How do we introduce new network devices to the market?

A popular furniture brand annually conducts about a million (!) testing their products. At Salumanus, we surround every new network device with similar care. Before it goes to your server room, we check them many times and undergo detailed tests.

We end 2022 with 9 new optical modules in the GBC Photonics portfolio. Bringing a new solution to market is a multi-step process. We carry out tests and research in Fiber Optic Laboratory at the headquarters of Salumanus in Cracow. We will trace this process step by step, using the example of universal optical modules.

Stage 1 — market needs study

The first and most critical stage of the whole process. At Salumanus, we are very close to our customers. We support them with what we already have on offer today and talk a lot about the needs of developing projects. It is these conversations that inspire us to start working on new products.

Every idea must pass a feasibility study positively. We focus on the physical elements from which we will build the next device, but also on the so-called economic rationale. In simple terms, we analyze whether the device we are going to put on the market will be able to address the needs of the customer within a certain budget. Often at this stage, despite the fact that the technical possibilities of making a particular product exist, we give up introducing it to the offer.

Stage 2 - assembly, testing, programming

Decision made. We are introducing a new product to the market. Now it's time to detailed tests of all the components of which it will consist. In the case of optical modules, the issue of compatibility is very important.

We strive to ensure that our customer enjoys a universal optical module — one that will work in any network equipment. Therefore, just after leaving the production line, the module goes to our developers. We verify the ability to write and read all configuration tables. We check all parameters for compatibility with the network equipment of different vendors. If everything in this regard works, we are moving on to the next tests.

Stage 3 — almost finished module

This is the moment when a particular device already has a product code and a catalog card. We know exactly its parameters and basic applications. We then test specific product usage scenarios in our fiber lab on meters and on real fibers.

We also carry out a lot of performance tests as well as long-term tests, which confirm the stable operation of the device in all conditions. For example, if our assumption is that the module is to operate at a distance of 10 km, then we carefully check kilometer by kilometer. And we make sure it functions well on every stretch.

In the next stage, we perform long-term tests. For 72 hours or more, we load the test module as much as possible and check that the data transmission is correct.

If the module passes all these tests positively, we carry out external tests on customers. Only after their completion can we be sure that the module will also work in a real implementation.

Finally, we use our special forces. We program the module ready to market in an environment GBC Photonics SRD. This allows network engineers to take full advantage of its versatility.

Step 4 — general availability

This is the stage where the product is already equipped with complete documentation. We have concrete examples of its application and we can boast of several case studies. But our work does not end there. We collect feedback from customers and constantly improve our products. And we're working on another, new networking solution.

You can now try our universal optical modules using the Try&Buy formula. Write to usE-mail: sales@salumanus.com

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