The Brocade Data Center Fabric (DCF) architecture is a key strategy for transforming existing SAN fabrics into next-generation data center infrastructures - transparently connecting virtual servers and virtual storage with support for both file and block data access. The Brocade DCF architecture encompasses multiple storage protocols between applications and their data; integrates SAN and FAN components; connects virtual server and storage pools; integrates distance connectivity over xWDM and WANs; and supports mainframe requirements. Moreover, it improves resource utilization through consolidation while protecting existing technology investments for cost-effective expansion.

The Brocade DCF architecture provides a framework and evolutionary strategy for transforming today's IT infrastructures into next-generation data centers with reduced cost, increased flexibility, and minimized risk. This intelligent, policy-based architecture is designed to help organizations build the most efficient, cost-effective data center fabrics based on their particular business needs.

The Brocade DCF architecture uniquely simplifies how applications connect to and manage their data by extending application service levels and data management policies into the fabric. Adaptive Networking services in the fabric - such as data protection, security, traffic management, and QoS - are used as required by the application, not as dictated by the network.

The Brocade DCF architecture:

• Is application- and data-centric, delivering the highest levels of performance, scalability, and reliability
• Simplifies data center connectivity and reduces costs by collapsing storage networking into a single, converged infrastructure
• Utilizes a common framework that leverages existing Brocade and third-party data center management tools
• Protects and extends existing SAN and FAN investments, avoiding a "rip-and-replace" overhaul of existing infrastructures
• Leverages broad partnerships that provide choice and best-in-class solutions from leading companies
• Adapts to the dynamics of virtualized servers and storage while accommodating expanding application workloads
• Provides "plug-in" services that leverage intelligence in the fabric to provide data mobility, virtualize storage, and enhance security
• Helps ensure continuous data availability, including reliable distance extension for remote access, mobility, and disaster recovery

Read the following technical white papers to learn more about how the Brocade DCF architecture helps reduce costs, simplify management, and increase business agility:

• Brocade DCF Architecture White Paper (PDF)
• Adaptive Networking - Advanced Data Center Fabric Technology (PDF)

Brocade incorporates intelligence directly into its storage networking solutions - in both SAN and FAN environments - creating highly available, scalable, and secure environments for storage applications.

Fabric OS and Advanced Fabric Services
Brocade Fabric OS (FOS), in conjunction with optional Brocade software products, is designed to provide unique intelligence in Brocade SANs. Powerful features help transform the network into an intelligent SAN fabric, a more robust form of interconnectivity solution that integrates data transport with application services.

M-Enterprise OS
Brocade M-Enterprise OS (M-EOS) provides a reliable foundation for Brocade M-Series SAN fabrics, offering a wide range of benefits to simplify management, reduce costs, and address real-world business challenges.

Fabric Application Platform and Fabric-based Services
Designed to deliver intelligence in SANs, the Brocade Application Platform provides a high-speed, highly reliable solution for performing fabric-based services throughout heterogeneous data center environments. This platform is tightly integrated with a wide range of enterprise storage applications for storage virtualization, data migration, and continuous data replication.

Over the last few years, Brocade has developed innovative new file services technologies that solve both current and anticipated file management challenges. What differentiates these technologies is their open, standards-based nature that enables seamless integration into a wide range of storage environments. Moreover, their unique architecture enables Brocade to deliver multiple solutions based on a single underlying technology.

Brocade also provides new tools to address a variety of cost, complexity, and compliance issues across the enterprise with (FAN) solutions for file management. These solutions are designed to simplify management in a wide range of data center and remote office environments, and help provide a fast ROI.

As the industry's leading provider of networked storage solutions, Brocade is committed to helping organizations gain the most from their server, storage, and application investments. To enable this, Brocade delivers open, standards-based solutions to promote interoperability in heterogeneous IT environments that support scalable, interoperable data and storage management. As a result, organizations can enjoy investment protection and the flexibility to choose best-in-class technology components.

Brocade works with OEM and Developer Partners to test a wide variety of solutions for compatibility with Brocade solutions. In addition to educating the market on storage networking solutions, Brocade continues to drive standards development and facilitate end-to-end multivendor interoperability.