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Multi-Source Agreement to Accelerate Development of Open Standards for Optical Connectivity
ShanghaiMay 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 3M (NYSE: MMM) announced today that the company has co-founded a new Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) with several leading technology companies to promote the development of open, interoperable specifications for Expanded Beam Optics (EBO) connectivity in AI infrastructure. Expanded beam optics technology, offering advantages such as high reliability, easy maintenance, and excellent performance in high-density interconnection environments, is becoming a key enabler for AI infrastructure. As hyperscale and enterprise AI deployments continue to grow, the standardization of this optical connectivity solution is expected to play a critical role in reducing complexity and accelerating deployment cycles.
The MSA brings together a group of industry pioneers to collaboratively develop standardized specifications for a range of EBO connector solutions, including 3M, Accelink, Aperion, AMD, Amphenol, Arista Networks, Cisco, Meta, Molex, Nexthop-ai, Oracle, Senko, Source Photonics, Sumitomo, TE Connectivity, viaPhoton, and Xscape Photonics. This initiative aims to accelerate the deployment of high-performance optical interconnects to support the rapid expansion of AI data centers.
Alex An, Global Vice President of 3M Data Center Market Business, stated: “As AI workloads continue to surge, the physical layer of data center networks is being pushed to new limits. This demands not only high-performance optical connectivity solutions but also interoperability and scalability within an evolving ecosystem. By participating in this MSA, 3M is actively driving this open, standardized technology path, accelerating its adoption, enhancing reliability, and supporting the development of next-generation AI infrastructure.”
The MSA will provide a collaborative framework for members to develop unified specifications covering multiple EBO connector configurations.
Rajagopal Subramaniyan, Senior Vice President of Oracle OCI Networking, said: “As AI network bandwidth density and scale continue to increase, there is a growing need for a highly resilient physical layer (Layer 1), which currently relies on physical contact multi-fiber connectors. However, stringent connector cleanliness requirements have slowed network build-out and increased operational burdens for ongoing link troubleshooting. EBO expanded beam optics technology can overcome these bottlenecks, enabling more resilient cluster topologies and future-proof rack-level optical interconnect architectures. In line with Oracle’s commitment to innovation and industry leadership, we are pleased to serve as co-chair of this organization at the launch of the EBO MSA, which is crucial for establishing a diverse supplier ecosystem for hyperscale cloud and AI operators.”
3M remains dedicated to driving data center innovation through materials science. 3M’s participation in this MSA is part of a broader commitment that includes solutions for reliable connectivity, thermal and power management, and supporting highly adaptable infrastructure in large-scale applications. As the momentum across the ecosystem continues to grow, additional MSA participants further emphasize the importance of an open, standardized approach to expanded beam optics connectivity.
Jim Hasegawa, President of the Optical Communications Division at SENKO Advanced Components, Inc., stated: “As optical data networks rapidly expand and evolve, the industry faces increasing demand for innovative solutions that not only deliver high performance but also offer reliability and ease of deployment and maintenance. EBO expanded beam optics technology directly addresses these needs. Particularly as the industry moves toward openness and standardization, it enables seamless integration between optical modules, backplanes, and cable assemblies.”
About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is committed to applying science to create innovative, customer-centric solutions that transform industries worldwide. Our interdisciplinary teams leverage diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global reach, and operational excellence to solve customer challenges. To learn how 3M is shaping the future, visit 3M.com/news.
About 3M China
3M China Limited was registered in China in November 1984, becoming the first wholly foreign-owned enterprise established outside of special economic zones in the country. Currently, 3M has established 6 manufacturing bases, 4 technology centers, and 1 R&D center in China, providing over 6,000 jobs.