Cisco is aggressively pushing for a larger part of the data center space with its UCS (Unified Computing System) strategy, an initiative aimed at unifying the server, storage and networking tiers into a single, cohesive fabric, underpinned by virtualization technology. Launched March 16, the campaign pits Cisco against other data center stalwarts, including IBM, Dell, Hewlett-Packard with its Adaptive Infrastructure approach, and Sun, which April 13 launched its Open Network Systems initiative. Cisco is looking to leverage its strengths in networking, new blade servers powered by Intel's Xeon 5500 series processors and partnerships with such companies as EMC, NetApp and VMware to offer enterprises a unified data center fabric to meet the growing demand for performance and scalability while driving down costs around acquisition, management, power and cooling. Cisco has come under criticism from the likes of HP and Sun, who say that the networking giant's approach doesn't scale, isn't open and is expensive. However, Cisco officials answered that criticism and outlined key components of their strategy during an hour-long Internet presentation April 16 here.
of
Building Blocks for Cisco Unified Computing System Initiative
by Jeffrey Burt
Cisco UCS Blade Server Chassis
Cisco officials say that, compared with a four-socket, 256GB rack system, a UCS offering can save 40 percent on capital expenses, 19 percent in power and cooling costs over three years, 86 percent in cabling and 61 percent in rack space.
Cisco UCS Blade Servers
Key to Cisco's blade server strategy is the use of Intel's Xeon 5500 series chips—also known as Nehalem EP—which were built to offer greater performance and better virtualization support while driving down costs.
Cisco UCS Fabric Extender
The fabric extenders, which connect the blade server chassis to the UCS fabric interconnects, helps simplify cabling, management and diagnostics, Cisco officials said.
Cisco UCS Fabric Interconnect
The interconnects enable both network connectivity and management cabilities to all attached blades and chassis through 10 Gigabit Ethernet and Fibre Channel over Ethernet functions.
Cisco UCS VIrtual Adaptors
Virtualization is a key part of Cisco's UCS strategy, and the vendor offers a choice of multiple adapters.
Cisco UCS Manager
The management software is embedded into the entire system, driving down the overall cost, Cisco officials said. In addition, the management software will work with other popular management software platforms from rivals such as HP.
Windows Azure is a public cloud platform for building, hosting and scaling applications. Try Windows Azure free for 90 days and get 20GB outbound and unlimited inbound data transfer.
IT & Network Infrastructure News & Reviews 
Cloud Data Backup Now Makes Sense for SMBs: 10 Reasons Why 
HP, Lenovo, Asus Laptops, Desktops Offer Consumer Style for Busin[..]
Microsoft`s F#: 10 Reasons Why It`s a Hot Programming Language fo[..]
Data Center Efficiency: 10 Tips to Boost Productivity, Reduce Pow[..]
iPhone Apps to Kick Off the 2012 Summer Season 
Email Security: 10 Steps for Dealing With Dangerous Messages
See All Slideshows
Cisco is aggressively pushing for a larger part of the data center space with its UCS (Unified Computing System) strategy, an initiative aimed at unifying the server, storage and networking tiers into a single, cohesive fabric, underpinned by virtualization technology. Launched March 16, the campaign pits Cisco against other data center stalwarts, including IBM, Dell, Hewlett-Packard with its Adaptive Infrastructure approach, and Sun, which April 13 launched its Open Network Systems initiative. Cisco is looking to leverage its strengths in networking, new blade servers powered by Intel's Xeon 5500 series processors and partnerships with such companies as EMC, NetApp and VMware to offer enterprises a unified data center fabric to meet the growing demand for performance and scalability while driving down costs around acquisition, management, power and cooling. Cisco has come under criticism from the likes of HP and Sun, who say that the networking giant's approach doesn't scale, isn't open and is expensive. However, Cisco officials answered that criticism and outlined key components of their strategy during an hour-long Internet presentation April 16 here.