The increasing explosion in the usage of the Internet continues to fuel the rapid growth of fiber optic networks in communication systems. Part I of this workshop reviews the overall fiber-optic communications channel from a functional point of view, as well as the current status and future requirements of optical components that form its foundation. Part II addresses the current thinking, trends, forecasts, and significant financial implications as viewed from the Wall Street perspective. You can not afford to miss this important presentation on the optical communications industry and Wall Street.