SAN Switch brings flexibility to storage network design.
Share:
Press Release Summary:
Combining 4 Gbit/sec SAN technology and Ports-on-Demand flexibility in 2U package, 64-port SilkWorm® 4900 is capable of scaling from 32-64 ports in single domain. It features redundant, hot-swappable power and cooling components as well as hot code activation for expansion, and Dynamic Path Selection for ISL load balancing. Inter-Switch Link Trunking supports data path rates up to 32 Gbit/sec in single trunk.
Original Press Release:
Brocade Announces Industry First; 64-Port High-Performance Switch Brings New Flexibility to Storage Network Design
SilkWorm 4900 Now Available to Brocade OEM and Channel Partners
SAN JOSE, Calif., March 6 / -- Building on its position as the only provider of a complete family of 4 Gbit/sec Storage Area Network (SAN) connectivity solutions, Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. (Brocade(R)) (NASDAQ:BRCD) today introduced the SilkWorm(R) 4900, a high-performance 64-port SAN switch that sets a new price-performance point for SAN design and consolidation. The SilkWorm 4900 combines proven Brocade 4 Gbit/sec SAN technology and "Ports on Demand" flexibility in a compact 2U package to provide the industry's first fabric switch capable of scaling from 32 to 64 ports in a single domain.
Available Now
The SilkWorm 4900 is available now to Brocade OEM and Channel Partners. Fujitsu Siemens Computers and Silicon Graphics (SGI) are the first Brocade OEM Partners to make the product generally available.
"The SilkWorm 4900 provides a powerful, flexible solution for the SAN infrastructure requirements of our customers," said Dr. Helmut Beck, Vice President of the Storage Product Division of Fujitsu Siemens Computers. "We plan to offer it beginning April 1, and are pleased to add it to our complete portfolio."
"Our customers require the highest performance and best flexibility without compromise for their shared storage infrastructures, and we've responded by being first to market with advanced technologies such as 4 Gbit/sec storage arrays and switches," said John Howarth, Director of Storage Marketing, SGI. "The Brocade SilkWorm 4900 is a strong addition to our SAN infrastructure portfolio, and with the common architecture and proven performance of the SilkWorm family, we have already seen demand for the new technology."
Flexible Configuration, Enterprise Features
The 64-port, high-performance switch is ideal for a wide range of storage network applications, including use as a cost-effective edge switch in core-to-edge designs that require high fan-out ratios and as a standalone switch with mid-to-high-end storage arrays. With features such as redundant, hot-swappable power and cooling components -- and hot code activation for expansion -- the SilkWorm 4900 meets stringent enterprise requirements for reliability and high availability. Additional key features that enhance enterprise performance include enhanced Brocade Inter-Switch Link (ISL) Trunking to support data path rates up to 32 Gbit/sec in a single trunk and Dynamic Path Selection for ISL load balancing.
With the SilkWorm 4900, Brocade adds a new storage network design option to the industry's broadest range of 4 Gbit/sec switches and directors. These switches include the entry-level 8- to 16-port SilkWorm 200E and the 16- to 32-port SilkWorm 4100, which offers the same enterprise features as the new SilkWorm 4900. For organizations that require redundant control processors, multiprotocol capabilities, and up to 256 ports in either an open systems or mainframe environment, Brocade offers the SilkWorm 48000 Director, the industry's only 4 Gbit/sec director-class product. In addition, Brocade offers 4 Gbit/sec switch modules for both the IBM BladeCenter and HP BladeSystem bladed server systems. All Brocade switch and director platforms run the same fabric operating system, ensuring the highest levels of compatibility and network reliability.
"High-performance connectivity to link server and storage resources is critical when designing the infrastructure for the data center of the future," said Tom Buiocchi, Brocade Vice President of Worldwide Marketing and Support. "This is a key area for investment by Brocade as we fulfill our commitment to provide the most reliable, scalable, and widely supported storage networks available."
About Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.
Brocade delivers the industry's leading platforms, solutions, and services for intelligently connecting, managing, and optimizing IT resources in shared storage environments. The world's premier systems, server, and storage providers offer the Brocade SilkWorm family of Storage Area Network (SAN) connectivity platforms as the foundation for shared storage in organizations of all sizes. In addition, the Brocade Tapestry family of IT infrastructure solutions extends the ability to proactively manage and optimize application and information resources across the enterprise. Using Brocade solutions, organizations are better positioned to reduce cost, manage complexity, and satisfy business compliance requirements through optimized use and management of their IT resources. For more information, visit the Brocade Web site at www.brocade.com or contact the company at info@brocade.com.
NOTE: Brocade, the Brocade B weave logo, Fabric OS, Secure Fabric OS, and SilkWorm are registered trademarks and Tapestry is a trademark of Brocade Communications Systems, Inc., in the United States and/or in other countries. FICON is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation in the United States and/or in other countries. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of, and are used to identify, products or services of their respective owners.
