FAQs for Brocade DCFM
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about Brocade DCFM.
Q:
Can DCFM be a site-based or group-based license?
A:
No, there is no site license for DCFM Enterprise. Given the high scalability of the software (up to 9000 switch ports), a site license is not expected to be necessary.
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Q:
Can a second DCFM Enterprise software license be installed for disaster recovery?
A:
Yes, two instances of DCFM Enterprise are recommended for redundancy. The DCFM End User License Agreement (EULA) allows for the second license to be installed on a separate server for disaster recovery purposes only.
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Q:
Is DCFM a new product, and will it require a new software license agreement?
A:
Yes, DCFM Enterprise is a new product. Whether you obtain DCFM Enterprise as "new" or part of an "upgrade", the following is required:
- The order needs to be placed for a new software license (new or upgrade) and maintenance.
- New installation:
- Automatic migration of most data and configurations from EFCM or Fabric Manager to DCFM as long as the minimum versions levels are met (EFCM 9.6 or higher or Fabric Manager 5.4 or higher).
- Use a new serial number and license key to install the product.
- Acceptance of the DCFM End User License Agreement.
Transition to DCFM Enterprise from EFCM or Fabric Manager.
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Q:
Who should upgrade from EFCM or Fabric Manager to DCFM Enterprise?
A:
EFCM users who are deploying FOS devices in new or existing M-EOS fabrics should consider migrating to DCFM Enterprise. All Fabric Manager users should migrate to DCFM Enterprise.
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Q:
Why is DCFM Enterprise better than EFCM?
A:
While there are many improvements in DCFM Enterprise, the most important are for scalability. EFCM does not scale beyond the supported 2500 switch ports, which limits enterprise deployment and requires multiple management servers. DCFM
Enterprise scales up to 9000 switch ports because of its built-in database repository and other communications-based improvements. Other improvements include faster asset collection and higher performance between server and client communications, because only the relevant updates and changes are published.
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Q:
Is the DCFM Enterprise upgrade available at no charge to EFCM or Fabric Manager users?
A:
Brocade end users (EFCM or Fabric Manager purchased directly from Brocade or through a value-added reseller/distributor) receive DCFM Enterprise based on the following requirements:
- EFCM and Fabric Manager users with a valid software license are entitled to upgrade to a DFCM Enterprise license at no additional charge.
- Users upgrading to DCFM Enterprise are required to purchase a service agreement with a minimum one-year term (Brocade partners might have different support and upgrade policies).
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Q:
Do I need a current EFCM or Fabric Manager Maintenance contract to be entitled to the no-charge upgrade to the DCFM Enterprise software license?
A:
No, you need a valid EFCM or Fabric Manager software license to upgrade to DCFM Enterprise. You need to provide a valid EFCM or Fabric Manager serial number in order to obtain the DCFM Enterprise software license key.
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Q:
Can EFCM or Fabric Manager be upgraded to DCFM Professional?
A:
No, all EFCM or Fabric Manager users need to migrate to DCFM Enterprise.
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Q:
What happens to my investment in the Advanced Module?
A:
EFCM Advanced Module capabilities have been added to DCFM Enterprise, so you can upgrade to DCFM Enterprise and enjoy the capabilities at no additional cost.
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