fw 02.00.02-1 and sw 06.00.02 Edge Switch 2/32 - Technical White Paper

FlexPort technology

The software-enabled FlexPort technology provides customers a unique opportunity to deliver upgradeable

port configurations and position attractive price/performance entry points for environments with growth

potential. The ability to dynamically and non-disruptively¹ activate ports within a base unit provides an

attractive entry price for a 32- portcapable switch with inherent expansion capabilities available when

needed.

executive summary

Connectivity on Demand

FlexPort Technology delivers an unprecedented capability to add SAN connectivity on demand – with no

disruptions¹ or time-consuming reconfiguration. This latest innovation is included on the HP StorageWorks

Edge Switch 2/32. With FlexPort technology, users can pay for 16 active ports initially and expand to 24

or 32 ports as their requirements dictate without buying another switch or disrupting their fabric. FlexPort

technology is ideal for customers that anticipate the need for growth but don’t want to purchase ports in

advance of their actual utilization. True connectivity on demand.

Pay as You Grow

Since FlexPort Technology allows you to purchase more connectivity only as needs dictate, investing in

resources that sit idle until required is a thing of the past. Valuable IT budget dollars can be utilized instead

for current and pressing mission-critical needs. Investments in additional connectivity can be deferred until

actually needed. Not only does this capability optimize IT spending, it also increases your SAN return on

investment (ROI), because a lower initial capital expenditure is required to achieve the same SAN benefits.

With FlexPort Technology, you can pay as you grow without compromising on your business needs.

¹ Non-disruptive activation of feature keys is achieved in firmware version 2.x and its companion HAFM 6.0 release or later.

Initial release of hp’s StorageWorks Edge Switch 2/32 will be with firmware version 2.0 which requires the switch to be taken

offline for feature key entry. Firmware 2.x is due late 2002

hp Storage

August 2002

technical white

paper

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August 2002 hp Storage technical white paper FlexPort technology The software-enabled FlexPort technology provides customers a unique opportunity to deliver upgradeable port configurations and position attractive price/performance entry points for environments with growth potential. The ability to dynamically and non-disruptively¹ activate ports within a base unit provides an attractive entry price for a 32- portcapable switch with inherent expansion capabilities available when needed.
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Quick and Pain-free Expansion With FlexPort Technology, adding storage network capacity is quick and easy. Without the time-consuming hassle of purchasing and installing additional equipment, you can respond to changing needs on the spot. Adding port connectivity is simple and non-disruptive¹ to the operation of the switch. It’s as easy as 1, 2, and 3. 1. Simply order the HP StorageWorks Edge Switch 2/32 Upgrade kit (sold in 8-port increments) 2. Install the pluggable optics and cables. 3.