Quantum Computer embraces SDN with Brocade in Shanghai
Quanta Computer has deployed Brocade-powered IP networks at factories within its key manufacturing site. The deployment is at both the company's network edge and data center, which Quanta asserts dramatically simplifies operations.
Quanta's decision to adopt Brocade's advanced switching and SDN solutions within its QSMC plants reflects its ongoing commitment to always providing the best-in-class ODM manufacturing facilities to its global partner brands.
Dave Chen, associate vice president of Quanta Computer, says competition in the notebook market is relentless, as is the demand to improve manufacturing quality and efficiency.
"Our factories are highly automated and that makes them highly network-dependent with a network edge of more than 10,000 ports now deployed at Quanta Shanghai Manufacturing City, which is a big network administration challenge," explains Chen.
"We've deployed Brocade networking solutions at Quanta Shanghai Manufacturing City because they provide a radically simplified administration model, which reduces costs and improves network availability, and sets us up for further improvements and increased production line flexibility by leveraging SDN.
Quanta's first major Brocade switch deployment was at QSMC Factory. Based on the operational benefits achieved at QSMC, Quanta says it has since deployed Brocade ICX switches as its next-generation network edge at additional QSMC plants.
Henry Zhu, country manager for Brocade in China, says leading-edge manufacturers are increasingly looking to implement Industry 4.0 strategies with smart factories that support strong customization of products under the conditions of highly flexible mass production.
"Quanta Computer's deployment of Brocade SDN-ready network infrastructure on the factory floor, within its manufacturing core network and data center opens the way for the development of software-defined production lines that are capable of virtual retooling on the fly to dramatically increase flexibility.
