Dell, VMware and Cumulus Collaborate on Data Center Networking

Dell and VMware are extending thir relationship to deliver more integrated solutions for network virtualization and open networking in the software-defined data center.

The expanded relationship includes a range of new networking solutions for midmarket, large enterprise and service provider customers, backed by a joint go-to-market initiative, a validated reference architecture and a global reseller agreement.

Both Dell and VMware are working with Cumulus Networks to deliver the VMware NSX network virtualization platform with Cumulus Linux on Dell Networking switches. Additionally, Dell is delivering a fully-tested and validated converged infrastructure solution for midmarket customers that includes VMware NSX.

The solution features the VMware NSX network virtualization platform running on top of Dell servers, networking, and storage infrastructure. Dell’s converged infrastructure includes the Dell PowerEdge M1000e server blade chassis, the Dell Networking 10/40GbE MXL blade switch, S4810 Top of Rack switch and S6000 fabric switches, as well as Dell Storage iSCSI arrays.

“Dell is changing the game in networking with VMware and Cumulus Networks,” said Marius Haas, chief commercial officer and president, Enterprise Solutions. “This announcement extends our commitment to providing customers choice in how they move to a more software-defined data center. Additionally, when two of the largest enterprise IT leaders come together, such as VMware and Dell, to provide the most open, automated and comprehensive solutions – that have been fully-tested and validated – the customer wins. And that is what Dell is all about.”

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• Earlier this month, Cumulus Networks announced a big milestone for its Linux operating system for data center networking: well over 1 million switch ports worldwide. The company said its customers range in size from webscale to small business across many industries.  Cumulus Networks now supports 16 hardware platforms, two CPU architectures and five hardware vendors.