First Look: HP's New ProCurve Blade Switch

ProCurve6120XG

The HP ProCurve 6120XG Blade Switch is designed for next-generation networks and emerging standards including FCoE and CEE.

HP today unveiled new ProCurve networking products, equipping it to do battle with Cisco Systems (CSCO) in the widening battle to manage converged networks powering the next-generation data center.    

The new offerings include the ProCurve 6120 series of 10 Gigabit Ethernet switches, which integrates with HP's popular BladeSystem infrastructure, as well as an expansion of the HP ProCurve 8200 and 5400 Ethernet switch portfolio.

HP's introduction of new switches was expected, as the company has indicated its intent to offer products to prepare for unified networks running the emerging Fiber Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) and Converged Enhanced Ethernet (CEE) protocols. Cisco has launched a family of switches for next-generation converged networks, and its no surprise that its subsequent entry into the blade server market has been followed by an expansion of HP's networking gear.

HP says its switches are "ready" for CEE and FCoE but won't fully support them until the CEEO standard is completed (see The Register for more on this).     

Here's a quick overview of the products that begin shipping this month and their pricing:

ProCurve-6120G-XG

The new HP ProCurve G-XG 6120 Blade Switch, which supports 10GB Ethernet.