Clemson Selects Big Cloud Fabric to Run Datacenter Network
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 6 -- Big Switch Networks, the leader in bringing hyperscale networking to data centers worldwide, announced today that Clemson University has chosen Big Switch's next generation Big Cloud Fabric to run its renowned datacenter network. The significant enterprise license agreement for OpenStack, VMware, VDI and Monitoring environments will deliver network agility and simplified network management through a modern SDN fabric approach.
Clemson has already deployed Big Cloud Fabric for its production OpenStack Virtual Desktop environment. Big Cloud Fabric enables Clemson's IT team to benefit from application agility and significant operational efficiencies while achieving dramatic cost savings. Additionally, Big Cloud Fabric's flexible, scale-out design allowed Clemson OpenStack architects to start at the size and scale that satisfied their immediate needs, while future-proofing their growth.
"It's a bold and forward-looking move for Clemson to adopt this new networking model in our datacenters. We are following in the footsteps of the likes of Google, Facebook and others," said Dan Schmiedt, Director of Network Services and Telecommunications at Clemson. Schmiedt likened Clemson's move to the recent shift to cloud-based applications from the old method of loading software from CDs into physical servers.
Clemson's network carries web and email traffic for the campus and offices across South Carolina, but also enables data-sharing for research projects. The university's core network is among the most powerful in the nation -- connected at 100 gigabits per second to Internet2's Innovation Platform, which enables ultra-fast data transfers between collaborators at campuses across the nation.
"Through our relationship with Big Switch, Clemson is able to transition to the next generation of technology infrastructure in a planned manner, while also providing educational and research opportunities in the process," said Jim Bottum, Clemson's Vice Provost for Computing and Information Technology and Chief Information Officer.
Big Switch will make the network another programmable part of Clemson's high-bandwidth computing infrastructure. Big Switch will enable Clemson's engineers to easily automate and adjust network traffic to meet changing demands.
"This deployment, spanning hundreds of switches, is just one small part of the fantastic collaboration we've had with Clemson. They have been active in the SDN community since inception, and their team helped us design Big Cloud Fabric. It is rewarding for everyone involved to see the result come together as their deployments scale," said Kyle Forster, founder of Big Switch.
About Big Switch Networks
Big Switch Networks is the market leader in bringing hyperscale data center networking technologies to a mainstream datacenter audience. The company is taking three key hyperscale technologies -- OEM/ODM bare metal and open Ethernet switch hardware, sophisticated SDN control software, and core-and-pod data center designs -- and leveraging them in fit-for-purpose products designed for use in enterprises, cloud providers, and service providers. The company's Big Tap Monitoring Fabric is a feature-rich solution to monitor existing networks, and Big Cloud Fabric is the industry's most advanced open networking switching fabric intended for new data center pods such as private cloud, big data, and VDI. For additional information, email [email protected], follow @bigswitch, or visit www.bigswitch.com.
Clemson University
Ranked No. 20 among national public universities, Clemson University is a major, land-grant, science- and engineering-oriented research university that maintains a strong commitment to teaching and student success. Clemson is an inclusive, student-centered community characterized by high academic standards, a culture of collaboration, school spirit and a competitive drive to excel.
---
Source: Big Switch Networks
