Differentiation in a market that demands sameness

Transceiver feature: Part 2

At first sight, optical transceiver vendors have little scope for product differentiation. Modules are defined through a multi-source agreement (MSA) and used to transport specified protocols over predefined distances.

 

“Their attitude is let the big guys kill themselves at 40 and 100 Gig while they beat down costs"

Vladimir Kozlov, LightCounting

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Do multi-source agreements benefit the optical industry?

Transceiver feature: Part 1

System vendors may adore optical transceivers but there is a concern about how multi-source agreements originate. 

Optical transceiver form factors, defined through multi-source agreements (MSAs), benefit equipment vendors by ensuring there are several suppliers to choose from.  No longer must a system vendor develop its own or be locked in with a supplier.

“Personally, the MSA is the worst thing that has happened to the optical industry”

Marek Tlaka, Luxtera

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