Israeli start-up Passave Technologies, a developer of fiber to the home (FTTH) semiconductors, has sold over 500,000 Ethernet passive optical networks (EPON) inputs. The company also announced that it was preparing for large-scale commercial installations. Sources close to the company estimate sales in the millions of dollars.

Founded in 2001, Passave has raised $9 million to date from Intel Capital, BRM Capital, Eurofund, and Walden Israel. The fabless company develops and manufactures systems
a-chip and integrated solutions for broadband fiber optic access. The company's solutions are mature and standard for EPON.

Passave CEO Victor Vaislieb says the FTTH market is waking up. "After several years during which there was only talk about the potential of this market, we're now seeing it wake up for real. Leading Asian communications operators are rushing to adopt the new EPON standard. FTTH broadband service is now available at speeds 1,000 times faster than ADSL and cable."

Vaislieb adds that Passave, which previously sold hundreds of components, has sold hundreds of thousands of components in the past few months. "As an Israeli start-up, we have something to be proud of, but it should be remembered that we're just starting out. We intend to double in size over the coming year, in order to meet rising demand and exploit worldwide developing opportunities in our field."

Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on May 17, 2004