EMC delivers multi-vendor switch interoperability for open networked storage

In its ongoing drive to provide open networked storage, EMC Corporation has announced what it terms a "world first" implementation of fully tested, standards-based interoperability between Fibre Channel switching devices from multiple vendors.

This breakthrough in technology and industry cooperation enables EMC customers to leverage investments in their preferred switching devices and achieve the frictionless flow of information vital to building and maintaining competitive advantage.

The initial implementation of the new capability, also referred to as "E-Port" interoperability, provides seamless, EMC-tested integration between Fibre Channel devices and software from Brocade Communication Systems, Inc and McData Corporation, as well as EMC`s own Connectrix directors and switches. The new functionality simplifies and streamlines time-to-solution, enhances the productivity of IT management staff, and speeds return on information.

To provide seamless, easily managed networked storage, vendors must hurdle five major obstacles: (1) test and qualify storage systems from multiple vendors in a single SAN environment, which EMC completed earlier this year; (2) provide the ability to identify and manage multi-vendor storage zones, which we delivered recently with ESN manager; (3) integrate NAS and SAN into a single networked storage environment, which we`ve done with our new HighRoad software; and (4) scale geographically by integrating DWDM and IP technologies, which we`ve delivered through our work with Cisco, CNT, Lucent, Nortel and others.

"Fifth, deliver interoperability among multi-vendor switches within the SAN fabric for choice and investment protection. Working with Brocade and McData, we`re announcing a major development on that front," says Graham Prime, product marketing manager at EMC SA.

EMC has tested and qualified the following standards-compliant Fibre Channel devices as fully interoperable in an Enterprise Storage Network: Brocade Silkworm 16-port and 8-port switches, McData ED-5000 enterprise director, and EMC Connectrix ED-1032 enterprise director, Connectrix DS-16B and Connectrix DS-8B switches. EMC plans to test and qualify additional devices over time.

"McData has always been a strong advocate of interoperability standards," says Jack McDonnell, President and CEO of McData. "For McData, this solution is the result of three years of hard work that began with efforts to develop an Open Standards Fabric Initiative. Last year, that initiative was adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is the standard that has led to the interoperable SAN solution today."

"Brocade is pleased to work with EMC and McData on validation of implementation of the FC SW-2 standard. Over the past several years, Brocade has been a primary contributor of technology, including FSPF, which is the industry standard for Fibre Channel interswitch routing," says Jay Kidd, Brocade vice president, Product Marketing. "We are pleased to see widespread adoption of these standards to help facilitate open SANs."