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Brocade and Microsoft Virtualization

Brocade is working closely with Microsoft to offer products and services that extend virtualization from the server to the storage and data center network. Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V, the next-generation hypervisor-based server virtualization technology, allows you to make the best use of your server hardware investments by consolidating multiple server roles as separate virtual machines (VMs) running on a single physical machine. Together, Brocade and Microsoft enable organizations to gain the benefits of server consolidation while maintaining the levels of network performance and reliability they have come to expect in the physical data center.

 

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We are building joint solutions with Microsoft Virtualization

Microsoft Hyper-V server virtualization software is a key component for building the next-generation data center. Integrated into Windows Server 2008, Hyper-V enables customers to cost-effectively run multiple virtual machines on a single hardware platform and achieve much higher productivity in a smaller, more energy efficient footprint. Implementing a virtualized server environment, though, has both upstream (client) and downstream (storage) impact in the data center. Because Brocade now has a full spectrum of products spanning LAN, WAN and SAN, we can help insure that a Hyper-V deployment proactively addresses the new requirements of both client and storage access. The value of a Hyper-V virtualization solution is thus amplified when combined with Brocade's extraordinary network technology.

To maximize the benefits of network connectivity in a virtualized server environment, Brocade works seamlessly with Microsoft Hyper-V and Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager (MSCVMM) to deliver high performance, high availability, security, energy efficiency and streamlined management end to end.

Read "Ten Ways to Optimize your Microsoft Hyper-V Environment with Brocade"

Brocade Management Pack for Microsoft System Center

The Brocade Management Pack for Microsoft System Center works with the Brocade HBA to monitor the health and performance of data center SAN infrastructure. It works with the Performance and Resource Optimization (PRO) framework in Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) to provide intelligent recommendations that allow IT administrators to dynamically optimize the performance of their virtualized workloads.

For example, Microsoft SCVMM PRO Alert for Link Congestion monitors I/O performance from the server to the data in the SAN using Brocade Management Pack. If the link congestion exceeds a defined threshold, System Center generates a PRO Tip recommending virtual machine migration from that particular host, or has VMM automatically reassign the virtual machine and its applications to another physical server, avoiding any significant downtime for application and users.

"We are pleased to align with Brocade in their delivery of new capabilities which integrate with the end-to-end virtualization management solutions provided by System Center to simplify infrastructure management and provide powerful new capabilities to the dynamic, virtualized data center."

 - Zane Adam, senior director of integrated virtualization at Microsoft.

Brocade Management Pack for use with Brocade HBA

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Click here to request a copy

Coming soon. Watch for the Brocade Management Pack for use with Brocade SAN Switches/Directors in the near future

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Brocade and Microsoft Virtualization Resources

Browse a complete listing of all Brocade resources. View All Resources

Abstract:

What happens when a $2 billion provider of extraordinary networking solutions creates a strategic relationship with a $60 billion software titan? Thousands of satisfied customers are able to run their business applications on a reliable networking infrastructure.

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Brocade Host Bus Adapter Technology Leadership

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The Brocade Management Pack for Microsoft System Center monitors the health and performance of data center SAN infrastructure to help IT manage virtual server workload.

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When it came time to choose a networking infrastructure solution, MaximumASP recognized that it needed a solution that could support its demanding business model. Given those requirements, MaximumASP turned to Brocade.

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This document is a guide to configuring Microsoft® Hyper-V using NPIV with a Brocade® Fibre Channel to PCIe Host Bus Adapter (HBA). It will help you understand what you need to consider before deploying this solution and how to implement and diagnose NPIV with Hyper-V. It is designed for Windows System Administrators and Storage Administrators. A basic understanding of how to use Windows, Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM), Fibre Channel (FC) storage, and zoning is assumed.

Abstract:

To maximize the benefits of network connectivity in a virtualized server environment, Brocade works seamlessly with Microsoft Hyper-V and Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager (MSCVMM) to deliver high performance, high availability, security, energy efficiency, and streamlined management end to end.