Network Management – TBD Networks

TBD Networks and Force10 Networks: Network virtualization management

Network Virtualization is the logical next step after storage and server virtualization. It allows multiple applications to run side-by-side over the same physical network. Virtual networks optimize the manageability and control of physical networks that are shared between multiple applications. The result is a quickly deployable, more reliable service that takes advantage of all the capabilities of the underlying hardware.

TBD Networks is a Force10 Technology Alliance partner that provides network virtualization management software. Together, Force10’s Open Automation Framework and TBD Networks Virtual Fabric network management software help IT administrators manage complex, virtual environments. 

TBD VirtualFabric provides a virtual fabric of networking, security, and firewall capabilities to enrich VMware environments. It provides full integration with VMware ESX and Virtual Center and with Force10 network switches and routers.

The Force10 Open Automation Framework helps IT managers improve the responsiveness, efficiency and reliability of virtual data centers. The Force10 Open Automation Framework simplifies virtual network management by improving network management, simplifying network monitoring and automating switch provisioning. Additionally, Open Automation allows virtualization management tools and system management tools to manage virtual network resources, making it possible for IT managers to provision VMs and virtual network resources using a single management tool.

Virtualization managers can implement this combined solution utilizing TBDVirtualFabric Orchestration software in conjunction with Force10’s switches and Open Automation software.
TBDVirtualFabric combines orchestration capabilities with storage and network analytics. It automatically optimizes resource allocation using vMotion to boost utilization, eliminate end-user performance bottlenecks, and simplify management. The Force10 switch, running Open Automation software and the VMware SDK, communicates directly to ESX/ESXi hosts or to VMware vCenter. The Force10 Open Automation software uses VMware API’s to detect changes in the environment, allowing the switch to automatically instantiate new VLANs on the fly.