Movaz Networks

About Movaz Networks

Movaz Networks, Inc. operated as a provider of optical transport equipment, strategically positioned to serve telecommunications carriers, network operators, cable providers, government agencies, and research and education organizations. The company was founded in June 2000 by Bijan Khosravi, who served as its Chairman and CEO. Khosravi, a serial entrepreneur with a track record that includes the co-founding of Siara Systems (sold for $4.3B), launched Movaz at the peak of the optical networking boom and successfully navigated it through the subsequent telecom market collapse. His leadership philosophy centered on strong customer and employee commitment, notably retraining engineers for different roles to avoid layoffs during the downturn.

The firm specialized in developing carrier-class, all-optical solutions for metro, regional, and enterprise networks, enabling the cost-effective delivery of wavelength services. Its core business involved providing wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer (ROADM) products. The flagship RAY product line was a portfolio of WDM transport and ROADM systems designed to scale from small metro core applications to extensive regional networks up to 2,000 km. A key differentiator for Movaz was its pioneering work in Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching (GMPLS), an advanced protocol for optical transport networks. The company's business model relied on direct sales, value-added resellers, and a significant private label partnership with Lucent Technologies, which at one point accounted for 20% of its sales.

After raising approximately $171 million in funding over eight rounds from investors including Oak Investment Partners, Meritech, and Comcast Ventures, Movaz established a notable market presence. The company's growth and specialized technology captured the attention of larger players. In June 2006, Germany-based ADVA Optical Networking announced its acquisition of Movaz for about $75 million in stock and cash. The acquisition was driven by ADVA's desire to integrate Movaz's ROADM technology, particularly its "eROADM" solution, to enhance its own product portfolio and strengthen its foothold in the North American market. At the time of the acquisition, Movaz had around 150 employees, an installed base of nearly $150 million, and approximately 100 customers.