This purpose-built enterprise architecture for next generation data centres enables market-leading scalability of 10 Gigabit Ethernet, up to 582 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports in a single rack, while delivering energy efficiency and compelling value.

The increased growth of Ethernet services and resource intensive applications such as high definition video, Web 2.0 social platforms and UC collaboration, coupled with the trend for virtualisation, server consolidation and IT outsourcing, are driving demands for highly scalable 10 Gigabit Ethernet networks in data centres and managed hosting facilities. Further, the trend towards more nimble, easy-to-manage cloud computing environments requires scalable networks that are easy to integrate and automate, as data centres leverage existing network assets. The BlackDiamond 8900-series modules deliver with the performance and measurable value per dollar to support these advancing applications and architectural challenges.

Extreme Networks BlackDiamond 8900-series modules upgrade the BlackDiamond 8800 platform with a 3.8 terabit switching fabric. Featuring the foundation of an advanced modular network operating system, ExtremeXOS®, the BlackDiamond 8800 series switches provide quick integration and automation of network environments via Universal Port. Also enabled are XML, CLI and SNMP interfaces through EPICentre, a full-featured network management tool. This provides customers with a flexible Ethernet networking and management portfolio of tightly integrated tools for managing their next generation data centres.

“Organisations today are thinking about a few key things concerning their data centre, including price/performance for their transition to 10 gigabit, energy efficiency and the consistency and ease-of-operation of their total solution,” said Jon Oltsik, principal analyst for the Enterprise Strategy Group.” With today’s announcement, Extreme Networks is providing a compelling solution that gives customers a high performance and cost-effective data centre solution.”

Power Efficiency for the Data Centre

The unique design of the BlackDiamond 8900-series modules enable this powerful switching platform to be one of the most energy efficient solutions available. Combined with dynamic energy management features that are enabled through Extreme Networks open data centre framework, customers can effectively automate power management capabilities. This allows power conservation based on variations in demand. For example, during off-peak hours the switch can enter hibernation mode and reduce power consumption by 70 percent.

The BlackDiamond 8900-series modules join Extreme Networks award-winning family of high performance Ethernet solutions, including the Summit® X450a and Summit X650, Top of Rack fixed switches within the data centre. These modules complete Extreme Networks Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet data centre networking portfolio, giving customers a wide choice of products for Top of Rack and End of Row architectures.

“With the introduction of the BlackDiamond 8900-series modules, Extreme Networks uniquely addresses data centre: performance, lower cost of ownership and flexibility in design,” said Simon Barnard, Regional Director, Australia and New Zealand for Extreme Networks. “The BlackDiamond 8900-series modules meet these requirements by enabling dramatic scaling of the network while keeping costs in check.”

Extreme Networks will demonstrate the new BlackDiamond 8900 series modules and its full line of data centre solutions at Interop Las Vegas 2009, please visit us at Booth #1813. For more information about Extreme Networks data centre solutions, visit:

http://www.extremenetworks.com/solutions/datacentre.aspx.

Pricing and Availability

The BlackDiamond 8900-series modules will be available this quarter. Australian list prices are as follows: the management switch module, BlackDiamond 8900-MSM128 costs $A35,800. The BlackDiamond 8900-10G24X-c module is priced at $A64,450, while the BlackDiamond 8900-G96T-c module is listed at $A35,800.

Extreme Networks, Inc.

Extreme Networks provides converged Ethernet networks that support data, voice and video for enterprises and service providers. The company’s network solutions feature high performance and high availability switching that deliver insight and control enabling customers to solve their real-world business communications challenges. Operating in more than 50 countries, Extreme Networks provides wired and wireless secure LANs, data centre infrastructure and Service Provider Ethernet transport solutions that are complemented by global, 24x7 service and support. For more information, visit: http://www.extremenetworks.com

BlackDiamond, EPICentre, Extreme Networks, ExtremeXOS and Summit are either a trademark or registered trademark of Extreme Networks, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.