[Most Recent Entries] [Calendar View]
Friday, February 21st, 2014
| Time | Event |
| 1:46p | Data Center Jobs: McKinstry At the Data Center Jobs Board, we have a new job listing from McKinstry, which is seeking a Program Manager- Data Centers in Des Moines, Iowa. The Program Manager- Data Centers is responsible for the successful management and completion of projects, managing and completing the maintenance activities on the basic mechanical systems to ensure system uptime, and that the services are in compliance with best practices with the client and McKinstry standards/expectations, the successful and timely completion of assigned projects by utilizing appropriate resources effectively and balancing the customer requirements with the agreed upon strategies of the company, the definition of customer project requirements, owning, managing and implementing the project schedule as a project management and client management visibility tool, establish schedule to meet or exceed customer requirements, and determining and facilitating the usages of resources, internal and external, required for the successful completion of the project. To view full details and apply, see job listing details. Are you hiring for your data center? You can list your company’s job openings on the Data Center Jobs Board, and also track new openings via our jobs RSS feed. |
| 2:00p | Network News: MRV, LSI, Cyan MRV helps operators migrate to a 100G optical transport platform with OptiDriver, LSI Axxia network processors add big endian support for Wind River Linux, and Cyan partners with Intel, Red Hat and Conectem to demonstrate end-to-end vEPC and NFV at Mobile World Congress. MRV Delivers OptiDriver to optimize 100G networks. MRV Communications (MRVC) announced the addition of a 100Gbps multi-protocol, multi-rate muxponder to its recently introduced OptiDriver optical transport platform. The purpose-built OptiDriver 100G muxponder enables operators to achieve extreme bandwidth efficiency as they migrate 10G and 40G infrastructure to a flexible, intelligent path to a 100G optical transport network. The OptiDriver muxponder offers remarkable flexibility with fully pluggable interfaces. These interfaces can host two 40G QSPF+, ten 10G SFP+ and a 100G CFP uplink that cost-effectively supports pluggable short range, DWDM metro and long range coherent 100G optics. It enables outstanding flexibility in service consolidation and ensures optimization for current and future high-speed technologies. “Most people know data center and content delivery network operators are experiencing a rapid growth in streaming video, cloud storage and virtualization data traffic, but many of these operators have limited fiber resources that they need to maximize. To accomplish this they need to introduce 100G solutions into their network. With the large amount of 10G and 40G ports in their network today, a flexible 100G muxponder makes for an ideal solution,” said Andrew Schmitt, principal analyst at Infonetics Research. LSI Axxia processors add support for Wind River Linux. LSI announced that its Axxia multicore family of network communication processors and accelerators now include big endian BE8 mode support for the latest version of Wind River Linux. The availability of big endian support provides software developers with greater flexibility and choice in their hardware options. LSI Axxia communication processors use ARM Cortex-A15 cores that are designed to deliver both increased performance and power efficiency. Wind River Linux 6 includes expanded hardware support for these latest ARM 32 and 64 bit processors. Built on the Yocto Project open source development infrastructure, Wind River Linux 6 also uses the latest Linux kernel to ensure customers have commercially supported access to the newest advancements from the open source community. “LSI Axxia networking solutions are designed to ensure the highest levels of performance and efficiency, as well as to offer flexibility and ease of system integration,” said Noy Kucuk, vice president of marketing, Networking Solutions Group at LSI. “Wind River Linux provides comprehensive open source tools and features that, when combined with the LSI Axxia development kit, offer reduced TCO while speeding time-to-market delivery for network OEMs.” Cyan, Intel, Red Hat and Conectem demo vEPC and NFV. As a carrier-sponsored, official ETSI proof of concept (POC) demonstration Cyan (CYNI) will present an end-to-end vEPC (virtual evolved packet core) network functions virtualization (NFV) use case at Mobile World Congress next week in Barcelona. In the POC, Cyan’s NFV orchestration platform Blue Planet will interoperate with Connectem’s virtualized packet core technology (VCM), which is capable of addressing elasticity, scale and service velocity even in the largest mobile broadband networks. Cyan will be collaborating with Intel to highlight the DPDK accelerated vSwitch in combination with the Intel Xeon processor-based servers that provide compute, delivering an ideal base for NFV performance. Cyan also is collaborating with Red Hat as the solution incorporates Red Hat Enterprise Linux OpenStack Platform, which combines the power of Red Hat Enterprise Linux with the OpenStack cloud platform to deliver a scalable and secure cloud datacenter. “Virtualized environments challenge every fundamental aspect of the wireless carriers’ infrastructure costs, access to capacity on-demand, and service velocity,” said Barry Hill, vice president, sales and marketing at Connectem. “With Cyan Blue Planet Orchestration, carriers can now deploy EPC infrastructure, which is normally a complex and difficult undertaking, in days instead of months. The joint solution that we will be demonstrating live at Mobile World Congress will illustrate how advanced technologies and platforms can be leveraged to re-define the economics and time-frame of service delivery for the mobile broadband market.” |
| 2:30p | Broadcom Launches Open NFV Platform and Multiple SoCs  At the Mobile World Congress, Broadcom has announced a new single-chip millimeter wave (MMW) system on a chip (SoC) to support mobile broadband services. (Image: Broadcom) Gearing up to showcase a number of new technologies and innovation at Mobile World Congress next week in Barcelona, Broadcom announced a new Open Network Function Virtualization platform, a global location chip for wearables, and a single-chip millimeter wave system on a chip capable of 10 Gbps. Hoping to accelerate Open Network Function Virtualization (NFV) adoption by allowing implementation of applications across multiple system-on-chip (SoC) processors solutions, Broadcom announced its Open NFV platform. Using the platform OEMs and ecosystem vendors can easily migrate virtual functions (VF) between platforms based on various vendor solutions. Broadcom will showcase the innovations at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week, and a proof of concept demonstrating a live VF state migration between multiple Instruction Set Architectures (ISA) has been approved by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) NFV Industry Specification Group. The basis of Broadcom’s Open NFV platform is open source components such as Linux, KVM and OVS giving customers a consistent platform independent of the target SoC’s ISA, thus allowing vendors to develop NFV applications that are highly portable. In partnership with ARM, Broadcom is working to enable equipment manufacturers designing NFV solutions to meet next-generation carrier-class requirements utilizing open standards that enhance code portability and reduce development time. “Customers have been asking for an ISA-independent solution to migrate virtual functions across diverse platforms, something they didn’t previously have,” said Ron Jankov, Broadcom Senior Vice president and General Manager, Processors and Wireless Infrastructure. “Broadcom’s partnership with ARM and other third party vendors helps advance our NFV goals and meet the workload flexibility and scalability needs of our customers, while maintaining our commitment to a truly open ecosystem.” Global Location chip for WearablesBroadcom introduced a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) system-on-chip (SoC), designed for low-power, mass-market wearable devices such as fitness trackers and smart watches. Targeting a growing wearables market the new BCM4771 GNSS SoC with on-chip sensor hub enables consumers to more accurately track and manage their health and wellbeing by delivering precision activity tracking and location data while consuming less power than traditional architectures. It significantly reduces power consumption and board area by combining its location capabilities with an integrated sensor hub, contextual awareness, and GNSS. Using a 40 nanometer process technology the chip includes a sensor hub that integrates sensor inputs for its on-chip algorithms to detect the user’s context, accurately compute speed and distance traveled, and provide fitness applications with the GNSS track. “Today’s wearables like fitness trackers have surged in popularity, but often miscalculate speed and distance,” said Mohamed Awad, Broadcom Director, Marketing, Mobile and Wireless Group. “As the largest supplier of discrete GNSS solutions, Broadcom brings its location expertise to deliver more precise fitness and health measurements to the accelerating wearable market.” Broadcom announces 10Gbps Millimeter Wave SoCBroadcom announced a new single-chip millimeter wave (MMW) system on a chip (SoC) optimized for wireless backhaul and fronthaul applications. For carriers looking for cost-effective and flexible products to meet the growing bandwidth demands of mobile broadband services, the BCM85100 offers a scalable option and up to 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) of capacity. The BCM85100 SoC enables easy capacity upgrades by software, and it offers the entire range from Mbps to 10 Gbps over single antenna, single channel and single polarization, providing carriers and telecomm equipment manufacturers with a unified millimeter wave solution. “The growing demand of data services and connected devices are all driving mobile backhaul networks to new heights of capacity, resulting in the need for more cell site connections,” said Richard Webb, Infonetics Research Directing Analyst of Microwave and Carrier Wi-Fi . “The millimeter wave solution represents the next step in addressing these capacity needs and is proving to be a viable solution for backhaul in metro areas where range limitations aren’t always problematic. Reaching 10 Gbps is a major milestone for the industry and raises the bar as an integrated SoC that will further drive the millimeter wave market.” |
| 3:00p | The DCK Guide to Software-Defined Technologies  Software-defined what? Our SDx dictionary explains software-defined technologies, with examples. New logical technologies are helping create operational efficiencies at all layers of the data center model. New terms and technological concepts are born because of gaps in the cloud deployment model. This has led to the introduction of software-defined technologies (SDx), which abstract a number of different services to improve cloud and data center performance. But this also causes a bit of confusion. Where does this technology fit in? Is it really complicated? What does it really all mean to me? To help simplify the many facets of the software-defined revolution, here is your SDx dictionary, which provides explanations and examples of the many ways in which software is redefining the ways data center and cloud infrastructure is managed. Software-Defined Networking (SDN)Because we have so many new connection points, it became necessary to create a better system to help control the flow of traffic. Traditional networking equipment focused too much on the physical layer where connections where required to accomplish the job. When cloud became a more widely used platform, it became necessary to abstract that physical layer. Now, we’re capable of controlling traffic which traverses the WAN completely at the software layer. This means network automation, optimization, and efficiency are no longer dependent on the physical infrastructure. VMware’s NSX, for example, creates a new model for how network traffic is controlled at the virtual layer. This introduces the capability to program, provision, and better manage both virtual and physical resources within the environment. It’s important to note that SDN is also happening on the physical layer as well. Cisco’s NX-OS creates a modular building-block approach to the networking layer. Deployed on the entire switching stack, this networking operating system controls resiliency, virtualization, efficiency and even extensibility all at the logical layer. This type of intelligence can help dynamically route traffic in during peak times or even during outages. Not only is the physical layer being utilized to the fullest efficiency, administrators are able to create network flow automation policies to ensure continuous availability for both critical and standard workloads. Software-Defined StorageThis has become a very interesting approach to controlling the storage layer. Much like servers and desktops, storage has experienced a bit of a physical infrastructure boom. There had to come a point where storage management became even more efficient. With that came the concept of software-defined storage. This is a virtual layer that sits in front of all storage components to control and distribute incoming requests to the appropriate storage pool. Atlantis ILIO USX, for example, creates a virtual layer where any storage controller can be inserted into the pool. With that, you can point DAS, Flash, SSD, spinning disk, and even RAM as a storage pool repository to the USX appliance. From there, the software-defined storage system will intelligently push appropriate traffic to the appropriate pool. For example, archive data might be sent to less expensive storage while VDI requests are sent to a flash array. Similarly, VMware’s Virtual SAN, aims to aggregate both compute and storage resources directly from VMware vSphere hosts to create a simpler and better managed infrastructure. VMware introduces Storage Policy Based Management (SPBM) where administrators can now create intelligent storage policies aimed at availability and the enhancement of other virtual services. In creating that virtual layer, storage provisioning, scaling, and performance become direct benefits for the entire virtual infrastructure. Software-Defined SecurityThe concept of software-defined security falls directly in line with next-generation security technologies. Traditional security is simply not enough for today’s diverse infrastructure. The logical layer in the security realm was created to address new challenges around data in the cloud and more data within the actual data center. Checkpoint’s Virtual Appliance for Amazon Web Services helps create a direct software-defined security extension from a primary infrastructure directly into a cloud environment. This means utilizing advanced features spanning an entire WAN infrastructure including IPS, access controls, DLP, and unified security management. Similarly, Palo Alto completely abstracted the security layer with their next-generation security operating system, PAN-OS. These virtual appliances can sit anywhere within the data center to process a variety of security requests. With an intelligent security operating system, administrators are able to utilize next-generation firewall capabilities, such as dynamic address groups, complete virtual machine monitoring, the creation of security policies that instantly sync with virtual workload creation, and a unified security management platform. |
| 3:01p | Juniper Networks Announces Integrated Operating Plan Focusing on strategic, high-growth opportunities, Juniper Networks (JNPR) announced a new, integrated operating plan (IOP), which will refocus the company on innovation for service providers and enterprises where demand for High-IQ Networks and best-in-class cloud environments are driving growth. During its fourth quarter and fiscal 2013 financial results call, the company said it conducted a comprehensive and ongoing review of business and customer needs to provide a more focused R&D and go-to-market program. “The cornerstone of our IOP is the belief that our customers, which include some of the world’s largest service providers, financial services companies and government agencies, are increasingly building hyper-scale, resilient, secure, highly intelligent, open and virtualized networks,” stated Shaygan Kheradpir, chief executive officer of Juniper Networks. ”As a pure-play, high-performance networking company with engineering and organic innovation at its core, I believe Juniper is uniquely positioned to help these customers address their rapidly evolving networking needs. Our new, sharpened focus will bring us closer to our customers as we innovate together to address the opportunities ahead, and will enable us to operate much more efficiently as One-Juniper.” “One Juniper” Structure UnveiledThe IOP strategy will capitalize on Juniper’s engineering expertise across routing, switching, security, control and network management – focusing on network segments driven by service provider, enterprise and government customers. It will create an optimized One-Juniper structure - a more focused, connected, agile and execution-oriented company structure driven to deliver on its customers’ imperatives for High-IQ Networks and cloud environments. The optimized One-Juniper structure will focus on quality, depth and will augment its approach with an outside-in customer imperative fused with inside-out innovation. The company also committed to return a minimum of $3 billion to shareholders over the next three years through a combination of share repurchases and dividends. Kheradpir noted, ”Our new integrated operating plan combines Juniper’s heritage of innovation with an outside-in customer imperative, ensuring that we are best positioned to meet customer demands for integrated and use-case driven technology solutions.” In developing the IOP, Juniper considered the views of its stakeholders, and engaged in constructive discussions with shareholders including Elliott Management. Juniper has reached an agreement with Elliott whereby Elliott has agreed among various customary terms, to support the Company’s changes announced and to vote in favor of Juniper’s nominees at its 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. “Today’s announcement is an incredibly positive development for Juniper and its shareholders,” stated Jesse Cohn, portfolio manager at Elliott Management. ”Shaygan and his team have developed a thoughtful and highly value-accretive plan to invest for growth, significantly streamline and target the operations, and meaningfully return capital to shareholders. Further, Shaygan and the Board, which will be adding two leading operations-focused executives, have impressed us with a focused commitment to accountability and execution of the plan. Elliott is highly optimistic about the Company’s future and looks forward to supporting Juniper in its continued focus on creating shareholder value.” |
| 4:00p | Qlogic Acquires Ethernet Assets from Broadcom In a deal worth approximately $147 million Broadcom (BRCM) and Qlogic (QLGC) announced an agreement under which QLogic will acquire certain 10/40/100Gb Ethernet controller-related assets and non-exclusive licenses to certain intellectual property relating primarily to Broadcom’s programmable NetXtreme II Ethernet controller family. “This transaction is a win-win for our customers. Broadcom is focusing internal Ethernet controller efforts on strengthening its end-to-end data center platform while establishing a long-term ASIC supply relationship with QLogic in support of NetXtreme II Ethernet controllers,” said Rajiv Ramaswami, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Broadcom’s Infrastructure and Networking Group. “This transaction enables customers to be served without disruption by a leading partner, allows Broadcom to provide a broader solution portfolio overall and creates value for our shareholders.” The two companies will also begin a long-term supply agreement whereby Broadcom will become ASIC supplier to QLogic in support of the NetXtreme II product line. At the close of the deal QLogic will license certain Broadcom patents under a non-exclusive patent license agreement that will cover QLogic’s Fibre Channel products in exchange for a license fee of $62 million. “We are pleased to enter into this partnership with Broadcom,” said Prasad Rampalli, President and Chief Executive Officer of QLogic. “QLogic gains world-class technology, an immediate presence serving enterprise customer Ethernet controller needs and an important long-term partnership to deliver end-to-end solutions. Going forward, this acquisition will form the foundation of our Ethernet controller business and accelerates our time-to-market with leading-edge technology.” |
| 7:51p | Friday Funny: What’s at the End of The Rack? It’s Friday! That means the work week is ending and it’s time for some data center laughs. This week, we are presenting a new cartoon What’s at the End of the Rack? by our artist Diane Alber. Please scroll down and submit your funniest captions. Diane writes, “Trying to get to LEED gold can be hard… unless you’re Kip!” Hearty congratulations to Lud Hrovat as the winner for the suggested caption: “Who knew LinkedIn was really a dating site?” for the Time for Cupid cartoon. The caption contest works like this: We provide the cartoon and you, our readers, submit the captions. We then choose finalists and the readers vote for their favorite funniest suggestion. The winner will receive his or her caption in a signed print by Diane. For the previous cartoons on DCK, see our Humor Channel. For more of Diane’s work visit Kip and Gary‘s website. |
Click to enlarge cartoon.| << Previous Day |
2014/02/21 [Calendar] |
Next Day >> |