Today, many of these organizations are implementing File Area Networks (FANs) to provide a holistic environment for simplifying file management. Brocade is at the forefront of this movement, delivering the industry's leading family of innovative FAN solutions.

FANs help streamline operating efficiency across the enterprise, including data centers and remote branch offices. In particular, they are designed to:

• Make file location and movement transparent to file users
• Centralize file storage and management
• Eliminate the cost of remote data backup
• Intelligently migrate files based on data classification policies
• Consolidate branch office IT infrastructure
• Support greater compliance with industry regulations and corporate objectives

As with any type of network, IT organizations face a virtually limitless number of choices and considerations when designing and implementing a FAN. However, good network design practices go a long way in creating a cost-effective, manageable, and reliable FAN.

For an in-depth discussion of FANs, be sure to register for a copy of the First Edition Brocade File Area Network ebook.