TABLE OF CONTENTS Up to now, our discussions have dealt with the technologies, development, and competing products designed by the various manufacturers. Some limited discussion also has taken us through the steps of using the fiber and optical networking and switching at the carrier level. However, little discussion has taken place of the use of fiber and optical switching systems in the ever-increasing pool of applications for the end users, carriers, and manufacturers combined.
The time to discuss the application and use of the fiber-based systems is now. In this chapter, two major concepts must be addressed: making money and saving money. Making money represents the perspective of the manufacturers. They will invest in research and development efforts to create products and goods that others want. These manufacturers will concentrate their efforts on the biggest return on investment (ROI) that they can possibly achieve. That is a business statement, not a criticism of the efforts of manufacturers. Once manufacturers arrive at a product, they will market this product for everything they can get from it. At the same time, they will also look for spin-off applications to create a second wave of products and applications that will fit the need. This is where the vendors start. The goal is to offer the product or service that will return profits greater than their expenses, meaning they want to make money.
While manufacturers are making money on their new products, they will be replacing other (older) technologies and products that have lived through...
