Cisco IOS SLB or CSM?

[mdumond]

I am trying to inform myself if Cisco IOS supports Server Load Balancing (SLB) without the CSM. It appears this software has been integrated into a hardware module known as a Content Switching Module. (CSM)

Aside from cost and being a hardware module (faster) in a IOS based Catalyst 6500, Is there a functional advantage / disadvantage of using the Cisco CSM over Cisco IOS Server Load Balancing or vice versa. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

Mark

[jbohla]

IOS SLB shares the same software code base as Cisco IOS and has all the software features sets of Cisco IOS software. IOS SLB is recommended for customers desiring complete integration of SLB technology into traditional Cisco switches and routers.

The CSM is specifically designed to meet the demands of large Internet service providers (ISPs), Co-location facilities, Application service providers (ASPs), and Enterprise web server farms.

These links might help you gain a better understanding:

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/software/ios121/121newft/121limit/121e/121e8/iosslb8e.htm#xtocid32

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/products/hw/modules/ps2706/products_qanda_item09186a0080092384.shtml

http://www.cisco.com/warp/customer/cc/pd/si/casi/ca6000/prodlit/ccsm_ds.htm