Traffic Sentinel is a Web-based Linux application that does not require direct keyboard, mouse and monitor access. Van Lehn can configure the application from any Web browser.

"This gave me a server with zero footprint -- no extra space (assuming empty slot), no extra electrical outlets or UPS outlets, and no extra Ethernet ports as the two 10Gb interfaces plug directly into the backplane," he says.

The 6600 switches are priced from US$4,699 to $17,999 and will be available in the first half of this year. The Data Center Connection Manager software costs $27,100, and the controller for the software costs $32,000. Both will be available in the second quarter.

The Services zl Module costs $5,995 and will be available in February.