NetApp pushes Fibre Channel over Ethernet

NetApp has introduced an end-to-end lineup of infrastructure products based on Fibre Channel over Ethernet for enterprises that want to consolidate their storage networks onto 10Gb Ethernet.

On Tuesday, the storage and data-management specialist said it will begin offering converged network adapters from Brocade and QLogic and reselling Brocade's FCoE switches and blades, a move that will complete its Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE)-based product line.

FCoE maps Fibre Channel frames over Ethernet networks, meaning companies can continue to use equipment based on the Fibre Channel protocol while using 10Gb Ethernet networks.

The technology is likely to play an increasingly important role in enterprises, due to the consolidation that it enables in a difficult economy, according to Bob Laliberte, senior analyst with the Enterprise Strategy Group.

"NetApp now has the world's first true end-to-end FCoE SAN solution, a significant milestone in storage," Laliberte said in a statement. "Given the challenging economic climate and that FCoE offers significant savings, these solutions have the potential for rapid adoption in the datacentre."

The converged network adapters from QLogic and Brocade are designed to run both FCoE and IP traffic through the same port and on the same wire in a server. Previously, customers would have needed two separate adapters — an Ethernet network interface card to handle IP traffic, and a Fibre Channel host bus adapter connecting to the storage area network.

The products involved are QLogic's 8100 Series converged network adapter, which is available now, and the Brocade 1020 converged network adapter, which will be available later this month.

NetApp also plans to use QLogic's single-chip converged network adapter technology across its own line of storage arrays.

In the other part of the announcement, the Brocade switch and blade products will let companies create a bridge between Ethernet and Fibre Channel networks, via a top-of-rack switch or a blade in the Brocade DCX or DCX-4S backbone, NetApp said.

The company will begin reselling the Brocade 8000 FCoE switch later this month, and the Brocade FCoE blade in September.