Juniper flat-packs data centre networking

Juniper Networks has announced its QFabric “flat pack” single layer data centre networking scheme.

Designed for virtualised data centres heavy on virtual servers, QFabric is the fruit of Juniper’s Project Stratus.

Network-using devices connect to the QFabric via QF/Node products, the first one being the QFX3500. These edge nodes connect toothier edge nodes across the network through QF/Interconnect products, high-speed transport devices.

The entire QFabric is managed through QF/Director, which provides a common window through which all QFabric devices can be controlled.

The QFX3500 is described as a high-performance, ultra-low latency, Layer 2/Layer 3 switch delivering wire-speed 10GbitE throughput through all ports.

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Could online gaming power Google’s social networking platform?

Google is reportedly building a social networking service that could potentially pose a serious challenge to Facebook. Although little is known about the platform, it seems likely that online gaming will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of “Google Me.”

According to the Wall Street Journal, Google has asked a number of industry heavyweights – including Playdom, EA’s Playfish and Zynga – to offer their games on the upcoming service.

Amir Efrati of the WSJ explained that Google’s foray into the social gaming world highlighted the company’s “latest attempt” to capture users and advertising dollars which are “increasingly flowing” to social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. 

“For social-game developers, a successful Google offering would mean they wouldn’t be so heavily dependent on Facebook, where the vast majority of users access the games,” wrote Efrati.

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