Intel inside storage
Intel inside storage
Microprocessor manufacturer Intel has introduced two optical transceivers that will double the performance of Fibre Channel storage systems at about the same price.
The new receivers support the 4-Gbps Fibre Channel specification, which is aimed at enterprises that are experiencing bottlenecks in their 2-Gbps SANs, but do not need to upgrade as high as 10-Gbps.
"Video and graphics-rich applications, plus new requirements for increased document retention and security, are driving the need for faster storage networks," said Bob Zona, marketing director of Intel's Optical Products Division. "The new 4-Gbps transceivers are aimed at systems that can meet those needs, and at roughly the same price as 2-Gbps transceivers when purchased in volume."
Emulex is working with Intel on the transceivers to ensure compatibility within 4-Gbps systems.
"As the first company to deliver 4-Gbps embedded storage switches, Emulex is fully committed to deploying a broad family of building-block solutions for 4-Gbps technology," said Mike Smith, Executive Vice President of worldwide marketing at Emulex. "We are working closely with Intel to ensure complete compatibility and interoperability of our planned 4-Gbps products with Intel's new optical transceivers."
The two transceivers are aimed at host bus adaptors (HBA), switches and redundant-array-of-independent-disks (RAID) modules that provide high-speed optical connections for the emerging generation of 4-Gbps Fibre Channel storage systems. Both products are compatible with 1 and 2-Gbps in the field today, providing an easy, cost-effective upgrade path.
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