The MSA ensures that SFP modules from different vendors are compatible with each other, as long as they are compliant with the agreement.

The agreement was defined technically speaking in two Appendixes:

Appendix A. Mechanical Interface

1. SFP Transceiver Package Dimensions
2. Mating of SFP transceiver PCB to SFP Electrical Connector
3. Host Board Layout
4. Insertion, Extraction and Retention Forces for SFP Transceivers
5. Labeling of SFP Transceivers
6. Bezel Design for Systems Using SFP Transceivers
7. SFP Electrical Connector Mechanical Specifications
8. SFP Cage Assembly Dimensions

Appendix B. Electrical Interface

1. Introduction
2. Pin Definitions
3. Timing Requirements of Control and Status I/O
4. Module Definition Interface and Data Field Description