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Overarching name of the new strategy is Brocade One ÔÇô a unifying network architecture and strategy, meant to simplify the process of transitioning to a virtual environment for customers. Key tenets of the strategy are simplification through collapsing of network layers and protection of existing technology investments. The ultimate goal is a cloud-based infrastructure, where all information and services are available "anywhere in the cloud," according to a Brocade news release.
"Driven by the growth of server virtualization, continued growth of data and the proliferation of devices connected to the network, the networking industry is on the cusp of a major innovation cycle," Brocade CEO Michael Klayko said in a statement. "Virtualized data centers will enable the realization of cloud architectures where services and applications can be delivered on-demand and at much greater speeds than is possible today."
Key Brocade technologies that will enable the shift include Virtual Cluster Switching, Virtual Access Layer and Open Virtual Compute Blocks.
VCS, according to Brocade, enables non-stop operations, "any-to-any" connectivity and fabric switching in a virtualized data center. VAL is a logical layer between converged fabric and the hypervisor, providing a consistent interface and set of services for network-connected VM's. The vendor says its VAL will be vendor-neutral, supporting all major hypervisors on the market. It will use the emerging Virtual Ethernet Port Aggregator and Virtual Ethernet Bridging standards.
An Open Virtual Compute Block is a blueprint for deployment of VM's on converged fabrics. Brocade and other IT vendors are in the process of developing the blueprints, aiming to ensure that they provide roadmap for the most scalable and cost-effective deployments.
The investment-protection part of the strategy is addressed by ensuring the new offerings are interoperable with existing Brocade products, such as the 8000 FCoE switch and blade, the Neltron MLX Series and converged network adapters.
The company plans to make the new converged-fabric solutions available in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, ending Jan. 30.
Besides technology, other parts of the strategy are new channel partner specialization, new professional services, a new diagnostic and assessment utility (called NET Health) and a new training and certification program.
Overarching name of the new strategy is Brocade One ÔÇô a unifying network architecture and strategy, meant to simplify the process of transitioning to a virtual environment for customers. Key tenets of the strategy are simplification through collapsing of network layers and protection of existing technology investments. The ultimate goal is a cloud-based infrastructure, where all information and services are available "anywhere in the cloud," according to a Brocade news release.
"Driven by the growth of server virtualization, continued growth of data and the proliferation of devices connected to the network, the networking industry is on the cusp of a major innovation cycle," Brocade CEO Michael Klayko said in a statement. "Virtualized data centers will enable the realization of cloud architectures where services and applications can be delivered on-demand and at much greater speeds than is possible today."
Key Brocade technologies that will enable the shift include Virtual Cluster Switching, Virtual Access Layer and Open Virtual Compute Blocks.
VCS, according to Brocade, enables non-stop operations, "any-to-any" connectivity and fabric switching in a virtualized data center. VAL is a logical layer between converged fabric and the hypervisor, providing a consistent interface and set of services for network-connected VM's. The vendor says its VAL will be vendor-neutral, supporting all major hypervisors on the market. It will use the emerging Virtual Ethernet Port Aggregator and Virtual Ethernet Bridging standards.
An Open Virtual Compute Block is a blueprint for deployment of VM's on converged fabrics. Brocade and other IT vendors are in the process of developing the blueprints, aiming to ensure that they provide roadmap for the most scalable and cost-effective deployments.
The investment-protection part of the strategy is addressed by ensuring the new offerings are interoperable with existing Brocade products, such as the 8000 FCoE switch and blade, the Neltron MLX Series and converged network adapters.
The company plans to make the new converged-fabric solutions available in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, ending Jan. 30.
Besides technology, other parts of the strategy are new channel partner specialization, new professional services, a new diagnostic and assessment utility (called NET Health) and a new training and certification program.