Interop: Extreme Networks, Avaya, F5, Riverbed

Here's a roundup of some of the news coming out of the Interop Conference this week in Las Vegas:

Extreme Networks introduces Open Fabric Architecture. Extreme Networks (EXTR) announced the Open Fabric data center solutions, a portfolio of cloud-scale data center switches that allow organizations to more cost-effectively build highly scalable, mobile and virtualized networks featuring market leading performance, low latency and energy efficiency.The solutions consists of the 20 Terabit Black Diamond X8 modular chassis, and the Summit X670 series top-of-Rack switches. "A sweet spot of the Cloud and data center transition will be the migration of virtualized servers from 1GbE to 10GbE, where much denser and highly efficient network architectures are required," said Jon Oltsik, principal analyst for the Enterprise Strategy Group. "With the Extreme Networks Open Fabric, featuring the BlackDiamond X8 and Summit X670 switches, Extreme Networks offers solutions that shift performance dynamics to a whole new level while also addressing what will be a very common need." The Summit X670 switches are expected in July and the Black Diamond in October.

Avaya showcases VMware solution.  Avaya announced that VMware vCenter Server will integrate with Avaya Virtualization Provisioning Service (VPS).  Avaya VPS will integrate with VMware vCenter Server to provide insight into the entire VM lifecycle—from activation to mobility to deletion—and update Avaya networking devices to react to changes in that lifecycle. Additionally VMware Ready status was given to Avaya Identity Engines and SSL VPN gateway.  "Avaya VPS integration with VMware vCenter Server will deliver an end-to-end solution that will provide network operators with critical information they need to help them run their data center networks more efficiently – streamlining data center provisioning and simplifying troubleshooting," said Parag Patel, vice president, Global Strategic Alliances at VMware.

F5 Networks announces Virtual Clustered Multiprocessing.  F5 Networks (FFIV) announced the VIPRION 2400, a midrange chassis-based hardware platform. Additionally a new Virtual Clustered Multiprocessing (vCMP) technology was announced that combines virtualization and multi-tenancy capabilities to help customers consolidate and efficiently manage application delivery services.  “VIPRION customers will be able to take advantage of F5’s vCMP technology, which enables IT staff to create independent and isolated virtual ADCs for each department, business unit, or client they need to support," said Karl Triebes, Senior Vice President of Product Development and CTO at F5. "This has a huge business impact because ADC resources can now be allocated to each group based on its unique requirements." vCMP can run multiple instances and versions of BIG-IP, each completely isolated from the others, so individual groups in an organization have the flexibility to run the version of BIG-IP software that’s most appropriate for their needs. The VIPRION 2400 solution, which will be available in June 2011, and will be on display at the Interop Las Vegas F5 booth (#2027).

Riverbed and Akamai accelerate applications. Riverbed Technology (RVBD) and Akamai (AKAM) announced their work on a joint offering designed to overcome the application performance bottlenecks facing enterprises that leverage public cloud services.  The joint application acceleration solution for hybrid cloud networks that leverages a combination of Akamai Internet optimization and Riverbed wide area network optimization. Akamai software would be integrated within Riverbed Steelhead appliances with the goal of extending Internet optimizations into enterprise networks.  “Akamai’s highly-distributed architecture is close to any public cloud infrastructure and Riverbed Steelhead appliances stretch across thousands of enterprise IT networks from the data center to the branch office and mobile worker,” said Willie Tejada, vice president, Application and Site Acceleration, Akamai.  “The alliance is focused on marrying best-in-class protocol optimizations for maximum acceleration and infrastructure offload.  Together, both companies expect to provide a seamless solution with quick time-to-value while leveraging each other’s existing footprints.”