HP Launches Ethernet Switches with 802.3az Energy Efficiency

Hewlett-Packard is looking to ride the bleeding edge of new ratified standards with two new modular switches that are based on a new “energy efficient Ethernet” standard. The IEEE 802.3az standard reduces power consumption of networking devices based on how much traffic is actually moving over the line. I spoke to Jay Mellman, director of networking products and solutions marketing for HP Networking, for some color on the news.

HP is hoping its the IEEE 802.3az standard will spur more adoption, but for now, the two E-series zl modules (for the switches) will lead the way. The E8200 zl Switch Series and E5400 zl Switch Series will be be ready for these modules.

How It Works

The name may sound complicated, but the idea behind it isn’t. IEEE 802.3az reduces power based on what’s happening on the Ethernet line in real time. When low traffic is detected, the modules automatically go into “sleep mode” waiting for traffic needs or other Ethernet devices to wake it up. Why does this matter? Imagine Ethernet ports sleeping on a much larger scale, say in a data center. That power throttling is something that Jay Mellman attested can save up to 51 percent on the total cost of ownership — with the caveat being that both the switch and endpoint support 802.3az. Still, every little bit can help.

Why Partners Should Care

I asked Mellman to describe how the new switches apply to the channel. He was happy to oblige:

“Resellers and VARs love this because it provides even more value to customers in a great form factor and builds even more high capacity networks at less cost. The value prop is a ‘knock-out.’ Even in a market that has traditionally been dominated by Cisco, [HP is] growing faster than the market and the analysts thought we would.”

Mellman said HP’s networking business grew 42 percent in Q3 2010 and 50 percent in Q4 of 2010. Mellman also said these product advancements help VARs differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Mellman said that HP’s ability to provide products that help their customers and partners advance while fitting in their budget is paramount to its channel plans.

Mellman noted that HP’s foray into 802.3az development was not the byproduct of any recent acquisitions. “This comes from HP organic development,” he said.

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