Direct modulation of a laser can only be done for AM (intensity) modulation [NRZ, PAM4, etc]. Direct modulation can not be done for PM (phase) modulation formats [QPSK, QAM, etc]. It is usually considered to be an inferior method of intensity modulation when compared to the performance of external modulators, but I don't know the specifics in this case.
In an earlier post, I discussed different modulation formats and the market segments in which they are most commonly used.
F. Applicability to Telecom & Datacom Markets with LWLG's Modulation Protocol Flexibility (AM/FM/PM)
Here is an earlier post where I discuss the ability of LWLG's modulators to provide different modulation formats.
Long-haul Networks (>10km) are predominantly moving to the use of coherent detection (phase modulation formats) to improve economics and performance. Below are a couple of articles that talk about AM vs PM modulation formats and their applicability to either datacenter (short haul) or telecom (long haul) networks.
Long story short...intensity modulation is only used in datacenters while phase modulation is predominantly used in telecom (>10kM). Consequently, the II-VI product above would only be useful for datacenter applications.