Storage networking hardware and software maker Brocade on March 28 introduced an entry-level hardwired storage switch specifically designed for 24/7 connectivity to an all-flash data center. While all-flash data centers are only starting to get traction in the mainstream IT world, Brocade intends to be there waiting with the new G610 switch when more large and midrange-size companies are ready to make the move to faster and more efficient data storage and archiving. The G610 switch runs on Brocade Gen 6 Fibre Channel connectivity and provides up to 32 Gbps performance and enterprise-class functionality, Brocade said. The G610 is an entry-level switch designed for a variety of environments, ranging from small shared storage fabrics to network-edge deployments in data centers. To support their always-evolving storage environments, enterprises can start with eight ports and grow on demand with up to 24 ports per switch, Brocade said. The switch is easy to use and install, Brocade said, with a point-and-click user interface that simplifies deployment to save time. The San Jose, Calif.-based networker also announced the availability of expanded monitoring capabilities through Brocade's control panel, Fabric Vision, with the launch of VM Insight. VM Insight provides proactive visibility into the health and performance of individual virtual machines to help administrators uncover production and/or security issues before applications are affected. The entire Brocade Gen 6 product line with Fabric Vision now includes VM Insight to enable enterprises to obtain greater visibility into VM-level application performance. Using integrated sensors, this new capability allows administrators to monitor VM statistics and quickly identify abnormal VM behaviors. This facilitates troubleshooting and fault isolation while providing intelligence for early detection of application performance degradations to help support critical service level agreements. Thus VM Insight extends the automated monitoring, diagnostic and management capabilities enabled by Fabric Vision. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is shipping the Brocade G610 switch today, said Marty Lans, HPE Senior Director and General Manager of Storage Connectivity. Dell EMC is providing its Connectrix Fibre Channel SAN solution to pair with the G610. Emulex's Gen 6 Fibre Channel HBAs are configured to work optimally with the G610. Companies such as Pure Storage, Nimble, Fujitsu, Broadcom, ADVA Optical Networking, Cavium QLogic, H3C, Hitachi, Huawei, Lenovo Data Center Group, Kaminario, INFINIDAT, NetApp, Tegile, Vexata and VMware also endorsed the G610.
- eWeek