Taiwan's Largest Grid Researcher Selects Extreme Networks High Density Switches For Its High Performance Computing Needs

Press release:


August 30, 2012

Taiwan's Largest Grid Researcher Selects Extreme Networks High Density Switches For Its High Performance Computing Needs

Academica Sinica powers breakthrough research in HPC environment

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Extreme Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXTR) today announced that Taiwan's preeminent education institution, Academia Sinica, has selected its scalable data center switches as part of a network upgrade to support the demands of its high performance computing (HPC) and cloud network.

Academia Sinica selected Extreme Networks versatile and highly dense switches to gain a robust and reliable 10 Gigabit network that is capable of continuously transferring huge volumes of data in continuous periods and would ultimately scale to 100 Gigabit Ethernet.

Extreme Networks supports global leading universities and research institutions such as the Wellcome Sanger Trust Institute, Johns Hopkins University and CEA Saclay.  At Academica Sinica, a team of physicists within the Academia Sinica Grids (ASG) research area are analyzing the particles created in collisions within the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator. To support the LHC as part of a worldwide LHC Computing Grid (WLCG) project, as well as other research initiatives, ASGC implemented more than 2,500 blade servers in its computer facility.

"We were already using Extreme Networks technology, but when we evaluated vendors' switching gear capable of expanding the network to accommodate HPC architecture, we sought great price-performance backed by fast delivery. Extreme Networks offering ticked all the boxes, and we had experienced excellent service from them in the past," said Wen-Shui Chen, network manager for ASG. "The BlackDiamond® is a great fit for large and dense networks."

ASG is Extreme Networks largest blade server customer in Taiwan, with 52 racks in 135m^2. With more than 5.4petabytes of storage capacity including disk and tape, it also represents one of Taiwan's largest data centers. ASGC is using Extreme Networks BlackDiamond 8900 series fabric switches, comprising a BlackDiamond 8810 chassis fully loaded with BlackDiamond 8900 module cards.

"Scientific and research facilities such as Academia Sinica need to be able to analyze immense amounts of real-time data from myriad sources in order to make real-time decisions. Having a flexible, high-performance core network and data center is critical to HPC applications," said Huy Nguyen, director of product management for Extreme Networks. "An Ethernet-based HPC interconnect like Extreme Networks offers data-intensive organizations a significant advantage due to its cost-effectiveness, ubiquity and open standards."

About Extreme Networks

Extreme Networks is a technology leader in high-performance Ethernet switching for cloud, data center and mobile networks.  Based in Santa Clara, CA, Extreme Networks has more than 6,000 customers in more than 50 countries.  For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.extremenetworks.com.

Extreme Networks, the Extreme Networks logo and BlackDiamond are either trademarks or  registered trademarks of Extreme Networks, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other names are the property of their respective owners.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including without limitation statements as to performance, timing and features of the Extreme Networks products, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date. Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to risks and uncertainties, including network design and actual results of use of the product in different environments. We undertake no obligation to update the forward-looking information in this release. Other important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are contained in the Company's 10-Qs and 10-Ks which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE Extreme Networks, Inc.

Leading Broadcast Studio Harnesses Ethernet Fabric Technology to Meet Demand for HDTV and Online Viewing Services

Leading Broadcast Studio Harnesses Ethernet Fabric Technology to Meet Demand for HDTV and Online Viewing Services

United Deploys Brocade Ethernet Fabric and High Performance Brocade MLXe Series Core Routers as Part of an End-to-End Network Upgrade to Simplify Operations and Improve Service Levels

GENEVA -- (Marketwire) -- 03/27/2012 -- As the broadcast industry faces up to the challenge of delivering multiplatform content and high definition (HD) video to consumers, United -- part of the Euro Media Group (EMG) and a full-service company providing facilities, technical and creative support for multimedia audiovisual productions -- has turned to Brocade(NASDAQ: BRCD) to deliver an end-to-end data center networking solution based on Ethernet fabric technology and its 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) core routing platform. 

The new deployment will provide the performance, elasticity and resilience needed to support higher traffic volumes and daily data volumes in its video production environment that are approaching 16 terabytes. The Brocade^® network will also reduce operational cost and complexity for United's IT department while providing a seamless, cost-effective path for high-density deployment of 100 GbE technology.

United provides onsite broadcast facilities for large sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup. It also manages more than 45 percent of all Dutch TV productions and works with international broadcasters such as NBC, Warner and ESPN by providing post-production services that include audio-visual rendering and trans-coding for multiplatform delivery (such as video on demand). 

Confronted with the challenge of managing multiple data feeds for various clients -- all demanding secure access/delivery of content -- United looked to significantly update and simplify its networking architecture to improve service levels to its customers.

"In our line of work, managing huge data volumes is nothing new. However, over the past two years it had become all too apparent that our disparate IT environment was no longer fit for our constantly evolving business needs. Coming at the same time as a planned move to a new facility by consolidating four buildings into one, we knew that the time was right to make a wholesale change to our data center network, radically improve performance, and also take an innovative approach to its design," said Marc Ruesen, manager of Business Development at United.

Specifically, United turned to Brocade VCS™ technology and the Brocade VDX™ 6720 Data Center Switches, part of thegrowing Brocade VDX product family as well as the primary building blocks for Ethernet fabrics that have revolutionized the design of Layer 2 networks inside of data centers. Brocade Ethernet fabrics are designed to improve network utilization, maximize application availability, increase scalability and dramatically simplify network architectures in highly virtualized data centers. 

At the network core, Brocade MLXe Series core routers provide the breakthrough 10 GbE performance and scalability to support the firm's rising application traffic demands and deliver reliable services using less hardware -- vastly improving operational efficiency and driving down capital cost. Additionally, the Brocade MLXe provides a seamless, cost-effective path for high-density deployment of 100 GbE technology.

The Ethernet fabric and MLXe deployment are elements of a holistic network upgrade that includes the following Brocade product lines:

• Brocade NetIron® CER 2000 Series routers will be deployed to deliver high-performance Ethernet edge routing and MPLS applications, and by providing enhanced scalability and flexibility, meet the dynamic needs for higher bandwidth services.
• Brocade FCX Series, Brocade FastIron® SX Series and Brocade FastIron WS Series switches, along with Brocade ServerIron® ADX Series application delivery switches, will be rolled out across the environment in conjunction withBrocade Mobility Access Points and Controllers to form a campus-wide deployment.
• Brocade Converged Network Adapters (CNAs) enable transport over a 10 GbE connection through Data Center Bridging (DCB) and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) protocols, providing best-in-class LAN connectivity and I/O consolidation to reduce cost and complexity.
• Brocade Network Advisor provides end-to-end visibility across different network types through a seamless and unified user experience

"This was an ambitious project, but one that I am delighted to have taken on. Having used Brocade SAN solutions in the data center for many years, we knew that Brocade offered class-leading performance. The new Ethernet fabric-based environment gives us a far stronger proposition to take to market as we have the performance and flexibility to deal with anything our clients ask of us," added Ruesen.

Alberto Soto, Vice President EMEA at Brocade, commented, "Through our data center networking and Ethernet fabric solutions, we are delivering platforms that are unparalleled in today's market. In the media industry, demand will only grow. It is a huge advantage to have an environment that offers seamless scalability and performance without requiring complicated management protocols. United has found such a solution with Brocade."

VideoUnited on why it deployed Brocade Ethernet Fabric technology:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-C_3iwNYRo&list=UU42yfEDgSbHZm0EKYsb0oIg&index=15&feature=plpp_video

About Brocade Data Center Networking SolutionsNetwork architects are now looking for ways to build more powerful, flatter networks that can support higher traffic loads and increased east-to-west traffic in virtualized environments, all while avoiding network congestion. Collapsing network layers also reduces complexity, which lowers overhead costs and reduces risk. This type of design, however, requires high-density, high-bandwidth network components that deliver full wire-speed connectivity. With Ethernet fabric technology and the industry's most powerful routers for enterprise data centers, Brocade can help organizations build flatter, simpler networks today -- and at measurably lower cost than the competition.

About Brocade 10 and 100 GbE Routing SolutionsLeading-edge services such as HD video streaming, cloud services and mobile broadband have significantly altered network traffic behavior. Instead of localized flows with occasional bursts, traffic flows are more collaborative over geographical distances and they last longer. These new traffic patterns consume enormous amounts of network capacity and add a greater degree of complexity to network operations. Brocade 10 and 100 GbE routing solutions deliver scalability, performance, operational simplicity and cost-effectiveness to not only solve these challenges, but also help customers seize this opportunity and generate more business.

For more information, please visit www.brocade.com

About BrocadeBrocade (NASDAQ: BRCD) networking solutions help the world's leading organizations transition smoothly to a world where applications and information reside anywhere. (www.brocade.com)

© 2012 Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Broadcom Boosts Speed for EoC Cable Architecture Solution

Broadcom Boosts Speed for DOCSIS®-based EoC Cable Architecture Solution

1 Gigabit per Second Broadband Performance Supports New Services Including TV Video Conferencing and IPTV

BEIJING, March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CCBN --

News Highlights:

• Boosts broadband speeds to 1Gbps, driving next generation applications such as TV video conferencing/chatting and IPTV
• Supports China's Next Generation Broadcasting (NGB) initiative — the convergence of TV, broadband and telecom services

Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today announced that its DOCSIS-based Ethernet over Coax (EoC) cable architecture now supports 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) broadband speeds to deliver reliable, fast and interactive triple play services in China.  Learn more at Broadcom@CCBN.

With boosted broadband speeds to 1Gbps, Broadcom's DOCSIS-based EoC cable architecture supports China's NGB initiative, led by SARFT, the Chinese government agency overseeing broadcasting.  Broadcom's technology offers more network capacity for faster broadband and the performance required to offer new and advanced bandwidth-intensive services like video conferencing.

By leveraging existing EPON and GPON standards and employing DOCSIS technology as part of a customized "final 100 meter" solution, Broadcom's  DOCSIS-based EoC cable architecture is a complete chipset and software solution that includes Coax Media Converter (CMC), DOCSIS 2.0 and 3.0 cable modem, and set-top box (STB) SoC solutions. 

AvailabilityBroadcom is now shipping its 1Gbps DOCSIS-based EoC cable architecture solution.

Quotes:

Flora Wu, Principal Analyst, BDA:
"China's NGB initiative will induce investment and consumption of nearly 200 billion yuan (about $32 billion) in the next 5 years. A major increase is expected in the nation's digital cable subscribers, and a massive overhaul is needed to support the network capacity needed for NGB."

Dan Marotta, Broadcom's Executive Vice President and General Manager, Broadband Communications Group:"With top operator support in China, our DOCSIS-based EoC technology pushes the envelope in speed and network capacity to support demanding services like video chat."

For ongoing Broadcom news visit our Newsroom, read our B-Connected Blog, or visit us on Facebook or Twitter. And to stay connected, subscribe to our RSS Feed.

About BroadcomBroadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a FORTUNE 500® company, is a global leader and innovator in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom® products seamlessly deliver voice, video, data and multimedia connectivity in the home, office and mobile environments.  With the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip and embedded software solutions, Broadcom is changing the world by Connecting everything®. For more information, go to www.broadcom.com.

Broadcom®, the pulse logo, Connecting everything® and the Connecting everything logo and are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU.  Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.