Brocade Delivers New High-Performance SAN Switch Module for IBM BladeCenter
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SAN JOSE, California, November 15 --
Next-Generation 4 Gbit/sec Storage Network Connectivity now available to IBM BladeCenter Customers
Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. (Brocade®) (Nasdaq: BRCDE) today announced that it has delivered new embedded Storage Area Network (SAN) switch modules for IBM BladeCenter, providing advanced, high-performance server and storage connectivity to companies that choose the power and flexibility of bladed computing. The Brocade-designed module offered by IBM is a 4 Gbit/sec high-performance integrated SAN switch designed to support seamless integration of advanced Brocade SAN technology into IBM BladeCenter solutions.
Ideal for small, medium, and large enterprise SAN applications in blade server environments, the new Brocade 4 Gbit/sec SAN switch module is available in 10-port and 20-port models. The 10-port model can expand to 20 ports on demand to accommodate business growth. With the addition of the new 4 Gbit/sec module, IBM now provides the complete Brocade entry-to-enterprise family of 4 Gbit/sec switches and directors, which are based on a common architecture and fabric operating system to provide superior reliability, performance, and investment protection. In addition, BladeCenter continues to be fully compatible with the installed base of IBM TotalStorage b-type SANs.
"The new 4 Gbit/sec SAN switch module builds on Brocade's history of success in integrating Fibre Channel connectivity directly into our blade servers," said Doug Balog, vice president and business line executive, BladeCenter division, IBM Systems and Technology Group. "In teaming with Brocade to bring their latest embedded SAN blade to market, IBM continues to extend the storage networking capability options for our platform and helps further simplify the acquisition, integration, and operation of advanced servers for demanding IT environments."
With its integrated support for SAN connectivity, IBM BladeCenter consolidates server and storage connectivity into a single architecture designed to deliver efficient space utilization, high availability, and the flexibility to add resources as needed. Blade servers -- which are independent servers with their own processors, memory, operating system, applications, and optional 4Gb HBAs -- slide into a chassis and plug into IBM's unique high-availability midplane that allows the sharing of power, fans, network switches, and peripheral devices. IBM BladeCenter provides exceptional flexibility and allows data center managers to effectively manage operational issues such as space constraints, manageability, scalability, capacity, performance, cooling, and power requirements.
Faster Throughput, Enhanced Distance Support
The 10- and 20-port switch modules can be added to any IBM BladeCenter to provide connectivity between server blades and SAN fabrics and/or storage devices. With 4 Gbit/sec throughput, the SAN switch module can support up to three Inter-Switch Links (ISLs) per trunk for a total bandwidth of 12 Gbit/sec and an aggregate bandwidth of 160 Gbit/sec.
Moreover, the new module uses the fifth-generation Brocade custom chip
(ASIC) technology designed to cost-effectively support advanced SAN switch capabilities such as enhanced distance support and instant provisioning of additional ports using a software-based license key. The new modules are also designed to support Brocade ISL Trunking, Advanced Performance Monitoring, Advanced Security, Brocade Fabric Management, Fabric Watch and hot code load and activation for greater performance and availability.
"Our long collaboration with IBM helps deliver solutions that build an IT foundation for on-demand business," said Tom Buiocchi, Vice President of Worldwide Marketing and Support at Brocade. "The release of our most advanced switch technology for the IBM blade server series brings new levels of connectivity to the IBM BladeCenter and will help IT professionals simplify the management of their infrastructure."
Brocade and IBM have worked together to deliver embedded SAN connectivity for bladed computing environments since last year, and a Brocade-designed 2 Gbit/sec module was released by IBM in May 2004. Brocade is also a founding member of Blade.org, a collaborative organization and developer community focused on accelerating the expansion of blade solutions and the IBM and Intel® blade ecosystem.
The new Brocade SAN switch modules for the IBM BladeCenter will be available from IBM beginning December 2, 2005. For more information, visit http://www.ibm.com/bladecenter.
About Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.
Brocade delivers the industry's leading platforms and solutions 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 fabric switches and software as the foundation for SAN solutions in organizations of all sizes. In addition, the Brocade Tapestry(TM) family of application 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 application infrastructures. For more information, visit the Brocade Web site at www.brocade.com or contact the company at info@brocade.com.
Web site: www.brocade.com
Source: Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.
