7 Key Players In 10G Ethernet
For larger companies, that may mean a switch to 10-Gigabit Ethernet for at least parts of the corporate backbone. Though solution providers say 10G Ethernet remains a specialized niche at this point, the technology continues to gain ground.
Here's a quick look at some 10G Ethernet vendors and their products, plus some channel information.
COMPANY:
Cisco Systems
San Jose, Calif.
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(408) 526-4000
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PRODUCT LINE:
Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series, providing up to 64 10G ports in a single chassis, has been a solid performer that offers adequate capabilities combined with the support needed to make the product a major player in the 10G market.
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PARTNER POINTS:
The company has been a channel player for a long time, and the industry is well aware of the multitude of options offered under a Cisco channel program.
COMPANY:
Extreme Networks
Santa Clara, Calif.
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(408) 579-2800
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PRODUCT LINE:
The company's BlackDiamond 10808 switch, with up to 48 10G ports per chassis, offers ample configuration options and can scale to large environments that combine
and data switching on a single network backbone.
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PARTNER POINTS:
Extreme backs its partners with a three-tier partner program that accommodates VARs of any size and provides training and
opportunities.
COMPANY:
Force10 Networks
San Jose, Calif.
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(408) 571-3500
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PRODUCT LINE:
The Force10 E-Series switches/routers offer up to 224 ports per chassis and bring flexibility and scalability to data centers. According to the Dell'Oro Group, Force10 increased
shipments by 540 percent year over year.
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PARTNER POINTS:
Force10 takes on the channel with their PartnerForce Reseller and Solution Alliances programs and an education and certification regime.
COMPANY:
Foundry Networks
Santa Clara, Calif.
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(408) 207-1700
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PRODUCT LINE:
The company is committed to 10G as evidenced by the expansion of offerings under its NetIron MLX Series of switches, based on a fifth-generation Network
architecture.
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PARTNER POINTS:
Foundry Networks has been on a growth spurt. Second only to Cisco in
switching revenue, the company has become a preferred alternative vendor for many VARs.
COMPANY:
Hewlett-Packard
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Palo Alto, Calif.
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(650) 857-1501
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PRODUCT LINE:
The HP ProCurve Routing Switch 9300M Series is far from an entry-level device, but when compared with other 10G products, the line proves that affordability is the rule when it comes to smaller implementations of 10G solutions.
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PARTNER POINTS:
HP is getting ready to capitalize on affordability requirements of midsize businesses, and a robust channel program helps to back partners looking to sell on value.
COMPANY:
Nortel Networks
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Toronto
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(905) 863-0000
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PRODUCT LINE:
Nortel is one of the top five vendors when it comes to LAN switching revenue and brings years of development experience to the channel with its Ethernet Routing Switch 8600, which offers up to 24 ports per chassis.
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PARTNER POINTS:
The Nortel Partner Advantage program is designed to build long-term partner relationships and brings together several elements that benefit committed partners
COMPANY:
Woven Systems
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Santa Clara, Calif.
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(408) 654-8900
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PRODUCT LINE:
Woven's EFX 1000 Ethernet Fabric Switch offers up to 144 ports with its 10RU chassis and several options that allow solution providers to mix and match different Ethernet technologies. It seeks to displace Infiniband.
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PARTNER POINTS:
As a company that is less than a year old, Woven Systems offers little more than basic channel support, but now may be the time to get in on the ground floor.