What does the suffix '-C’ mean in our part numbers?

=We are frequently asked the question “what does the suffix ‘-C’ mean in our part numbers?”

Simply put, ‘-C’ denotes that our product is a guaranteed 100% compatible version of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) product.

For example:

• Cisco® Part Number: SFP-10G-SR=
• ATGBICS® Part Number: SFP-10G-SR-C

This method of part numbering makes it easy to find what you are looking for. Simply search the OEM sku and we will provide the compatible alternative. Our clients have the assurance that they will be supplied the fully tested, 100% compatible, MSA Compliant version of the OEM part.

Be it because the OEM has made their product end of life, has long lead times, or to save cost, our clients can confidently use ATGIBICS compatible products as a drop in for the OEM product with no impact on performance and reliability.

How can we be so confident? Because of Multi-Source Agreements.

What does MSA Compliant mean?

Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) is a multi-vendor specification that defines the form factors and interfaces of an optical transceiver. Manufacturers adhere to MSAs to ensure interoperability and interchangeability between interface modules. This enables compatible manufacturers such as ATGBICS to provide compatible solutions to the same specification as the OEM, often at a fraction of the cost. 

MSA standards define:

• Form Factor
• Mechanical Interface
• Electrical Interface
• Optical interface

Find out more about our compliance to Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) standard coding practices.

Customers can also be assured of compliance to the same sustainability and safety standards as the OEM equivalent. Including RoHS, CE, FCC and REACH. All our certifications are freely available for download on the Approved Technology Certificates of Conformity page.

With the assurance of quality, reliability, compatibility and availability, our clients are reaping the benefits of buying compatible alternatives to OEM with significant cost savings, shorter lead times and exemplary customer service.

In short you can be sure that all our products are:

• Easy to ensure compatibility. Our SKUs are equivalent to the OEM SKU suffixed with ‘-C’ to denote ‘compatible’
• 100% Compatible
• Fully Tested
• Backed By A Lifetime Warranty
• Conform To ALL Industry Standards & Protocols
• Each Product Uniquely Serialised And Traceable
• Up to 90% cheaper than the OEM alternative but equal in performance & reliability
• With lead times of days not weeks or months

For compatible optical transceivers, fibre cabling, and much more, feel free to contact us or call +44 1202 424 518.

Be safe in the knowledge that our products are fully compliant, rigorously tested, and guaranteed compatible.

Our technical team can help answer any industry-related questions and provide advice where possible.