The UNH InterOperability Lab Forges Ahead with Multi-vendor Interoperability through NVMe® Specification Virtual Test Events

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Durham, N.H., February 2, 2021 -- The University of New Hampshire InterOperability Lab (UNH-IOL), an independent provider of broad-based testing and standards conformance solutions for the networking industry, today announced the completion of its second virtual multi-vendor plugfest focused on NVM Express® (NVMe®) and NVMe® over Fabrics (NVMe-oF™) technology test cases across eight unique devices and companies.

The UNH-IOL has been a pioneer in hosting Plugfests, or group test events, since its inception back in 1988. Their neutral lab environment brings together key players in the technology community to test devices across multi-vendor interoperability platforms. The lab has moved to virtual test events since the pandemic back in early 2020 as pre-testing devices remain critical for companies across all industries and technologies.

Specifically, NVMe technology plugfest events are designed to test against NVMe specifications to qualify them for the NVMe Integrator's List. The NVMe Integrator's List currently consists of configurations that have proven to be interoperable and conformant to NVMe specifications. The most recent of which included NVMe architecture testing for E1.S and E1.L form factor devices, sanitize testing, security, fused command and endurance group testing.

"The completion of the second virtual NVMe Plugfest has allowed companies to stay on schedule with their own internal testing and development,” said Kerry Munson, Operations Manager, Datacenter Technologies, UNH-IOL. “Being able to continue hosting our test events has posed to be a major accomplishment to the IOL and our members, as devices continue to be tested against NVMe technology conformance standards.”

The differentiation between a virtual or in-person Plugfest is teams are able to set-up devices, discuss and determine debugging issues, as well as provide overall support remotely. Many of the debugged issues are easily fixed. Participating companies have the option to reserve more time at UNH-IOL to perform more in-depth debugging. Response to the virtual plugfests has been positive, and participating companies as well as the IOL testing team, have been adapting well to the new format. The process for testing and collecting data remains the same as results and logs are still shared electronically.

“We are pleased to see the UNH-IOL continue their proven NVMe technology conformance and interoperability testing in a virtual format,” said Amber Huffman, NVM Express President. “With the shift to virtual testing, companies can easily take advantage of the robust testing services the UNH-IOL provides. This testing remains crucial to ensuring vendor products are conformant to the NVMe specifications, providing end-users with confidence that the purchased products successfully operate and allow them to reap all the benefits NVMe technology has to offer.”