Extreme Networks and QLogic in Co-Marketing Agreement

Extreme Networks, Inc. and QLogic Corp. have entered into a co-marketing agreement to deliver a next-generation storage network solution for the data center.

The combined solution will allow data center operators to connect Ethernet networks to both FC and FCoE networks for a converged storage solution.

At the heart of the solution are Extreme Networks Open Fabric Architecture 10GbE and 40GbE network switches and QLogic FC and FCoE storage products. Working together, the products will allow customers to accelerate their storage deployments to a unified network fabric.

The two companies are delivering interoperable converged fabric, FC and Ethernet solutions that include Extreme Networks BlackDiamond and Summit-series data center switches with QLogic 10GbE CNAs as well as QLogic 5800 Series FC switches and Universal Access Point UA5900 Series converged switches.

Through its relationship with QLogic, Extreme Networks offers tested and documented reference architectures as a first phase of an overall go-to-market strategy.

"Customer requirements to reduce costs are driving data center network convergence," said David Ginsburg, CMO for Extreme Networks. "Working with QLogic, a pioneer in the storage space, we look to put an end to the frustration customers often have with respect to FCoE by heightening levels of interoperability and performance."

"Developing a joint reference architecture that delivers FCoE and native 16Gb FC, gives customers the option to deploy the right technology based on their unique requirements," said Chris Humphrey, VP of Corporate Marketing for QLogic. "Data center deployments are pragmatic and this solution gives customers a way to implement converged data center networks more easily, at their own pace and at the right cost."