RE:RE:Next Big Future PostThe optical interface (transceiver) is one of the markets that POET is currently pursuing and it is a very large market for the data center. The focus here is the enormous reduction in cost to build the transceiver since POET reduces the number of components, interconnections and packaging needs by combining analog, digital and optical on the same chip through a fabrication process.. So the primary driver here is margin. Performance and energy savings as the longer term O&M cost benefit would obviously be a very large driver if any competing technology could meet the reduced production cost achieved through the POET process.
Reduction in Capex for the full blown data center applications will not even be in same ballpark. Energy capacity, the station service and grid supply requirements with be greatly reduced as primary and secondary energy requirements (HVAC) and standby generator foot print is greatly diminished. Even battery backup along with inverter/converter for sudden interruption of power supply is removed at the system level due to the elimination of NVRAM backup/recovery.
The biggest reason though which will be the driving force is the initial cost savings. Never mind the improvements in performance and energy efficiency. It can’t get any cheaper than that and the companies that POET is engaged with are very aware of this.