Intel's Rack Scale Architecture Demonstration Features PCIe Storage Switches from PMC

PMC, a provider of enterprise and data center solutions for networked and server storage applications, recently demonstrated the advantages and capabilities of its Switchtec PSX PCIe Storage Switches at the Intel (News - Alert) Developer Forum. The Switchtec PCIe switching architecture was presented as an industry partner solution in the Intel Rack Scale Architecture (RSA) demonstration.

With the help of PMC’s storage switches, PCIe SSD-based systems can scale reliably for mass deployment of next-generation, high performance storage solutions in hyperscale and enterprise data centers. It features industry-leading resiliency, programmability and advanced diagnostics while consuming up to 60 percent less power than systems using other PCIe switches.

The company’s Switchtec PSX family includes switches from 24 to 96 lanes, with flexible port bifurcation, impressively high port and Non-Transparent Bridge (NTB) density and switch partition density. Furthermore, the switches feature advanced error containment with surprise-plug and unplug support as well as an integrated programmable processor that facilitates use of the PSX Software Development Kit (SDK) in order to enhance PCIe switch functionality and error handling.

Software development and time-to-market is improved considerably thanks to an integrated Enclosure Management solution, while advanced diagnostics and debugging features make it simple to identify, diagnose and fix issues. PMC’s innovative technology allows the switches to operate with low-power and best-in-class signal integrity, ensuring systems are designed and deployed with maximum efficiency.

These switches are inherently relevant to Intel RSA (News - Alert) and its efforts to rebuild contemporary cloud platforms so they are more efficient and deliver elasticity, self-provisioning and standards-based interfaces in data centers. Intel’s logical architecture enables pooling of compute, storage and network resources so they can be managed more simply and dynamically composed according to workload-specific demands.

“Innovative cloud architectures like Intel RSA require programmable solutions that can evolve nimbly with customer and ecosystem needs,” said Derek Dicker, Vice President of the Performance Solutions Group at PMC. “We set out to create a new PCIe storage switch category with our Switchtec products and, in addition to high port count, low power, resilient storage features, the programmable architecture makes them a perfect fit for the data center.”