Storage Networking World Spring 2009

Brocade Introduces New Converged Networking Products

| Apr 9, 2009 | Data Center | Show Update

| Analyst: Steve Schuchart

Current Perspective: Positive
Vendor Importance: High
Market Impact: High

Event Summary

April 7, 2009 - Brocade has announced an end-to-end Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE)-based solution that brings the Fibre Channel (FC) standard and Converged Enhanced Ethernet (CEE) together. As part of the announcement, Brocade introduced two new products, the new Brocade 8000 Switch and Brocade 1010/1020 Converged Network Adapters. Pricing and availability were not announced.

Analytical Summary

• Current Perspective: Brocade’s release of its 8000 Switch and 1010/1020 Converged Network Adapters (CNA), because it puts Brocade squarely on the road toward converged networks and gives customers a clear upgrade path. The new switch and CNA adapters pose a direct challenge to Cisco, QLogic and Emulex, all whom are participating in the converged networking market with adapters, switches or both.

• Vendor Importance: High to Brocade, because its 8000 Switch and 1010/1020 CNAs represent a significant shift for the company, and is yet another step in Brocade’s continuing transition to Ethernet-based technologies such as Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE).

• Market Impact: High on the CNA and storage networking market, because there are so few players and when one of the two dominant networking companies (e.g., Brocade and Cisco) make an announcement it is generally an event that requires an answer by the market as a whole. While the products themselves are not ground-breaking or earthshaking, they do represent a significant impact because of the small market size and specialized technology.

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Current Perspective

Competitive Positives and Concerns

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