Integrated SAN connectivity: It enables data center consolidation with HPE BladeSystem c-Class through a state-of-the-art zero-footprint design while lowering cost through shared power and cooling, fewer cables and SFPs, and a reduction in space.

Next generation 8 Gbps storage networking: Enables support of virtualized environments and other emerging technologies through high-speed technology that doubles the performance of the storage network. Both internal and external facing ports auto-sense lower bandwidth components for flexibility and investment protection.

Non-blocking architecture: Includes connection speed support for all ports to provide a high-performance system with aggregate bandwidth of up to 384 Gbps.

ISL Trunking performance enhancements: Now providing support for up to a single trunk made up of all eight SAN ports for a total of up to 64 Gbps balanced throughput. Trunking of the SAN-facing ports with external Brocade or HPE StorageWorks B-series switches provides a high-bandwidth solution while lowering costs through fewer SFPs and cables.

Adaptive networking services: Enables organizations to better manage data flows and meet service level agreements while maintaining optimized application performance in virtual environments with Adaptive Networking services, including Adaptive Fabric Quality of Service, Traffic Isolation, and Ingress Rate Limiting.

Access Gateway mode: Employs N Port ID Virtualization (NPIV), an ANSI T11 standard, to enable interoperability with other SAN fabrics and eliminate domain considerations while improving SAN scalability.

Broad range of management tools and SMI-s conformance: Integrates with HPE Onboard Administrator for BladeSystem, HPE Systems Insight Manager, and HPE Storage Essentials and leverages HPE B-series management and monitoring tools. An SMI-s API enables the use of industry standard interfaces to integrate management with other applications.