Extreme Networks Introduces Direct Attach Architecture

Extreme Networks
unveiled its "Direct Attach" architecture for bringing virtual machine switching back into the network and out of the server. The Direct Attach data center architecture allows Virtual Machines (VMs) to be directly attached to the network without having to go through a full layer of software switching in the server. The company said this approach to virtualized networks greatly simplifies management, monitoring and troubleshooting, while improving network performance in highly virtualized data center environments.


By moving VM switching out of the server and into network switches, the architecture significantly reduces the number of managed switches. 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. The technology will be made available through a licensed ExtremeXOS software module for the company's data center switching products, including the Summit X450, Summit X480, Summit X650 and the BlackDiamond(R) 8800 modular switching platform.


"Extreme Networks' Direct Attach architecture for virtual machine switching is a visionary step resulting in cost and performance benefits for the data center," said Shehzad Merchant, senior director of strategy for 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, while realizing all the benefits of virtualization, and eliminating some of the most painful objections."http://www.extremenetworks.com