As much as buying brand new hardware is fun, sometimes it's just as well to buy an older part or machine. The wonders of the net have allowed us access to computer parts that would otherwise be obsolete; it's a treasure trove of eclectic old parts, which are necessary when you want to keep a legacy machine going.
This is especially important in regard to "enterprise parts" like servers and routers, because many companies invest tens of thousands of dollars in systems which only run on particular components. "Upgrading" to an entirely new system would cost a company millions, so it's essential they have access to older parts long after they've been discontinued.
The need to keep legacy systems going spurred an entire industry furnishing customers with used, refurbished and unused parts. As mentioned before, the internet has helped this along greatly. However, the internet has also made it easier to pass off counterfeit parts as authentic for unassuming buyers. When it comes to buying older parts, buyers can be a bit bit confused in looking for clues to an items authenticity. Thanks to guidelines provided by Pyramid technology services, a company reputed for its quality refurbished computer parts, we can offer some tips:
From the source:
- "Look at the color of the serial number. Cisco's own color is a yellow-orange; counterfeits are darker. The numbers may appear crowded and even rub off on the phony items."
- "LEDs on blades should all be the same size."
- "Watch the color on loop-back buttons on wan interface cards: it should be dull, not bright red."
- "Real cisco boards usually have solder points covered with nickel-zinc, not copper, as seen on counterfeits."
- "Inside the RJ-45 connector, cisco parts will have the word "Steward," not "GLG."
- Always deal with a well-established value added reseller. Look for a dealer who rigorously tests everything and who backs up sales with a warranty."
- "Stick with sellers who belong to the ASCDI (the Association of service and computer dealers International). They have an established code of ethics and an arbitration procedure in place for any problems that might arise. "
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Nintendo has made it clear that they are tough on counterfeits, after tips to authorities caused a court ordered raid yielding 10,000 fake products allegedly used to play counterfeit Nintendo software, the company announced. In only three days, Nintendo reps seized thousands of products that copy games and modification chips from Supreme Factory Ltd. facilities. The company is also linked to the French Divineo SARL, also named in the suit. 
As much as buying brand new hardware is fun, sometimes it's just as well to buy an older part or machine. The wonders of the net have allowed us access to computer parts that would otherwise be obsolete; it's a treasure trove of eclectic old parts, which are necessary when you want to keep a legacy machine going.
When people think of counterfeits, Swiss Army Knives are generally not on top of their lists. But, it's true--many of the knives found at bazaars or even in your local stores could be fake. If it's too cheap to be true, it may not be real. And, as Certified Swiss Army dealer Frank Mazza of Kimberly & Co states, only authentic products will do when it comes to things as dangerous as knife/tool combos.
