Brocade, IBM Extend Relationship

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Brocade (Nasdaq:BRCD) today announced that IBM will rebrand and sell the Brocade enterprise IP networking family of products through the IBM global sales force and authorized IBM Business Partners.

This original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement complements and extends the existing relationship between Brocade and IBM for storage area networking (SAN) products. Initially, IBM plans to sell the following Brocade IP networking product families under the OEM agreement, with additional products to be added over time. IBM will offer multiple models in each product family:

In support of this agreement, Brocade has been working with IBM to develop customized programs across many key functional areas, including sales, marketing, training/certification, and technical support/service.

“This agreement supports IBM’s view of networking as an integral component of our dynamic infrastructure initiative, which helps customers manage the convergence of business and IT infrastructures,” said Barry Rudolph, vice president, IBM System Storage. “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.”

Brocade Communications Systems Inc.