SAN JOSE, Calif., April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Force10 Networks, Inc., the leader in high-performance data center networking, today announced innovations for Top of Rack (ToR) networking that deliver new levels of integration at the top of rack for data center operators. A key component of Force10's new Open Cloud Networking(SM) framework (also announced today), the S-Series™ S7000 Open Cloud Switch is a new type of ToR node that combines storage and application processing capabilities in a single 2RU unit. Optimized for vertical enterprise and cloud data center market segments, the S7000™ enables 'cloud-in-a-rack' capabilities and brings a new level of convergence and functionality to the top of rack.
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Force10's new Open Cloud Networking framework is designed to simplify deployment and management of cloud and conventional enterprise data centers by introducing a new level of flexibility, scalability, and automation to the data center. The S7000 supports this initiative by speeding processing, slashing OpEx and CapEx, and enabling intelligent cloud management in the data center. Featuring a total of 64 10GbE non-blocking ports, the S7000 also incorporates TRILL, User Port Stacking, and Virtual Link Trunking (VLT).
S7000 Brings New Convergence to ToR
Whether building cloud computing infrastructure or conventional data centers, all data center managers seek higher levels of integration to speed traffic flows, eliminate unnecessary appliances, switches, cabling and power consumption while providing more application flexibility. The new S7000 delivers higher integration of more functions than ever before. Using the appliance module, for example, users could perform a wide array of functions (standard and customized) -- load balancing, firewalling, packet sniffing, caching, etc.--directly on the switch for many applications, eliminating the need for an additional external server or storage device for that function.
"In an era when data center managers are looking to converge infrastructure and deploy higher levels of functional integration, the S7000 raises the bar," said Mike Spanbauer, Principal Analyst with Current Analysis. "By enabling users to run third-party applications right on the switch, the S7000 brings Force10's experience in high performance environments to embedded network applications within the data center switch. In an era where microseconds begin to matter, the closer to the switched packet you move higher level application control functions the more agile environment you create."
Four appliance module bays at the top of the S7000 are the key to its flexibility. Force10 will provide a variety of appliance modules for these bays. In addition, the switch itself will run Force10's Open Automation Framework to provide simplified provisioning and management of multiple entities within the cloud. The specific configuration of the S7000 will be determined by the user's application. Force10 will work with third-party software companies in different vertical markets to qualify their applications for the appliance module, leading to many potential uses.
"Service providers can always use a more efficient way to deploy applications into the cloud," said Jason Hoffman, co-founder and chief scientist at Joyent. "An application platform that can run Joyent's SmartDataCenter cloud compute node with a switch backplane opens up new possibilities for our service provider customers to increase application layer efficiencies."
In addition, the S7000 can be used to manage different entities in a cloud computing environment. For example, it could determine the status of servers and storage devices connected to the switch and then automatically configure itself to properly manage traffic. This brings a new level of automation to cloud-based data centers and saves time and money.
The S7000 is a converged platform supporting both Ethernet and storage traffic. It supports Data Center Bridging (DCB) and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE). The S7000 can be configured as an FCoE transit switch or FCOE gateway.
"Data center operators want to maximize convergence and consolidations at the top of rack, and the S7000 offers more convergence capabilities than any other system," said Arpit Joshipura, chief marketing officer at Force10. "We believe that the S7000 represents the future of the streamlined data center."
Availability
The S7000 Open Cloud Switch will be available in the second half of 2011.
About Force10 Networks
Force10 Networks develops high-performance data center solutions powered by the industry's most innovative line of open, standards-based, networking hardware and software. The company's Open Cloud Networking framework grants Web 2.0/portal operators, cloud and hosting providers, enterprise and special-purpose data center customers new levels of flexibility, performance, scale and automation—fundamentally changing the economics of data center networking. Force10 Networks operates globally, providing 24x7 service and support to its customer base in more than 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.force10networks.com.
Force10 Networks, the Force10 Networks logo, Force10, E-Series, Traverse, and TraverseEdge are registered trademarks and Open Cloud Networking, ExaScale, S-Series, TeraScale, FTOS, S7000, S4810, Open Automation Framework, JumpStart, SwitchLink, SmartScripts, ScriptStore, and HyperLink, are trademarks of Force10 Networks, Inc. All other company names are trademarks of their respective holders.
SOURCE Force10 Networks, Inc.
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