Protect Yourself from Counterfeit Products

I recently came across this article on http://www.andovercg.com/ and thought I would share it with you.

The relaxed attitude by China towards intellectual-property rights and often state-sanctioned piracy and counterfeiting facilities has become increasingly worrisome. The inability to discern between authentic and counterfeit products is a narrowing margin at best. Sophisticated counterfeit products have placed a real threat on the economy, specifically for secondary market electronic equipment dealers. 
A perfect example is counterfeit Cisco equipment, collectively referred to in the industry as "Chisco" (counterfeit Cisco equipment originating in China). These high-tech and high-priced networking appliances are being counterfeited through Chinese channels at an alarming rate. 
According to a white paper by AGMA and consulting company KPMG, counterfeit products account for nearly 10% of the overall IT products market. That's $100 billion in fake memory sticks, drives, monitors, networking gear and other IT products floating around. "The vast majority is still being purchased from gray market, uncertified resellers that unload their goods on eBay at extremely low prices," said Scott Augenbaum, supervisory special agent for the FBI Cybercrime Fraud unit in Washington, D.C. 
Network managers have grown aware of the "Chisco" problem and have grown fearful of acquiring counterfeit network hardware. Their company's networks cannot afford to fail on account of a faulty switch or router. Worse, their jobs could be compromised as a result of a poor purchasing decision. 
Here are several visual tips on how to spot fake Cisco products: 


How to protect yourself

Let's face it, some of us with budgetary constraints count on the secondary market to purchase our network hardware. With switches and routers costing upwards of $30,000 and often significantly more, we have no choice but to source through legit pre-owned product channels. Buying secondary network hardware is not a risky endeavor for the educated buyer. 
Purchase your Cisco from TelExpress, Inc. They know what they are doing.

What to know when buying Adtran TA600 & TA900 Series IAD’s

Buyer Beware!

Adtran TA600 & TA900 Series IAD's

Buyer Beware!

Two years ago we were all scrambling trying to find TA600 Series IAD's on the refurb or as some may call the "gray market". Everyone wants to save money! In this day and age typing in "600 Series IAD" in Google and you will find around 100 different suppliers. The market is pretty cut and dry as vendors are basically giving away Adtran 608, 616's and 624's. There is a catch...Many of us are being burned and receiving incomplete units, missing brackets or power cords, scratched up so badly you can't even read the part # and even suppliers that are not warranting their equipment. If the price seems "to good to be true".  Well, trust your instinct! I keep a check list when buying or being offered these refurb/gray market Adtran IAD's.

1. Make sure all necessary hardware, power cords and mounting brackets are included
2. What kind of condition are these in? Physical condition? I sometimes will even request a picture if I am still skeptical
3. Are the units tested prior to shipping?
4. Does the supplier offer at least a 2 year warranty or more? 
5. What is the replacement policy - hassle free?
6. Is this a credible supplier?

There is nothing worse then purchasing something from someone only to find out the unit doesn't work and the supplier is no longer in business!

Does anyone have any helpful hints on buying or overall maintenance on the TA600 or TA900 Series IAD's?

 

Buying Secondary Market Telecom Equipment A Smart Choice for Service Providers

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Who would have thought years ago that a Service Provider could buy used 5ESS or DMS switch at a fraction of what it would cost new? Well this has now certainly become a common reality in the Telecom Industry, as the Secondary Market equipment vendors have become big players with Service Providers and EF&I contractors. With an ever changing technology, these lower prices on used equipment allow providers to expand and upgrade their current operations more often, and also allow in many cases for immediate shipment on equipment that may have a two-four week lead time. In some cases, the discounted prices on used telecom equipment can be as much as 80% off the cost of the new purchase price.

Some things for Service Providers and Contractors to look out for when purchasing secondary market equipment. Make sure your Vendor is an established company with a good solid record, and one that has been in business for at least 5-10 years. It is very important to make sure your Vendor warranties the used equipment. Warranty periods should be valid for at least six months on used equipment. Also make sure the Vendor does good inspections and refurbishes the used equipment on site prior to shipping it out. Confirm that your Vendor has a stock program in place, and is not just "brokering" for your equipment needs. Ask if same day shipping is possible, this should be the case on all stock items. Also ask if your Vendor is willing to dokitting programs for you. This can make things much easier on your inbound shipments for various installation sites. In many cases, engineering services are also available through secondary market vendors.

Another good thing to look for when deciding on a Secondary Market Vendor is to check their certifications. For example, you can find a Minority Woman Owned Business Vendor and thus have huge potential tax savings for your corporation. Also, many Secondary Market Vendors are qualified to sell to Government operations, thus making the transactions speedy for quick results.

So if you have not yet bought secondary market telecom equipment, give it a shot! I think you will be very pleased with the money you can save for your company.