The HBAs and switches included in the kit are based on QLogic technology. Testing concluded that the HP StorageWorks 8Gb Simple SAN Connection Kit simplifies the variables used to configure a storage area network, during installation, by one-third of a typical SAN installation.

Tests measured the ease of deployment in terms of the number of configuration steps and variables to be configured, to finish the deployment of the 8Gb Fibre Channel solution versus a traditional Fibre Channel solution, noted The Tolly Group in its report. HP's 8Gb Simple SAN Connection Kit took half the time to configure and three times fewer configuration steps to deploy an 8Gb Fibre Channel solution, which delivered 1.5 to two times the IOPs and throughput as a 4Gb Fibre Channel solution deployed in a traditional manner.

"The latest-generation HP StorageWorks Simple SAN Connection Kit, based on QLogic HBAs and switches, are easier than ever to install and use", stated Frank Berry, vice president of marketing, QLogic Corp. The Tolly Group's First and Foremost designation validates the goal of QLogic to create a solution that is affordable, scalable and incredibly easy to use.

"The HP StorageWorks 8Gb Simple SAN Connection Kit simplifies the installation of an end-to-end SAN for novices and experts alike, while optimizing storage resources", stated Bob Wilson, vice president of Storage Platforms, StorageWorks Division, HP. More cost-effective than competitive solutions, the HP 8Gb kit offers the latest in Fibre Channel technology at the same price point as older, slower technology. IT professionals will also free up valuable time as the fully integrated and automated management features allow them to focus on more strategic objectives.

Switches and HBAs may be purchased separately or together in the HP StorageWorks 8Gb Simple SAN Connection Kit that includes the switch, four HBAs, 8Gb SFP+ optics and cables. The new portfolio of products is available today and the HP StorageWorks 8Gb Simple SAN Connection Kit is list-priced at $8199.

To address the quickly emerging 8Gb Fibre Channel market, QLogic offers a wide variety of solutions available through authorized QLogic distributors including QLogic 2500 Series HBAs, transforming server connectivity into competitive advantage.

The QLogic 2500 Series is a family of 8Gb Fibre Channel-to-PCIe Gen2 HBAs designed for next-generation virtualized data centres with powerful multi-processor, multi-core servers. QLogic 2500 Series HBAs are optimized for virtualization, power, RAS (reliability, availability, serviceability), security and management to transform server connectivity into competitive advantage.

The 2500 Series HBAs provide complete investment protection by maintaining backward compatibility with previous Fibre Channel network and PCIe host bus speeds, and are set apart from all other 8Gb Fibre Channel HBAs thanks to two breakthrough innovations under the QLogic Star Power Green Initiative - Dynamic Power Management and Cool HBA technologies. Dynamic power management is the unique capability of the QLogic 2500 to sense the type of PCI Express bus that is present and consume only the amount of power necessary to run at full speed. QLogic Cool HBA technology allows QLogic products like 2500 HBAs to operate without any air flow, unlike competitive products, which require fans to be cool.

The SANbox 5800 Series is a family of 8Gb Fibre Channel switches designed to provide the most cost-efficient way to scale a storage network. In addition to blazing 8Gb performance, SANbox 5800 Series switches help eliminate the cost and complexity of trunking inter-switch links (ISLs) with QLogic stackable switch technology that's turbo-charged by the industry's first implementation of 20Gb Fibre Channel.