Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. (Brocade(R)) and Packeteer, Inc. (Packeteer(R)) today announced the availability of the new software-only version of the Brocade Tapestry Wide Area File Services (WAFS) solution, providing customers with an easy deployment option for high-performance file access in branch offices and geographically distributed locations. The new software-only release of Brocade's WAFS, which is procured via a partnership with Packeteer, is based on Microsoft's Windows platform and runs on qualified Windows Server 2003 systems.
As a critical component of a File Area Network (FAN) architecture for enterprises with geographically distributed offices, Tapestry WAFS provides LAN-like speeds for access to shared files across Wide Area Networks (WANs), enabling organizations to consolidate their IT assets while unlocking significant productivity gains and protecting branch office data. As a result, the Brocade WAFS solution helps streamline remote office IT operations, improve operational efficiency, and centralize file data management.
"As enterprises focus on improving the reliability, availability, and security of remote office data for compliance, business continuity, and IT efficiency purposes, Brocade is continuing to deliver innovative solutions to market in response to customer demand," said Tom Buiocchi, Brocade Vice President of Marketing. "With this latest release, Brocade now offers customers greater flexibility and choice by providing both hardware and software options for implementing an enterprise-wide WAFS strategy."
"The performance and productivity advantages of the Microsoft-based WAFS software has been proven in thousands of remote and branch offices to date," said Brian Garrett, an analyst with the Enterprise Strategy Group. "The new software-only version of Tapestry WAFS provides a cost-effective option for smaller remote offices which has the potential to extend the benefits to tens of thousands of new users."
"As one of our most strategic OEM partners, Brocade continues to utilize Packeteer's technology to offer customers the industry's most advanced, integrated branch office storage consolidation solution as a critical component of a FAN implementation," said Dave Cote, CEO of Packeteer. "We are extremely proud to be able to strengthen our partnership with Brocade through the launch of its Tapestry WAFS software-only product."
By Brocade
Posted December 28th, 2006 by Nymphadora
