Cisco, NetApp and VMware have taken the next step in their collaboration, first announced in January, by announcing a certified end-to-end Fibre Channel over Ethernet solution for VMware-enabled virtual environments.

The FCoE protocol is key in creating a data center fabric, which allows for significant reduction in the number of network hardware and cables in the data center. According to Cisco, it also enables greater energy efficiency by reducing the amount of required space, cooling and power and increasing utilization of existing resources.

The partners' stated aim is to reduce number of devices and cables in the data center, enabling data center consolidation, virtualization and automation. To that end, VMware has validated Cisco data center switches ÔÇô Nexus 5000 series ÔÇô and NetApp FAS-series storage FCoE solutions to support VMware-based virtualized environments.

Among the first customers who already use the three companies' products and who plan on deploying the new FCoE solution are IT service providers Databasement, World Wide Technology and INX.

"VMware's certification of Cisco networking with the NetApp Storage FCoE solution is significant for our customers who are demanding an end to the complexity and headaches associated with a myriad of cables, multiple interface cards and switches."

According to Cisco, this is the first end-to-end FCoE solution that includes both FCoE initiators, like converged network adaptors, and FCoE storage targets.

All three suppliers offer support for the solution.