allied Telesyn will offer a Fast Ethernet media converter using Panduit’s FJ small form factor fiber optic connector, making it easier for customers to integrate high-performance fiber into their networks.

Allied Telesyn’s AT-MC304 100TX to 100FX media converter will facilitate the connection of Panduit’s fiber optic cabling terminated with FJ connectors to UTP (RJ-45) devices such as hubs and switches. Small form-factor fiber connectors have been gaining popularity due to the fact that they make high-volume connectivity more economical – both directly, in the form of lower-priced high-density network devices, and indirectly, through space savings in the wiring closet.

"Choice is critical to building the optimal network. As the worldwide leader in media conversion products, we always strive to enhance and expand network connectivity options, offering a comprehensive set of connector types," said Pradeep Gandhi, Vice President and General Manager of the Allied Telesyn’s Media Products Division. "By delivering practical, affordable, high-quality network connectivity and conversion products through partnerships with company’s such as Panduit, we are able to offer customers more choice and more value."

Tom Donovan, Vice President of International Sales and Marketing for Panduit states, "Panduit’s FJ connector has the largest installed base of small form factor connectors in the global enterprise market. Allied Telesyn’s worldwide support of the FJ interface will help reinforce its position as one of the frontrunners in small form factor fiber optic connectivity."

Panduit and Allied Telesyn will introduce the new AT-MC304 with FJ connector in Panduit’s booth, #2127, at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference, March 7-9 in Baltimore, Maryland.

About Panduit Corp.

The Panduit Network Connectivity Group is a world leader in network connectivity and a primary source for networking solutions covering ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-A, 569-A and 606. The company offers a wide range of cable termination, cable management, cable routing and cable identification products. The Panduit Network Connectivity Group supplies a family of high-performance connectors, plugs, jacks and patch panels used in demanding structured cabling solutions and premise network applications.

Panduit Corp. is headquartered in Tinley Park, Illinois and has multiple U.S. locations, as well as plants and sales subsidiaries throughout the world. Further information on Panduit Corp. and its products can be found at www.panduit.com, or by calling (888) 506-5400.