Marvell Technology Inc (MRVL)

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07:39 BRCM Broadcom: Google Taps 10GigE ODMs - Lightreading.com (28.03 )

Lightreading.com reports that Google's (GOOG) search for 10-Gbit/s Ethernet switches has taken it to Taiwanese original design manufacturers, sources say, a further indication that certain types of 10-Gbit/s equipment are following their gigabit predecessors into commodity status. A recent report from Nyquist Capital indicated that GOOG, which builds some of its own servers, has also built its own 10-Gbit/s switches, possibly using Broadcom (BRCM) chips. Now other sources, requesting anonymity, say Google is considering ODM designs, too. One source says Google may have two or three ODM candidates in mind. Another source says Quanta Computer, a large ODM better known for notebook computers, is headed to the Bay Area in mid-Dec to show GOOG a 10-Gbit/s switch based on chips from Applied Micro Circuits (AMCC) and Marvell Technology Group (MRVL). Conventional wisdom in Ethernet circles says low-end stackable switches tend to get cheap quickly, becoming a market left to ODMs. By scouting ODMs now, GOOG might be trying to get in on that process early. One source thinks GOOG's moves are more a jab at Cisco Systems (CSCO), which dominates the 10-Gbit/s Ethernet market. "With 10 Gbit/s Ethernet, you're kind of a slave to CSCO and their I.O.S. You have to buy their modules," the source says