An SAN is a high-speed special-purpose network that interconnects different kinds of data storage devices with associated data servers on behalf of a larger network of users. Brocade and McData sell equipment for setting up SANs, such as switches and software designed to optimise data availability and storage and server resources.
The McData patent in question covers the measuring of traffic within a switch to maintain efficiency of data transfer. Brocade issued a statement on Friday saying it believes that McData’s suit is “without merit” and that it intends to defend the lawsuit vigorously.