Sun Offers QLogic Stackable 8Gb FC Switches

QLogic Corp. announced that Sun Microsystems is offering a stackable 8Gb Fibre Channel switch based on QLogic technology and branded by Sun. The innovative stackable architecture of the FC Switch Model 5802 features the industry’s first deployment of 20Gb Fibre Channel technology for stack interconnects. The 20Gb Fibre Channel technology enables SAN administrators to eliminate the cost and complexity of using server and storage ports on a switch for inter-switch links (ISLs). Backwards-compatible with 2Gb and 4Gb Fibre Channel, the Sun FC Switch Model 5802 also allows SAN administrators to migrate cost-effectively to leading 8Gb technology while adapting to changing performance demands throughout the transition.

"The Sun FC Switch Model 5802 offers the industry’s only speed-upgradeable stacking ports, and our customers will appreciate the drastic reductions in cabling complexity, non-disruptive expansion and the ability to implement large SAN fabrics using up to 50 percent fewer switches," said Gautam Chanda, Group Manager, Networking Business, Sun Microsystems.

"Sun is an industry leader that leverages open storage technologies to bring customers greater flexibility and cost savings," said Jesse Parker, vice president and general manager, QLogic Network Solutions Group. "This series of 8Gb Fibre Channel switches allows customers to focus on core application goals without the distraction of having to constantly reconfigure their infrastructure."

Sun FC Switch Model 5802 8Gb Fibre Channel Switches — For Superior Scalability
Sun FC Switch Model 8Gb Fibre Channel switches are designed to provide the absolute most cost-efficient way to scale an enterprise-class storage network. Starting with blazing 8Gb performance and the industry’s lowest switch latency, Sun 5802 switches also eliminate the cost and complexity of trunking slower ISLs with stacking technology turbo-charged by the industry’s first implementation of 20Gb Fibre Channel. The Sun 5802 allows SAN architects to build large fabrics without wasting ports or SFPs for inter-switch links. The switch further reduces costs with phased ‘pay-as-you-grow’ pricing, adaptive trunking, easy on-board management, and the most cost-effective advanced software plan.