3Com introduced its H3C S9500E modular switch chassis, a new enterprise core switch optimized for enterprise core and medium-sized data center networks. The H3C S9500E features an Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF) technology that enables multiple H3C S9500E switches to be linked as a single virtual switch, doubling performance and utilization, increasing capacity, while also eliminating the need for legacy resiliency protocols.The new switch fills the gap between the company’s H3C S7500E 10 Gigabit Ethernet switch and its H3C S12500 core data center, “big iron” switch.
The H3C S9500E platform is available in three chassis models offering 12, eight and five input/output (I/O) modules respectively, the H3C S9512E, the H3C S9508E-V (vertical alignment) and the H3C S9505E. It offers a maximum switching capacity of 1.4 Tbps and up to 192 10-Gigabit ports or 576 Gigabit ports (fiber or copper), with embedded, extensible security and robust network and service virtualization to help consolidate, secure and simplify network deployments for large data centers and virtual networks.
The company claims a Resilient Virtual Switch Fabric (RVSF) delivers greater than “five nines” availability.
The H3C S9500E options include the network-embedded H3C SecBlades for VPN Firewall, NetStream Monitoring, Load Balancing and, expected later this year, a TippingPoint IPS module. Integrated visibility, management and security are a key component to 3Com’s Secure Network Fabric strategy, enabling network administrators to distribute network applications and services throughout the network, maximizing control and minimizing bottlenecks.
“3Com’s new H3C S9500E platform was designed to address the growing demand for 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and virtualization services,” said Saar Gillai, senior vice president Product and Solutions at 3Com.”Coupled with the TippingPoint IPS and the overall total cost of ownership advantages of the H3C portfolio, 3Com offers today’s enterprises a compelling security and network infrastructure solution for virtualized networks and data centers that is unique in the industry.”
- In November 2009, HP announced its intention to acquire 3Com for approximately $2.7 billion in cash ($7.90 per share). The deal would make HP the No.2 enterprise networking vendor worldwide with a growing share of the Chinese market. HP said the acquisition accelerates its next-generation data center strategy focused on the convergence of servers, storage, networking, management, facilities and services. In particular, the acquisition of 3Com will dramatically expand HP’s Ethernet switching offerings, add routing solutions and significantly strengthen the company’s position in China via the H3C offerings. In addition, the combination will add a team of 2,400 engineers in China.
- In May 2009, 3Com outlined plans to return to the global enterprise networking market by leveraging its broad portfolio of H3C edge-to-data-center solutions. As a first step, the company is introduced two new switching platforms, the H3C S12500 for end-of-rack in data centers, and a “flex-chassis” switching platform, the H3C S5800, for wiring closets, smaller network cores and top-of-rack in data centers. The products are manageable by a new platform.