NEW DELHI, INDIA: Extreme Networks Inc. announced a network-based dynamic data centre virtualization lifecycle management solution, Extreme Networks XNV, that delivers unprecedented visibility, control and automation of virtual machines (VM) to the network administrator.

Extreme Networks XNV is a set of loadable software modules addressing VM lifecycle management for the ExtremeXOS modular operating system and EPICenter network management suite.

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Extreme Networks XNV VM lifecycle management provides network-level functionality, automation and capabilities for applying QoS, ACLs, bandwidth rate limiting, and counters and statistics to virtual machines, all in a dynamic and highly virtualized environment.

“The network’s capability to extend visibility and dynamic control of VMs as they proliferate throughout the data centre is critical to operational efficiency and security,” said Shehzad Merchant, senior director, strategy, Extreme Networks. “With XNV, Extreme Networks addresses these critical management and security challenges, while remaining committed to supporting heterogeneous virtualization environments.”

Extreme Networks XNV software modules would be release in the third quarter of 2010.

Extreme brings “Direct Attach” architecture for data centres
Extreme also announced the launch of “Direct Attach” architecture for data centres, an architecture designed to bring virtual machine switching back into the network and out of the server.

Extreme Networks Direct Attach data centre architecture is an evolutionary approach that allows virtual machines to be directly attached to the network without having to go through a full layer of software switching in the server.

Extreme Networks Direct Attach architecture moves VM switching out of the server and into network switches, delivering wire-speed, network-based switching to VMs while dramatically reducing the number of managed switches through the elimination of the virtual switch layer.

In addition, Extreme Networks Direct Attach architecture significantly simplifies management and troubleshooting by exposing inter-VM traffic to traditional, mature and well-understood networking tools, such as ACLs, firewalls and IDS..

Extreme Networks Direct Attach architecture will interoperate with emerging IEEE 8021.Qbg, providing an easy and seamless migration path for organizations in addition to built-in investment protection.

“Extreme Networks’ Direct Attach architecture to virtual machine switching is a visionary step resulting in cost and performance benefits for the data center,” said Shehzad Merchant, senior director, strategy, Extreme Networks. “Organizations can now transition their data center from a physical to a virtual model without fear of being locked into any proprietary technology, realizing all the benefits of virtualization, and eliminating some of the most painful objections.”

Extreme Networks Direct Attach will be made available through a licensable ExtremeXOS software module, ranging across Extreme Networks’ portfolio of data centre switching products. This includes fixed configuration stackable Summit switches, including the Summit X450, Summit X480, Summit X650 and the BlackDiamond 8800 modular switching platform.

Extreme Networks Direct Attach would be available from the third quarter CY 2010.