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Technology Stocks : The New QLogic (ANCR) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: David Andersen who wrote (16414)	6/2/1998 5:57:00 PM
From: George Dawson	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 29386

"My concern is that ESCON may be so closely related to the SAN systems that IBM is currently developing that it would be logical for IBM to back to the same source." It's a valid concern, particularly in view of Craig's post on the new McData switch: exchange2000.com But I think we really can't speculate on who will win SAN contracts based on this information. I think a relevant dynamic is that IBM was pushing ESCON as their proprietary networking system. They probably did not have many competitors to choose from. The scene is a lot different today, especially with a new McData switch. We have already had speculation that Brocade may have the inside track: exchange2000.com At the shareholder's meeting, Ancor management clarified that IBM's stock position in Ancor did not mean that there was any associated business relationship. George D.

To: David Andersen who wrote (16414)	6/2/1998 8:11:00 PM
From: KJ. Moy	Respond to of 29386

<<< I assume that these ESCON devices are not fibre channel products. Is that correct? How does ESCON relate to SSA, if at all?>>> That's correct. ESCON and SSA are two different channel protocols. McData has been supplying IBM with ESCON products for years as you pointed out. One has to understand what this FICON/ESCON bridge is all about. Enterprise computer centers have floors of football field size IBM computers/disk storage/tape devices/output printers/etc. How would a new S/390 with new fibre channel interfaces fit into the old S/390 system with webs of ESCON channels? In other words, what does IBM do to provide a smooth migration plan for these customers? This bridge will allow the new system to access these storage farms via the FICON/ESCON bridge and yet allow the new system to access new FC SANs through FC hubs and switches. This bridge does not address the FC SAN system. This bridge is a migration device. The successful SAN vendors will have to provide a good migration plan(if it means to provide some kind of interim bridging devices). May the best FC switch vendor win. McData is not in the same league as Brocade and Ancor in terms of FC switch. All IMHO of course.