IBM to Rebrand, Sell Brocade's VoIP-Enabling Enterprise Switches, Routers

In a nod to the growing importance of VoIP and wireless technologies to enterprises, the world’s largest IT employer today agreed to rebrand and sell a series of Ethernet routers and switches from a San Jose, California-based data center networking solutions provider.

 

Officials at IBM say they’ll sell Brocade’s IP networking products – which offer cost-effective deployment of VoIP wireless, and high-capacity data services, among other features – through their global sales force and authorized business partners.

 

According to Barry Rudolph, vice president of IBM (News - Alert) System Storage, the deal dovetails with IBM’s philosophy that networking is an important piece of any dynamic infrastructure initiative, helping customers manage the convergence of business and IT infrastructures.

 

“IBM is focused on providing its customers with the best networking choices and options, which is why we’re pleased to expand our relationship with Brocade (News - Alert),” Rudolph said.

 

Specifically, IBM will rebrand and sell: the 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 (pictured right) as IBM s-series Ethernet switches; and Brocade FastIron GS Series as IBM g-series Ethernet switches.

 

The products – sold at first under the OEM agreement, with more added over time – will be available under the IBM brand names next month, according to the companies.

 

The two companies know each other well. They have a longstanding agreement for storage area networking products.

 

Brocade products that IBM already rebrands and sells include the multiprotocol Brocade DCX Backbone along with Fiber Channel directors, standalone and embedded switches, host bus adapters and related software.

 

According to Brocade’s chief executive officer, Mike Klayko (News - Alert), today’s deal underscores his company’s long-term commitment to its OEM customers.

 

“IBM’s selection of the Brocade high-performance, high-volume networking product family provides customers with a very competitive choice in their IT infrastructure,” Klayko said. “We look forward to bringing these solutions to market through IBM’s global sales channel.”

 

Analysts also like the deal. Zeus Kerravala (News - Alert), a senior vice president at Yankee Group, said the OEM arrangement leverages the strengths of both companies.

 

“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,” Kerravala said. “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 (News - Alert).”