Pluribus Networks Transforms the Network Operating System Stack

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Pluribus Networks, the front-runner in hardware-accelerated network virtualization for private and public cloud datacenters, today announced a network architecture that will enable cloud and enterprise customers to build flexible software-defined data centers using Pluribus Networks Netvisor® running on Intel Ethernet Switch FM6000 Series-based systems.

Pluribus' software-defined fabric (SDF) and network functions virtualization (NFV) are complementary networking technologies bound to transform how networks are designed, deployed and managed across data center and cloud service provider environments. By separating control and data planes, SDF allows the network to be programmed and operated from a single point of management at much larger and dynamic scale with flow-level traffic control across the entire data center. NFV allows network functions such as ADC, firewall, or intrusion detection to run as virtual applications in the X86-controlled switches.

"Our goal at Pluribus is to enable switches as an ideal platform to handle physical and virtual networks," said Sunay Tripathi, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Pluribus Networks. "The vswitch-based SDN overlay model for network virtualization actually adds more complexity and limits the visibility of the network to individual physical or virtual elements. In contrast, adding server-like capability and programmability to a network operating system with hardware virtualization support and leveraging existing tool chains, such as gcc and gdb, creates a unique platform for Layer 4 to 7 applications and unifies both physical and virtual networks at scale. This network hypervisor platform is not only free from performance penalties that are inherent to server hypervisor-based network virtualization but also independent of the server operating system."

The new architecture combines open networking standards with industry-leading Intel silicon and Pluribus network operating system software to enable more agile and intelligent networks, which will better adapt to business demands. Adding a network operating system to standard X86 platforms that utilize Intel Ethernet Switch FM6000 Series silicon introduces server economics to networking, thereby lowering the acquisition and management costs as well as enabling new innovative services in networking infrastructure.

"We are excited to see Pluribus Networks develop innovative solutions enabled by Intel Architecture-based switches," said Dawn Moore, general manager of Intel's Networking Division. "The key features of the Intel Ethernet Switch FM6000, including Intel FlexPipe, deliver optimal performance and value for customers as they deploy next-generation software-defined networks."

Availability
The Pluribus Networks Netvisor® solution is generally available to customers on the Pluribus Networks F64 Series Intelligent Top-of-Rack (iTOR) Server-Switch platform and select ODM "white-box" switches sourced directly from original design manufacturers.

About Pluribus Networks
Pluribus Networks is a leader in performance-oriented network virtualization for private and public cloud datacenters. Pluribus delivers the flexibility of virtual infrastructure with the performance of a bare-metal network. Our systems transform how IT administrators deploy applications so they can realize productivity gains and enable new business models. Pluribus Networks delivers operational excellence by optimizing datacenter network utilization while maintaining required levels of performance, reliability, and availability. Information about Pluribus Networks can be found at www.pluribusnetworks.com.

Intel, the Intel logo and Intel Xeon are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries. Pluribus Networks, the Pluribus Networks logo, Server-Switch™, iTOR™, Netvisor®, nvOS®, and vManage® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pluribus Networks, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks, service marks, registered marks, or registered service marks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Pluribus Networks

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