Intel Pushes FCoE With a Software Initiator for Linux
Intel Corporation has released a software initiator package to drive the development of Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) solutions for the Linux operating system.
This is a Press Release edited by StorageNewsletter.com on December 22, 2007 at 5:19 pm
FCoE is a proposed specification that will
allow Fibre Channel SAN traffic to run over Ethernet. By consolidating
LAN and SAN traffic onto a single fabric, FCoE will simplify network
infrastructure in the datacenter.
The FCoE software package is now available for download at www.Open-FCoE.org
and can be modified according to the terms of the GPLv2 license. As
part of the package, Intel has included a target simulator, so Linux
developers can test and modify the FCoE software stack. Open-FCoE.org
is open to all FCoE developers for source code download, code
contribution and feedback.
"Server virtualization, database growth and compliance requirements
have created a greater need for network storage," said Pat Gelsinger,
senior vice president and general manger of Intel’s Digital Enterprise
Group. "FCoE makes it easier and less expensive to connect servers to
the SAN. We’re taking a leadership role by releasing this stack and
supporting industry standardization efforts. We expect the open source
community to use this initiator stack to create reliable,
standards-based FCoE solutions for their customers."
Cisco Systems submitted the initial FCoE proposal to the Fibre
Channel standards body, T11, in April. As a member of the T11, Intel is
committed to working with Cisco and other companies to drive industry
enablement of FCoE.
"Fiber Channel over Ethernet will be a key capability for our
customers offering seamless server and storage access in the data
center," said Jayshree Ullal, senior vice president of the Data Center,
Switching and Services Group at Cisco Systems. "The emergence of 10
Gigabit Ethernet bandwidth combined with Cisco’s proposed extensions to
Ethernet, enables a lossless and resilient fabric for Data Center I/O
consolidation. Cisco is pleased to see Intel taking a leadership role
in FCoE."
The new FCoE initiator code is based on a specification being
developed by the T11 in the FC-BB-5 work group. The FCoE specification
is expected to be completed in 2008.
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