Allow for module/part manufacturers

[ryanmerolle]

Examples where module/parts manufacturer are different from the chassis:

• Optics/twinax/DAC in NICs
• Server NICs (SolarFlare, Intel, etc.)

[puck]

Also, modules and parts can add more ports.

[jeremystretch]

Modules were originally intended to store information gleaned through automated inventory, e.g. show inventory (Cisco IOS) or show chassis hardware (Junos). AFAIK it's not possible to determine a vendor this way, so that wasn't added as a field.

I think it makes sense to add an optional manufacturer field to the Module model. Should this be tied to the Manufacturer model (as DeviceTypes are) or a freeform text field?

[ryanmerolle]

I would tie it to manufacturer model. Free form allows for mistakes. From an inventory / search I'd want to be able to find out how many of a x model in an environment when it comes to recalls or upgrades.