Timing, Test and Measurement Products
1. Who is Symmetricom?
2. Why did Symmetricom obsolete all these products?
3. How did Symmetricom determine which products to obsolete?
4. How do I know if my products are being obsolete?
5. Do you have replacements for obsolete products?
6. Are the replacement products compatible with the obsolete ones?
7. Do you have 1:1 replacements for all discontinued products?
8. I am not familiar with Symmetricom products; I only know Datum and TrueTime?
9. Do I need to rewrite my software for the replacement products?
10. Do I need to change my hardware for the replacement products?
11. Where can I get information about the replacement products?
12. How can I switch to the replacement products with minimum disturbance to me?
13. I still don't know which product replaces my obsolete ones?
14. My product does not show on your list, how can I be sure it is not obsolete?
15. Is there a chance for a last time buy for obsolete products?
16. Is there a limit to how many products I can purchase for my last time buy?
17. Will "specials" based on obsolete products be obsolete too?
18. Is Symmetricom discontinuing Datum TT&M products in favor of TrueTime products?
19. Is Symmetricom discontinuing TrueTime products in favor of Datum TT&M products?
20. I have recently purchased your system, and now its obsolete, what's going to happen to my product?
21. My discontinued products are still mentioned on your website, can I still buy them?
22. Will my TrueTime drivers work on Datum boards?
23. Will my Datum drivers work on TrueTime boards?
24. Why won't my TrueTime software work on the Datum boards?
Timeline
1. What is the timeframe for last time buys?
2. When will the product be completely out of production?
3. Will I be able to buy obsolete products after the last time buy deadline?
4. When is the trigger date for product discontinuance?
Service and Support
1. How long will you support discontinued products?
2. Can I get support after the product is obsolete?
3. Can I get replacement parts after the product is obsolete?
4. For how long will you fix my product after it's been discontinued?
5. Can I get datasheets and manuals for obsolete products?
6. Can I have my product modified after it has been obsoleted?
7. Will Symmetricom update Operating Systems for discontinued products?
8. Can I buy extended warranties on discontinued products? For how long?
9. When is the deadline to buy extended warranties on obsolete products?
Q. Who is Symmetricom?
A. Symmetricom is the world's leading supplier of synchronization and timing solutions. We are building a stronger, more capable company to support your needs. We've merged with Datum and TrueTime to expand our product line, worldwide support and research and development capabilities.
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Q. Why did Symmetricom obsolete all these products?
A. The three way merger between Symmetricom, Datum and TrueTime has resulted in great complement of products, including some that are duplicate products, and few that are aging and becoming obsolete. The Timing, Test and Measurement Division of Symmetricom decided to discontinue a number of these mature products, and streamline our product line into the strongest and the newest product offering in the industry.
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Q. How did Symmetricom determine which products to obsolete?
A. The Timing, Test and Measurement Division of Symmetricom has taken a very in-depth look at the complement of products from the former Datum and TrueTime companies. Considering many factors such as product technology, age, features, and parts obsolescence, we decided to discontinue a number of our mature products.
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Q. How do I know if my products are being obsolete?
A. The "Product Discontinuance List" allows customers to lookup the discontinued products and determine if their products are included on the list or not. The Product Discontinuance Bulletins will also outline the replacement part and the corresponding links to the datasheets and other information.
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Q. Do you have replacements for obsolete products?
A. The Product Discontinuance Bulletins outline the replacement part and the corresponding links to the datasheets and other information.
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Q. Are the replacement products compatible with the obsolete ones?
A. In most cases the replacement product offers equal or better features and performance than the original product that is being discontinued. We have taken every step possible to provide either a direct replacement product or an alternative solution that is a functional equivalent to the obsolete product.
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Q. Do you have 1:1 replacements for all discontinued products?
A. In most cases the replacement product offers equal or better features and performance than the original product that is being discontinued. We have taken every step possible to provide either a direct replacement product or an alternative solution that is a functional equivalent to the obsolete product.
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Q. I am not familiar with Symmetricom products; I only know Datum and TrueTime.
A. The newly formed Timing, Test and Measurement Division of Symmetricom is a result of combining the TrueTime product line and the products from the Timing, Test and measurement division of Datum. Both of these product lines are very familiar and highly recognized in the timing community.
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Q. Do I need to rewrite my software for the replacement products?
A. Many of the replacement products are new with more new features and enhanced performance than the original product that is being discontinued. Users may need to modify their interface to take advantage of these new features.
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Q. Do I need to change my hardware for the replacement products?
A. Generally, no hardware modification is needed to use the new products. It is good practice to use the new cables and antenna that are included with the new products since these are the ones that suffer the most from environmental exposure.
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Q. Where can I get information about the replacement products?
A. The Timing, Test and measurement division of Symmetricom created a special website that has pertinent information regarding discontinued products and their replacements. And you can always call us at 1-888-367-7966 and direct your questions to customer support or sales personnel.
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Q. How can I switch to the replacement products with minimum disturbance to me?
A. We have concentrated our attention on the replacement products to secure a smooth transition from the discontinued products and ensure minimum disturbance. Some of the replacement products are newer with more advancements and new features than the discontinued products; this may warrant further investigation to use the new product. Our cadre of customer support and Sales personnel are ready to help you make this transition a short and effortless one.
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Q. I still don't know which product replaces my obsolete one?
A. Each discontinued product has a dedicated Product Discontinuance Bulletin document that specifies the replacement products and the steps our customers need to take to ensure a smooth transition. If you still have problems identifying the replacement product, please call us at 1-888-367-7966 and direct your questions to customer support or sales personnel.
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Q. My product does not show on your list, how can I be sure it is not obsolete?
A. If your product is not listed, then you can be assured with high confidence that it is not being discontinued. You can always call you Sales representative or Symmetricom directly at 1-888-367-7966 and direct your questions to customer support or sales personnel. These groups are well equipped to answer your question or concerns.
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Q. Is there a chance for a last time buy for obsolete products?
A. Yes there is. All timeline information exists in the Product Discontinuance Bulletin dedicated to each and every product slated to be discontinued. In addition, you will find related links to datasheets and pertinent information.
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Q. Is there a limit to how many products I can purchase for my last time buy?
A. There is no limit, but delivery time maybe impacted by large orders, please check your sales representative for all the lead-time details.
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Q. Will "specials" based on obsolete products be obsolete too?
A. Products that are considered for discontinuance are only from Symmetricom's mainstream product line. All special products are unique in their nature and never considered part of the revolving product line. Requests for specials are evaluated on a case by case basis, and have many factors to be considered. Please call your Sales representative or Symmetricom directly at 1-888-367-7966 to get questions answered about your special requirement.
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Q. Is Symmetricom discontinuing Datum TT&M products in favor of TrueTime products?
A. No. Over the past several months the newly formed Timing, Test and Measurement Division has taken a very in-depth look at the complement of products from the former Datum and TrueTime companies. Many factors were considered, such as product technology, age, features, and parts obsolescence. These are the only factors that were considered to determine product discontinuance, whether Datum or TrueTime produced the product prior to the merger is irrelevant to the discontinuance decision making.
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Q. Is Symmetricom discontinuing TrueTime products in favor of Datum TT&M products?
A. No. Over the past several months the newly formed Timing, Test and Measurement Division has taken a very in-depth look at the complement of products from the former Datum and TrueTime companies. Many factors were considered, such as product technology, age, features, and parts obsolescence. These are the only factors that were considered to determine product discontinuance, whether Datum or TrueTime produced the product prior to the merger is irrelevant to the discontinuance decision making.
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Q. I have recently purchased your system, and now its obsolete, what's going to happen to my product?
A. We have a support policy that will ensure enough support for your product throughout its lifetime; in addition customers have the option to purchase extended warranties on their products that will cover the products for many years of its service.
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Q. My discontinued products are still mentioned on your website, can I still buy them?
A. The website will always have information regarding discontinued products, even years after the product has been discontinued. This is important for us to continue to provide the support for the installed products within our customer base. Buying discontinued products must strictly adhere to the timeframe mandated by the last time buys on each product's Discontinuance Bulletin, and we will not be able to revive a product after its timeline has expired.
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Q. Will my TrueTime drivers work on Datum boards?
A. No. The TrueTime drivers were developed strictly for TrueTime cards prior to the three-way merger between Symmetricom, Datum and TrueTime. The TrueTime timing board drivers are not associated with the Datum boards and will not work with them.
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Q. Will my Datum drivers work on TrueTime boards?
A. No. The Datum drivers were developed strictly for Datum cards prior to the three-way merger between Symmetricom, Datum and TrueTime. The Datum timing board drivers are not associated with the TrueTime boards and will not work with them.
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Q. Why won't my TrueTime software work on the Datum boards?
A. The TrueTime drivers were developed strictly for TrueTime cards prior to the three-way merger between Symmetricom, Datum and TrueTime. The TrueTime timing board drivers are not associated with the datum boards and will not work with them.
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Q. What is the timeframe for last time buys?
A. Each product has its own obsolescence timeline and its corresponding deadlines for last time buys. Buying discontinued products must strictly adhere to the timeframe mandated by the last time buys on each product's Discontinuance Bulletin, Please refer to these bulletins to determine the last time buy deadline for your products.
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Q. When will the product be completely out of production?
A. When the timeframe for last time buy has expired, the product will be officially out of production, and no orders will be taken. Shipments of orders received prior to expiration will continue after the deadline, but no new orders will be taken.
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Q. Will I be able to buy obsolete products after the last time buy deadline?
A. No. Discontinued products will be officially out of production after the mandated timeframe has expired. No orders will be taken after that point. Please carefully study the product's Discontinuance Bulletin to determine the hard deadlines for lifetime buys.
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Q. When is the trigger date for product discontinuance?
A. Each product has different discontinuance timeframe, and each will have different trigger date for discontinuance. Please carefully study the product's Discontinuance Bulletin to determine all the deadlines and important timelines for that product.
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Q. How long will you support discontinued products?
A. Symmetricom's policy is to support all products post purchase for at least 4 years after their purchase date, provided that their respective spare parts and assemblies are not obsolete. It is a fact that we can not obtain spare parts and subassemblies for some of our older products, in such situations Symmetricom will provide Best effort support to these products. Please consult the factory for support details on the specific products affected.
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Q. Can I get support after the product is obsolete?
A. Yes. Different products will have different support capability. This is dependent on the availability of spare parts and assemblies. It is a fact that we can not obtain spare parts and subassemblies for some of our older products, in such situations Symmetricom will provide Best effort support to these products. Please consult the factory for support details on the specific products affected.
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Q. Can I get replacement parts after the product is obsolete?
A. Yes. Most products will have replacement parts available after their discontinuance. This will be dependent on the availability of these replacement parts and their subassemblies. It is a fact that we can not obtain spare parts and subassemblies for some of our older products, in such situations Symmetricom will provide Best effort support to these products. Please consult the factory for support details on the specific products affected.
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Q. For how long will you fix my product after it's been discontinued?
A. Symmetricom's policy is to support all products post purchase for at least 4 years after their purchase date, provided that their respective spare parts and assemblies are not obsolete. It is a fact that we can not obtain spare parts and subassemblies for some of our older products, in such situations Symmetricom will provide Best effort support to these products. Please consult the factory for support details on the specific products affected.
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Q. Can I get datasheets and manuals for obsolete products?
A. Yes. We will always have information regarding discontinued products, even years after the product has been discontinued; our website will be the most convenient place to find such information. It is important for us to continue to provide information and support for the installed products within our customer base.
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Q. Can I have my product modified after it has been obsoleted?
A. This is considered a special request and must follow the protocol for special product requests. We will modify, upgrade or change your product as our capabilities permit. Some products have obsolete components limiting our capability to modify it or change it. Technology, age, and parts obsolescence are important factors to consider.
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Q. Will Symmetricom update Operating Systems for discontinued products?
A. Symmetricom will not update or improve a discontinued product. Only in support cases will Symmetricom update the firmware of software to installed systems in the Field.
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Q. Can I buy extended warranties on discontinued products? For how long?
A. Yes. We have a support policy that will ensure enough support for your product throughout its lifetime. In addition customers have the option to purchase extended warranties on their products that will cover the products for many years of its service.
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Q. When is the deadline to buy extended warranties on obsolete products?
A. Each product will have its own respective deadline to buy extended warranty and support. This will be dependent on the availability of their replacement parts and subassemblies. Please consult the Product Discontinuance Bulletin for each product to find out the warranty purchase deadlines.
