There has been a lot of talk around the industry regarding availability of CNAs and which CNA vendor will be working with systems vendors as this converged networking technology starts to roll out to end-users. The IBM announcement makes it pretty clear which vendor they believe is leading the market with convergence solutions.
In a past blog, I said, "FCoE connectivity will pick up the pace and start on its rapid adoption curve throughout 2009 and 2010; it stands to reason, given the economy, consolidation, and the move toward more unified and utility-based computing." With IBM moving forward with QLogic CNAs and Pass-Thru modules -- which are interoperable with other vendors hardware, respectively -- the implementation of FCoE can start at the server level and not have to disrupt exiting infrastructure. I believe we have now entered the phase were the technology is growing in availability and users can start deploying without worry over interoperability, or support. When I made my statement about the adoption curve throughout 2009 and 2010 I was unaware of the new OEM relationship between QLogic and IBM ... it appears that my prediction was correct and the adoption curve is well on its way up.
In my opinion, as fall rolls around, storage vendors will start to announce their support for FCoE connectivity. If recent history is a barometer for future events, I wouldn't be surprised to hear QLogic's name dropped even more often as the embedded silicon in storage arrays.
So, there is clearly a race underway ... the FCoE race. Who will win? Vendors will fight it out over OEM relationships and systems vendors will align with those hardware suppliers who are on the fast track to deliver tangible connectivity products to market. In the end, users who realize the cost saving benefits from this enabling technology will be the true winners of the FCoE race.
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