At larger frame sizes, the SilkWorm's throughput was close to that of the QLogic SANbox2 and beat the McData switch. It ran into problems with small frame sizes, which is a concern, though not an overriding one.
We really liked Brocade's browser/Java-based configuration and management tool. It had a series of easy-to-use screens that we found intuitive enough to get simple tasks done, but also with a deeper level of complexity that let us handle even the most complex tasks in switch setup and maintenance. It was a fast, stable interface that other companies should look at.
This Brocade switch enjoys a wide range of certifications on many different pieces of SAN hardware. Brocade offers a one year warranty on its switch and on-site service and support packages to ensure data reliability. However, with a list-price range of up to $30,000, the SilkWorm falls short on bang for the buck.
Brocade SilkWorm 3800 Enterprise Fabric Switch, $18,000 to $30,000 depending on final configuration, Brocade Communication Systems, (408) 487-8000. www.brocade.com
Steven J. Schuchart Jr. covers storage and servers for Network Computing. Previously he worked as a network architect for a general retail firm, a PC and electronics technician, a computer retail store manager, and a free-lance disc jockey. Write to him at [email protected]. If anything can scare a vendor into playing nice with its competitors, it's the threat of a different technology driving the vendor into obsolescence. That's the state of the Fibre Channel market today, as companies such as McData and Brocade fend off threats from Ethernet and iSCSI with products that fairly boast of their interoperability.
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