This post by Farj... is a key idea.

Suresh created a product that speeds up the deployment of all of the lasers, modulators, and other items that are produced by specialty companies or divisions within those companies, or assemblers like Foxconn and Luxshare. This creates a way to continually improve modules and optical circuits without being stuck re-inventing the balance of the system. 

It also gives developers of these items a target so that a more rapid deployment adoption cycle can take place. That's the strength of the OI and a reason that it will end up embedded in a lot of places that make it hard to compete with. First mover advantage for this type of device, along with lots of very good partners, makes it a rapidly advancing tech that has a foothold that is hard to dislodge.