> Zhone Technologies' Multiple Access Line Concentrator (MALC) Multi-service Access Node (MSAN) was picked by UAE telecom service provider du (DFM:EITC) for IP access services. du will use Zhone's MALC to provide voice, Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM), ADSL2+ and ISDN BRI over IP to its residential and business customers. News release.
> For the third consecutive year, CBeyond made the Atlanta Business Chronicle's list of fastest-growing public companies in Georgia, coming in at number 11--eight spots higher than in 2008. It's also been ranked as a top 10 Georgia company for employment expansion and revenue growth from 2007 to 2009 despite the challenging economic climate. Release.
> Global Capacity keeps moving forward, announcing that since Jan. 1 it has executed 102 contracts totaling $5.2 million in value across a range of vertical industries including cable, Internet, government, financial services, healthcare and utilities. News release.
> Optical transport specialist Ekinops will help European high bandwidth services provider Neo Telecoms connect its 15 data centers and deliver Ethernet services to end customers. News release.
> Interop Tokyo, which starts today, should get a little more interesting as NTT Com, Infinera and Ixia announced they will provide the "world's first" 100 Gbps Ethernet transmission network for practical operation during the tradeshow. News release.
And finally... hiring may be on an upward trend. Optical switching technology provider Calient has added four executives to its sales force: O.J. Johnston as global solutions leader, John Reynolds, who will oversee business development for data center and OEM partners, Bill Stephenson, leading business development for service providers, and Glenn Stern as government practice leader. Release.