Mellanox Technologies(NASDAQ: MLNX), a supplier of end-to-end InfiniBand and Ethernet interconnect products, and ProLabs, an independent global provider of optical network infrastructure products, jointly announced that ProLabs has been appointed to supply Mellanox's LinkX product portfolio of 10/40/56Gb/s InfiniBand and Ethernet QSFP+ and SFP+ cables and modules in the EMEA region, and in the United States.
"It's a very significant strategic opportunity for both firms," says ProLabs CEO Nick Moglia. "Mellanox is synonymous with highly advanced and innovative interconnect technology and ProLabs have established themselves as one of the leading innovators in providing reliable, cost-effective components in the network product space. Together we believe we develop high-quality technology, which is reliable, robust and cost-effective."
To ensure that every LinkX cable or transceiver works the first time and every time, Mellanox notes that it subjects its products to a full system test in a stressed environment. All LinkX interconnect products endure full system testing to Bit Error Rate (BER) 10-15 in order to maximize overall data center performance. BER 10-15 provides 1,000x fewer transmission errors than many competing products, claims Mellanox; fewer transmission errors translate to higher system performance and more revenue generating traffic.
Further, Mellanox notes that its LinkX direct attach cables (DACs) with colored jackets and colored pull tabs can reduce the chance of error in connecting server, switch and routing ports, while shortening cluster installation time, and simplifying interconnect debugging and network management.
"We are pleased to collaborate with ProLabs to deliver our combined high-speed interconnect solution in the EMEA market," concludes Darrin Chen, vice president of worldwide channel sales at Mellanox Technologies. "Whether the application is Ethernet or InfiniBand, cloud or Web 2.0, server to top-of-rack, server to storage or switch to switch, LinkX cables and modules maximize ROI with superior performance, flexibility and scalability."
Further details of the ProLabs and Mellanox agreement will be communicated at the 2014 ECOC Exhibition in September.