Networking solutions company 3Com has unveiled its range of high-end terabit switches for the local market, saying the range will play a key role in the company`s push into the enterprise space.
The Switch 8800 range gives specific focus to 10Gb switching, says 3Com`s Wolfgang Held. "It has been around for a while, but we think this is the right time to start offering 10Gb to the market."
The market is moving towards gigabit-to-desktop, which will further drive the need for new core solutions, says Held.
The 8800 range makes use of dual load-sharing switch fabrics, allowing for increased switch performance. Held concedes that other systems also utilise dual fabrics, but says the second fabric remains dormant on these systems.
"The second one is really just acting as an insurance policy, and that is a lot of money for something that you use for, say, 10 minutes a year. With this system, both perform an active role in improving performance."
In terms of market positioning, the 8800 range will compete with Cisco`s Catalyst 6500 and Held says consumers can expect the 8800 to be anywhere between 10% to 25% cheaper.
3Com has also announced the availability of new 10Gb modules for its Switch 7700 at the network aggregation point and for the Switch 3870 at the edge of the network.
A key part of the new announcements is the company`s decision to develop its product range on open standards, says 3Com global marketing and corporate communications VP Mehmet Balos.
"This offering directly addresses customers` frustration with solutions that employ proprietary protocols and force vendor lock-in."
As part of this interoperability, the Switch 8800 will complement the 7700 range well, says Held. "If a company opts for the 8800, the 7700 can still be used by simply moving it to another role."
With the announcement of the 8800, Held says the company is now able to target any sized enterprise.
The Switch 8800 range comes in three sizes, with the US list price ranging from $26 000 to $36 000. The range will be available locally through 3Com`s distribution channel in February.
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