Photos: Brocade's Analyst Day

Brocade Communications Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: BRCD) lives in the shadow of larger companies such as Cisco Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO) -- almost literally, as its headquarters isn't far from the mass of Cisco buildings in north San Jose, Calif.

But once a year, Brocade's analyst day reminds us all that the company is producing some interesting technology, good enough to attract high-end users, including Amsterdam Internet Exchange B.V. (AMS-IX) and Internet2 .

"Focused on the right areas, but [facing an] uphill battle," analyst Brian Marshall of ISI Group Inc. wrote in a Wednesday research note. That sounds about right.

Click below to view a smattering of photos from Wednesday's event.

Star of the Show

The new Brocade VDX 8770 took center stage (figuratively; it's way over on the left). Brocade execs Jason Noble (left, glasses) and Dave Stevens invited folks to crowd around and ask questions.

We wrote words about the event as well:

• Brocade Finds Another Use for Routers
• Brocade Boasts Bigger 10GE

— Craig Matsumoto, Managing Editor, Light Reading