4. Ethernet data center standards are just the start. Significant work remains before standards for a loss-less version of Ethernet for data centers, capable of carrying server, storage and network traffic, can be achieved. A big piece of that standards puzzle -- the IEEE's Data Center Bridging work -- won't be ready until March 2010. Meanwhile, vendors such as Cisco will release prestandard versions of loss-less Ethernet and others see the need to extend beyond the standard for features such as congestion management.
3. Juniper puts best light on late data center switch. Juniper in November glossed over the fact that its chassis-based EX switch, which carries the company's hopes of capturing substantial share in enterprise Ethernet switching, is up to nine months late in coming to market. The switch was initially slated for the second half of 2008 availability; it instead will ship in the first quarter of 2009. To sweeten its delay, Juniper makes a compelling total cost of ownership case for the EX 8208 in data center deployments alongside its other EX and MX switches, SRX security platforms and network management system.
2. Watch out Cisco: Here Comes Brocade/Foundry. Storage-area network (SAN) switch maker Brocade announced in July its intention to acquire Foundry Networks in preparation for the upcoming unified fabric battle with Cisco in the data center. It's also an indication of consolidation happening in the Ethernet switch market as Cisco continues to distance itself from competitors and Juniper readies its entry. Foundry gives Brocade a credible, high-performance Ethernet switching lineup to add to its SAN arsenal to create an end-to-end alternative for next-generation data centers unifying Fibre Channel and Ethernet. While Cisco may feel some heat from the union, analysts say it's more likely to impact other players who have not yet outlined a unified fabric strategy for the data center.
1. Cisco, Juniper lead switching splash. In the same week during January, Cisco announced the Nexus 7000, its next-generation data center switch, and Juniper unveiled its entry into enterprise Ethernet switching with the EX line. That both announcements came within a day of each other indicates how testy the competition between the two vendors is. Juniper's EX launch demonstrates the company's resolve in looking to become a major enterprise player and a credible No. 2 to Cisco, just as it is in carrier routing. Cisco's Nexus debut may leave Juniper that opening by encouraging customers to consider a major product transition from a longtime legacy of Catalyst 6500 deployments.