Network specialist Brocade Communications announced its new product, the Brocade 7500E SAN Router, a Fibre Channel over IP (FCIP) extension solution dedicated to entry-level remote data replication. The 7500E model is based on the Brocade 7500 extension and routing technology, but the E termination shows that the device had some of its features stripped down in order to keep an affordable price.

Shortly put, the E version will result in a lower initial port density and bandwidth capacity, while supporting redundant power supplies, Fast Write, compression, SO-TCP and fabric isolation for greater resiliency. Should the company need more functionality, the Brocade 7500E can be upgraded immediately to the full Brocade 7500 capability via a software license upgrade. The product is especially suitable for growing businesses, as additional functionality can be achieved when the need arises.

"A primary advantage we see with the Brocade 7500E is that it is an easy and affordable data protection solution-and the fact that it provides enterprise-class features without added complexity," said Steve TenBarge, Vice President, Global Product Marketing, Hitachi Data Systems. "Our customers will benefit from the Brocade 7500E in supporting small business and remote office disaster recovery, business continuity, and data migration initiatives."

The 1U router comes with just four activated ports, namely two 4Gb/s Fibre Channel and two 50Mb/s Ethernet ports. The company can upgrade immediately to its full functionality: 14 additional Fibre Channel ports, and Ethernet speeds of 1Gb/s, just like the Brocade 7500.

The Brocade 7500E solution is fully compatible with the company's portfolio of data center infrastructure products, such as the newly-introduced Brocade DCX Backbone. However, the networking capabilities the stripped-down E version router lacks are hardware encryption support, FICON over metro, FC routing between fabrics, as well as the call home feature.

The device can now be purchased from Brocade and Hitachi Data Systems, and it will become available through Brocade's independent channels starting in March. Other OEM distributors will start shipping the router sometime during the second quarter, although the company did not announce an estimative selling price.