The SANbox 2 also proved the clear throughput leader. QLogic's switch handled the smallest frame size better than the other switches. This result bodes well for the SANbox 2, as much of a Fibre Channel SAN's message traffic tends to be on the small side.
QLogic's SANbox 2 comes with SANmanager management software, an independent Java-based application. Although we rated the software's interface and simplicity last among the three products' management tools, it was still easy to use. Both McData and Brocade use browser-based implementations, a smarter approach than SANmanager, which has to be installed on each machine you wish to use as a manager.
QLogic's switch is respectably priced, right in the middle of our pack, with a $17,995 list price and $17,935 street price. The QLogic SANbox 2 comes with a one-year warranty. Extended warranty and service is available. This is a solid product from a solid company that is committed to the storage industry in all aspects.
SANbox2 16 Port Fibre Channel Switch, $17,995. QLogic Corp., (877) 975-6442, (949) 389-6000. www.qlogic.com
McData Corp. Sphereon 4500
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