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Whether you are managing IT for a large international conglomerate or small startup looking to breakout, controlling hardware expense is now at the forefront.  Upgrading existing hardware, limiting e-mail storage, qualifying new vendors, outsourcing backups, he list goes on and on.

One thing many IT managers are turning to is third party optical transceivers in place of Cisco transceivers and other OEM transceivers.  More people are becoming aware that Cisco and other OEM’s do not make their own transceivers.  The next logical question is, can I bypass the OEM’s and buy directly from the factory where the parts are made.  In almost all cases, these suppliers are bound by agreements that they will not supply directly to compete with the OEM.

The key piece though is the raw component suppliers for the transceivers are not bound by those agreements.  This is how the third party vendors compete.  As with everything, not all third party vendors are equal.  Below is a list of Do’s and Don’ts when looking for a partner in the optical transceiver space:

• Do look for a cost effective supplier that can work with you to reduce your expenditure.

• Don’t go for the cheapest provider.

Lesson:  You are already saving quite a bit by not paying for the significant Cisco overhead and mark up . . . don’t overdo it by buying an inferior product.

• Do seek out a supplier that values their reputation.

• Don’t go for a supplier that is out to make a quick sale.

Lesson:  Is this a partner that will work with you through good and bad?  Will they provide complimentary overnight engineering samples to resolve issues when you are in bind?  Do they have a corporate philosophy that looks beyond the current transaction.

• Do look for a partner who will back up their product with a solid warranty.

• Don’t be fooled by some of the “lifetime” warranties being offered by low end suppliers.

Lesson:  Reputable companies give real warranties that they will fully honor. Some companies follow the model where they produce cheap product that even with a large fall out, they can profitably “honor” the “warranty”.  That is “honor” it only to very persistent Customers.  Unfortunately they are not concerned about the consequences of the failed units on the Customer’s network, nor has the run around the Customer to go through to claim the “warranty”.

We pride ourselves with providing superior quality optical transceivers.  We value relationships and investment over short term expediency.  We believe our commitment to the Customer and an unwavering commitment to quality puts our product and service at par or better than Cisco Xenpak , Cisco SPF or any Cisco compatible and other leading OEM’s, but at a far better price point.