Cisco intros multi-layer fabric switches

R Jai Krishna

NEW DELHI: Networking major, Cisco has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of Multi-layer Fabric Switches for the Small and Medium Businesses (SMB) segment.

Disclosing this to CyberMedia News, B Nagesh, product line manager, fiber channel switches, DCBU, Cisco Systems for Asia Pacific region said that the new product offering – Cisco MDS 9124 Multi-layer Fabric Switches provides enterprise-class capabilities such as virtual Storage Area Networks (VSANs), advanced security, high availability and flexibility, all powered by Cisco SAN operating system.

“The new switch, which has built-in features to support a minimum of eight to a maximum of 24 ports, offers ‘pay-as-you-grow’ on-demand ports and an easy point-and-click wizard that simplifies SAN set-up and management, and is aimed at the Small and Medium Business (SMBs),” he said.

Detailing the product features, Sumit Mukhija, business development manager for India and SAARC region at Cisco Systems, said that MDS-9124 not only offers VSAN facility but also embedded security features and enabling the SMBs to route data, thus bridging the gap between requirements and affordability of storage networks.

“This is a non-disruptive technological offering for the price-sensitive SMB market, which also want the features of the Enterprise segment,” he said.

“Cisco has introduced the multi-layer fabric switches, thus expanding from the core offering of chassis-based switches, as two-thirds of the business still use SAN switches and because of the rationale to address the mass market needs,” Sumit said adding that with this the storage company would also be entering into the entry and middle level markets.

“In India alone, the market for Fiber Channel switches is estimated to be about $12 billion,” he added.

MDS-9124 Multi-layer Fabric Switch provides up to 24 4-Gbps Fiber Channel ports in a compact one rack unit form factor with line-rate performance on each port. Users can select eight, 16 or 24 ports and can add ports as needed, which is offered through ‘on-demand’ port activation license.

HNTB- a multidisciplinary firm, working in architecture, environmental engineering, and urban design and planning, is currently testing the Cisco MDS-9124 Multi-layer switch.

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