Brocade 8Gb FC HBA for IBM

IBM announced the Brocade 8 Gb Fibre Channel host bus adapters for IBM System x.

It offers these benefits:

• End-to-end SAN solutions using 8 Gb PCIe HBA technology for System x servers
• High-performance, highly available SANs
• Easy setup and integration into existing SAN configurations

The Brocade 8 Gb Fibre Channel host bus adapters (HBAs) for IBM System x are part of a family of high-performance 8 Gb HBA solutions. These HBAs deliver exceptional performance, enabling small and medium businesses to experience unsurpassed robustness and reliability for a wide spectrum of servers, storage, and SANs. Brocade as an end-to-end solution provides a single tool simplifying HBA installation, configuration, and management, coupled with the simplicity of single-vendor server-to-SAN support that is tested and qualified for interoperability with Brocade HBAs and fabrics.

These adapters are based on a design that requires minimum user effort while delivering maximum user satisfaction. The wide adoption of installation or configuration wizards alleviates the complexity and intricacies of Fibre Channel SANs. Emphasis on ease of use at every step enables a successful, enhanced experience. Default settings and auto-detect configuration (similar to those used with Microsoft® Windows® XP) eliminate the need to know about every knob and button on the dashboard.

The HBA solution includes an easy-to-use software installation wizard that steps you through the complete HBA installation for Windows with just a few mouse clicks.

In addition, the HBA includes a software utility for Windows and Linux SAN management for these adapters that is tailored specifically for small and medium business users. You can easily monitor and perform any necessary maintenance, including updating firmware.

These adapters broaden the IBM 8 Gb HBA portfolio for System x servers. These additions to the portfolio are offered in both single- and dual-port PCI Express HBAs.

Features include:

• 2, 4, or 8 Gbps (auto-negotiation)
• Persistent binding
• 2,048 concurrent logins
• Up to 500,000 IOPS per port at 8 Gbit/sec

With rigorous testing by IBM through the ServerProven program, you can maintain a high degree of confidence that your System x server storage subsystem is compatible with and will function reliably using these 8 Gb HBAs.

Key prerequisites:
Supported System x server with an available PCI Express expansion slot; 3- and 5-volt PCI power required for operation.

Planned availability date:
February 17, 2009