AddOn Dispelling the Myth
Can switching to third-party optics really keep every OEM warranty intact? This one-pager, "Third Party Optics: Dispelling the Myth," shows how AddOn delivers OEM-compatible transceivers and cabling protected by the Sherman Antitrust Act, programmed and tested in-house, and covered by a lifetime warranty. Read the one-pager to see how it works.
Do third-party optics void my OEM warranty?
No. Using AddOn’s third-party optics does not void your OEM warranties or service contracts.
The key protection here is the Sherman Antitrust Act, a U.S. federal law that prevents a manufacturer from:
- Forcing you to buy only their upgrades, or
- Invalidating your warranty or support because you purchased compatible hardware from another vendor.
This law exists to encourage competition and protect customers’ ability to choose cost-effective alternatives. AddOn provides standards-tested products with a lifetime warranty at a fraction of OEM cost, without violating your existing warranty or service plans.
How does AddOn ensure quality and compatibility?
AddOn focuses on in-house control and testing to ensure quality and compatibility:
- In-house programming and testing (US-based): All optics and network cabling are programmed and tested internally. AddOn has invested millions of dollars in a state-of-the-art lab that is continually updated with the newest OEM switches.
- OEM-spec firmware and DOM coding: Network transceivers and direct attach cables are programmed to OEM specifications, with advanced firmware and Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) coding to closely match OEM functionality.
- Dedicated internal programming team: Instead of buying pre-coded parts from brokers and re-labeling them, AddOn’s own team codes and validates each part, helping you avoid the risks of unverified third-party components.
The result is a set of optics and cables designed to reimagine how you source connectivity—OEM-level functionality, with transparent, standards-based testing behind it.
What makes AddOn different from other third-party vendors?
AddOn differentiates itself in a few practical ways:
- Cost efficiency: You get OEM-quality, tested, and trusted parts at a fraction of the OEM cost, helping you rethink your optics budget without sacrificing performance.
- Reliability and support: Products come with a lifetime warranty and access to industry-leading technical support, giving you long-term coverage and a clear escalation path.
- In-environment testing: When you place an order, AddOn requests details about your network setup and then tests the optics and cables in a matching switch-to-switch environment. This step—often skipped by both other third-party vendors and OEMs—helps ensure each module or cable is ready for your specific deployment.
- Compliance with OEM warranties: Thanks to the Sherman Antitrust Act, using AddOn optics does not void your OEM service agreements or warranties.
Taken together, these factors allow you to reshape your connectivity strategy: lower costs, tested performance in your intended environment, and protection for your existing OEM investments.
AddOn Dispelling the Myth
published by Aavex Technology Corporation
Aavex Technology Corporation has been a leading Managed Security and Service Provider since 2002.
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We take a business first, security focused approach to providing our IT services. Aavex Technology Corporation specializes in wide range of services, including tailored IT services, hardware procurement, Cloud migration services, employee on-boarding and off-boarding checklists, network and IT infrastructure monitoring, Voice over IP and solutions for small and medium businesses and their owners in the Chicagoland area. We are committed to providing each one of our clients the highest level of quality service and support. Our unique IT team is incredibly friendly and can help you every step of the way in growing your business.
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