Market research firm Infonetics Research today released vendor market share and preliminary analysis from its fourth quarter 2012 (4Q12) and year-end Optical Network Hardware report.
"After ending 2012 on a flat note, things are looking up for the optical market in 2013," notes Andrew Schmitt, principal analyst for optical at Infonetics. "Our conversations with equipment providers continue to trend positive, particularly in North America where 100G spending is about to ramp. The general consensus remains that an optical cycle for equipment in the core is emerging, what we call the 'optical reboot.'
"Meanwhile, there are positive rumbles in the EMEA region, where 2012 ended with a spending flourish and carriers are cutting dividends to plow capital into general capex. And we are looking forward to our visits with carriers in Beijing this spring to get a good read on the year, but the preliminary indication is it will be a huge year for 100G. China is about half of the global 40G WDM market, and 2013 will be the peak year for 40G worldwide."