New top-of-rack solution for server virtualisation and data centre consolidation
Brocade® (NASDAQ: BRCD) today unveiled the Brocade FCX series of 10/100/1000 Mbps with 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE) uplink top-of-rack (ToR) switches that are purpose-built to provide a broad set of capabilities — including data centre-class performance, flexibility and simplified management. This powerful addition to the Brocade portfolio offers industry-leading price/performance value to help customers reduce overhead costs and quickly scale with the pace of consolidation.
Increased server virtualisation and the growing trend of infrastructure consolidation to simplify and streamline next-generation data centre environments serve as the primary drivers in this burgeoning market segment. According to Dell’Oro, the GbE market is one of the fastest-growing segments within the Ethernet switching category, with the number of ports shipped projected to expand approximately 85 percent from 124 million ports in 2009 to 225 million ports in 2014.
To address the growing need to scale and support highly virtualised data centres, customers can stack the Brocade FCX switches horizontally across server racks to create a single logical switch. This innovative design can significantly reduce administrative expenditures while helping to simplify management and facilitate seamless incremental data centre network expansion.
Available in 24- or 48-port models with wire-speed performance for server access in a 1U form factor, the Brocade FCX switches deliver up to 40 gigabits per second (Gbps) of switching bandwidth between stack members to help minimise inter-switch bottlenecks. The switches have an optional 4-port 10 GbE module, doubling the number of 10 GbE connections between network layers and making the switches ideal for demanding virtual data centres. Featuring a combination of compact design and reversible front-to-back cooling, the Brocade FCX switches complement next-generation, high-density data centres that have strict space and environmental requirements.
To facilitate unified management and increase security through multiple interfaces, the new Brocade FCX series leverages an industry-standard command-line interface. In addition, Brocade IronView® Network Manager (INM) displays network- and application-level traffic information in a secure Web-based management interface to greatly simplify network provisioning, troubleshooting and alarm reporting. In response to a detected security threat, Brocade INM can automatically apply a security policy, thwarting network attacks in real time without administrator intervention.
"Brocade is committed to advancing the architecture of the data centre through rapid innovation in response to growing market demands,” said Doug Ingraham, vice president of product management, data centre products, Brocade. “With the addition of the Brocade FCX series, Brocade has taken a leadership role in advancing the data centre top-of-rack server connectivity market with one of the broadest portfolios of GbE and 10 GbE-based solutions. We are continuously striving to reduce our customers’ capital and operational expenditures by providing networking solutions that are at the forefront of price/performance value, scalability and efficiency.”
Brocade Global Services
Brocade Global Services helps customers deploy comprehensive networking solutions while maintaining focus on their core business objectives. With professional services, technical support, onsite residency and remote monitoring services, Brocade helps customers maximise the availability and efficiency of their technology investments.
Brocade Assurance Limited Lifetime Warranty
Brocade offers the Brocade Assurance™ Limited Lifetime Warranty on the Brocade FCX series to help organisations protect their technology investments and maximise return on investment. This unique offering provides additional value beyond many standard warranties, helping to improve total cost of ownership by freeing up both money and resources to reinvest in the business.
Channel Opportunity
To support the demand for 10 GbE networking products, Brocade is introducing a 10 GbE migration program to its channel partners. Developed to enable channel partners the ability to provide end customers with a cost-effective way to future-proof their networks, the program will offer rebates to channel partners to incentivize the transition to 10 GbE technologies. The FCX series, as well as all current Brocade 10 GbE products, will be included in this migration program.
Pricing and Availability
The Brocade FCX has a base price starting at $4,945 USD and volume orders will be available starting April 2010.
Photos
- · Brocade FCX Series
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33437642@N02/4365774997/
Product Details:
- · Brocade FCX Series Overview
- · Brocade FCX Series Data Sheet
http://www.brocade.com/downloads/documents/data_sheets/product_data_sheets/FCX_624_648_DS_00.pdf
Brocade Assurance Limited Lifetime Warranty
Brocade Social Media Links
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- Brocade YouTube (Tech): http://www.youtube.com/BrocadeTech
- Brocade FaceBook: http://tinyurl.com/mngyyv
- Brocade Twitter: http://twitter.com/BRCDcomm
- Brocade Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33437642@N02/
- Brocade Wingspan (Executive) Blog: http://tinyurl.com/neaxkr
Social Media Tags: Brocade, Data Center, Top of Rack, ToR, Storage Area Networks, SAN, IP, Fibre Channel, Ethernet, WAN, LAN, Networks, Switch, FCX, 10 GbE
About Brocade
Brocade® (Nasdaq: BRCD) develops extraordinary networking solutions that enable today’s complex, data-intensive businesses to optimise information connectivity and maximise the business value of their data. For more information, visit www.brocade.com.