Cisco starts to connect converged data center dots

Cisco Systems Inc revealed new pieces of data center platform, which it sees as the framework for converged Fibre Channel and Ethernet networks.

This launch was a week after rival Brocade Communications Systems Inc.pushed out its DCX Backbone product.

Both Brocade's and Cisco's platforms are designed to accommodate the integration of Fibre Channel and Ethernet after 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GigE), Enhanced Ethernet and FCoE become significant pieces of the data center.

The difference between Cisco and Brocade was that Cisco did not make any changes or additions to its Fibre Channel switches.Cisco's MDS 9000 line of switches and directors will eventually tie into the unified fabric by way of new line cards that will allow all servers on the network to access Fibre Channel storage. This was the story long time back.

And now Cisco is using Nexus unified fabric switches that will run on a new converged operating system and new Catalyst Ethernet switches.

Cisco will not let Fibre Channel to remain the major storage protocol because it handles storage better than Ethernet does.Nexus is a thing that supporst storage applications going forward, but storage can't have dropped packets.

There may be much more excitement in the market due to the concept adopted by the companies. And even the companies have to face much competition.

So, tie up your seat belts for facing up the max. competition. 

By looking to the above story don't you think "The next generation data center is starting to happen ".