Connector Hardware Makes ALL the Difference We recently spoke to several East Coast communications contractors about their choices in connector technology. All but one of the people we interviewed named Superior Modular Products (www.smpdata.com) as their top rated choice for connector hardware. They told us that the product was highly dependable and delivered the performance required at a very competitive price. We asked them why they didn't go for one of the advertised cable and connector alliances, like NetClear™ or NetLan™. They said they tried those types of packages and did not see any advantage over the SMP offerings. The cable manufacturers warranties are still good with qualified connectors. We have seen several major shifts and corporate changes in the companies that manufacture the jacks, patch panels, and other connector technology. Many of those "connector companies" have struck marketing deals with various cable manufacturers. During the past fifteen years, those relationships have changed partners often. The net result is a very confused marketplace. The ultimate solutions and partnerships between cable and connector manufacturers have changed frequently. One large end user said, "We no longer place any significant value on these ultimate solutions and product partnerships. Instead, we turn to the distributor". We have watched the connector hardware competitors scurry about in their quest to promote various alliances with the cable manufacturers. This competition has spent "beaucoup bucks" in a host of different programs that have taken on more variations than a kaleidoscope. What they have managed to accomplish is to confuse the marketplace. The alliances have broken and changed so often that even the industry insiders cannot figure out "who's on first?" Adding to the confusion is the manufacturer warranty game. We have never been able to identify any significant buyer that has ever derived a single dime's worth of recovery from a warranty program coordinated between connector and cable manufacturers. The manufacturers of cabling connection and support hardware can stand on their own merits.