Overloaded Networks and the Evolution of 'Rackonomics'

Published by BLADE Network Technologies on Apr 24, 2008

In this Product Brief, Clabby Analytics examines BLADE’s “rackonomics” concept (the idea that putting switches into blades and racks is more economical than using external core switches) — and its two new RackSwitch offerings (the G8000 and G8100) designed to implement its rackonomics view. Clabby Analytics found that BLADE’s put-it-in-the-rack strategy is valid and well conceived — and will enable IT managers to save tens-of-thousands of dollars in switch hardware, deployment, and energy costs for every external core switch they are able to avoid deploying. Further, BLADE’s new RackSwitch designs to be highly innovative (especially when it comes to air flow design and energy efficiency); highly integrated (especially when it comes to the integration of disparate network fabrics); highly-virtualizable; and extremely cost effective (especially when compared to CISCO core switching options).