D-Link turns green with power-saving switches

Environmentally friendly Ethernet switches unveiled at BETT could be easy sell for VARs

Networking vendor D-Link claims its new range of ‘green’ Ethernet switches, which intelligently minimise power usage by up to 80 per cent, could be a massive hit for VARs selling into environmentally conscious corporations and markets such as education and government.
It showcased two products in its range, a five-port gigabit switch and an eight-port version, at the British Education Training Technology (Bett) show in London on 9 January.
Higher-end products, 16- and 24-port gigabit switches, are expected to be launched in February.
The devices save energy by supplying only what is needed to power up the length of wire to which they are connected, explained Kevin Wen, D-Link’s European president. The switches’ in-built intelligence also enables them to power down if they detect that the device they are connected to is switched off.
“Most people in SMEs and schools want to save on electricity usage, but they dare not touch a comms box, as they do not know what it does. These boxes make the decisions for them,” said Wen. “These could be an easy sell to the growing numbers of environmentally conscious technology buyers.”
Lloyd Everard, director of infrastructure at systems integrator SAS Group, said: “The green Ethernet switches were welcomed by the SAS Group. They are receiving significant interest from companies consciously looking to cut their energy consumption and carbon footprint.
“D-Link has stolen a lead by being the first to market. Better still, there’s no price premium,” he said.
D-Link exclusively revealed to CRN plans to develop a Partner Plus channel programme.
“Our higher-end products could open up a new range of sales opportunities for high-end systems integrators and specialist VARs,” said Chris Davies, D-Link’s general manager for the UK and Ireland.
“We need more specialist partners who can integrate the products into diverse networking infrastructures and management systems.”
Launch details were unavailable at the time of press.
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