Brocade and IBM extend OEM relationship to enterprise IP networking

April 28, 2009
APRIL 28, 2009 -- Global agreement diversifies Brocade routes to market for its IP networking portfolio.

APRIL 28, 2009 -- Brocade (search Lightwave for Brocade) has reported that IBM will rebrand and sell the Brocade enterprise IP networking family of products through the IBM global sales force and authorized IBM Business Partners.

This OEM agreement complements and extends the existing relationship between Brocade and IBM for storage area networking (SAN) products. Initially, IBM plans to sell the following Brocade IP networking product families under the OEM agreement, with additional products to be added over time. IBM will offer multiple models in each product family:

  • Brocade NetIron MLX Series as IBM m-series Ethernet routers
  • Brocade NetIron CES 2000 Series as IBM c-series Ethernet switches
  • Brocade FastIron SX Series as IBM s-series Ethernet switches
  • Brocade FastIron GS Series as IBM g-series Ethernet switches

In support of the agreement, Brocade has been working with IBM to develop customized programs for sales, marketing, training/certification, and technical support/service.

"The announcement of an OEM arrangement leverages the strengths of both IBM and Brocade," says Zeus Kerravala, senior vice president, global enterprise research at the Yankee Group (search Lightwave for Yankee Group). "For Brocade specifically, it means that it has secured a significant new go-to-market route for its enterprise IP networking portfolio through a respected IT solution provider. This is one of the most tangible proof points of the growth strategies for the enterprise networking business that Brocade identified when it acquired Foundry Networks."

IBM expects to make these products generally available to customers in May 2009.


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