I (will) get a EMC Symmetrix DS24-M2 FC Switch which is a branded McData 4500. I'm unsure how/if it's possible to update the box to the latest firmware without an official service contract anymore. (Officialy you can only get FW from EMC via valid contract,but its for fun use...)
With Brocade switches, since they don't allow OEM modification on their firmware, you can flash FabOS images for let's say HP or IBM branded boxes that are freely downloadable.
Does anyone know whether EMC did just slap their sticker on the McData's or modified the FW so it only accepts EMC-branded MEOS?