New CEO Jeff Waters Outlines his Roadmap for Isola

Estimated reading time: 26 minutes

Matties: Speed obviously is the big issue, and optical is becoming probably the next logical step. How do you see that or have you given that much consideration yet?

Waters: From a performance requirement, optical has been comprehended into the product development plans that we have. If I look at some of the noise or loss targets that we have with some of our products that are in development, like our Tachyon® 100G product, for example, what I've seen when I’ve looked at the capabilities, is that we have an ability to stay ahead of where that market is going to be, so we should be able to maintain a leadership position there.

Matties: You want to definitely be in the leadership position because it's changing so fast. The speed barriers that we thought were there are being breached almost by the minute. It's incredible how fast this stuff is moving these days.

Waters: There's a great example where if you are just looking at optical from a Shenzhen perspective or from a San Jose perspective only, you're going to miss some of the nuances. The fact that we've got a presence on both sides of the Pacific, and then even on the other side of the United States with the Alcatel-Lucents of the world, and then, heck, even if you go on over to the Swedish part of the world, we've got a footprint there. Once again, if the employees feel like they've got the power and the voice, we should be able to stay ahead of where that market is if we do our jobs right.

Matties: Sounds like you're on a good path. You have great experience that you're bringing to the table and time will tell. We will see what you can do.

Waters: I've already lasted a week and a half so... [Laughing]

Matties: I don't know if that's record or not, but congratulations [Laughing]. Thank you so much for the interview.

Waters: You as well.

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