— some of the leading telecommunications, CATV, and datacom companies in the industry—why they chose to work with Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, they responded that we go the extra mile to meet their needs by "tailoring" the right solution. And it’s our ability and willingness to tailor the right solution for you that sets us apart from other fiber optic manufacturers.

With the convergence of data, voice, and video, assisting our customers in the development of first-to-market innovations through tailoring requires:

• Listening and responding to our customers better than any other company in the industry
• Offering our customers flexibility through customizable options
• Providing the best-engineered products and technical expertise with which to tailor your ideal solution
• Integrating our resources and products within our fiber optic cable, interconnect, and Sumitomo’s electro-optic division to provide unique solutions that meet your special needs
• Continually offering new and better technologies for managing the bandwidth of the optical network

Because Sumitomo designs, manufactures, and innovates complete product lines within the "physical layer" of optic networks, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave can be your sole supplier and partner to meet your most challenging bandwidth management, fiber deployment, or outside plant requirements.

By responding to market needs and working with our customers in the joint pursuit of new and better technologies, Sumitomo has achieved a leadership status in fiber optic innovations…such as:

• Developing the first and best peelable ribbon cable in the US
• Designing the world’s first mass fusion splicing equipment
• Introducing the first 432-fiber hostile-environment cable
• Pioneering the miniaturization of fiber connectors including the 24-fiber backplane and MT/MPO
• Bringing FC, SC, and MU connector technologies to the US and throughout the globe
• Developing the first fiber grating stabilization of 1480 pump lasers
• Introducing the US’s first and only UL riser and plenum rated Air-Blown Fiber® cable
• By listening, responding, acting, and working closely with our customers, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave is paving the way together with leaders in the industry to bring about the most revolutionary products and network innovations for fiber-to-the-home, fiber-to-the-desk, and other "fiber-to-you" architectures

These are only some of the many innovations that Sumitomo has introduced in its commitment to provide the best customer service and to tailor solutions that give you a competitive advantage in the ever-changing communications marketplace.