Dell Technologies World is here, and Dell is making some serious noise with the launch of PowerStore 4.0. This isn’t just any software update – it’s a game-changer for businesses looking to wrangle their ever-growing data needs.
But wait, there’s more! PowerStore 4.0 is just one piece of the puzzle. Dell also announced PowerStore Prime, a comprehensive package that combines the power of 4.0 with additional benefits like investment protection and deeper partner integration. Let’s dive into the tech goodies first, then we’ll explore the business advantages of Prime in a future article.
PowerStore 4.0: Supercharging Your Storage
Imagine a world where your storage system just works – faster, more efficiently, and with more features than ever before. That’s the promise of PowerStore 4.0. Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
- Performance Boost: Existing PowerStore users, rejoice! The 4.0 update is a free gift that keeps on giving. You’ll see a noticeable jump in performance, with up to 20% faster latency, 30% more IOPS, and 40% quicker XCOPY – a win for tasks like VM deployment and storage migration.
- Non-Disruptive Hardware Upgrades: Need more muscle? PowerStore 4.0 makes upgrading a breeze. Gen 1 customers can swap their controllers for Gen 2 equivalents, while Gen 2 users can move up to a higher model. No need to rip and replace your entire system – just a quick swap and you’re good to go.
- Scale Like a Champ: PowerStore 4.0 understands that businesses grow. That’s why it allows you to scale up your virtualization environment with support for 2.5x more block volumes, 2x more hosts, and a whopping 8x more virtual LANs and replication volumes.
- Data Reduction on Steroids: Dell has always been a champion of data reduction, and 4.0 takes it to the next level. Thanks to a new Intelligent Compression feature, you can squeeze up to 20% more savings out of your data. Plus, the Dynamic Resiliency Engine gets a tune-up, freeing up even more usable capacity.
- See Your Data Clearly: Not all data is created equal when it comes to reduction. PowerStore 4.0’s new capacity accounting tool sheds light on your data footprint. It provides a user-friendly dashboard that shows you the overall data reduction ratio and highlights areas where reduction might not be as effective. This newfound insight empowers you to make smarter data placement decisions.
- Silence the Noisy Neighbors: PowerStore’s Quality of Service (QoS) feature is like a traffic cop for your storage. You can set custom performance parameters for different workloads, ensuring critical applications get the priority they deserve. Say goodbye to performance spikes and unpredictable latency!
- Replication Revolution: PowerStore 4.0 expands your replication options, allowing you to protect more workloads across campuses or cities. You can now leverage synchronous replication for both block and file data, ensuring zero data loss in case of a disaster. Additionally, Metro Volume support for Windows and Linux environments sweetens the deal.
- Effortless Migration: Moving to PowerStore 4.0 is a smooth ride. Dell has enhanced its import tools, making it easier than ever to migrate data from your older systems.
Beyond the Tech: PowerStore Prime Perks
While the technical advancements in PowerStore 4.0 are impressive, Dell doesn’t stop there. PowerStore Prime adds a layer of business-centric benefits that can make a significant impact on your bottom line. We’ll delve deeper into Prime in a future article, but here’s a quick peek at what to expect:
- Guaranteed Data Reduction: Dell is so confident in PowerStore’s data reduction capabilities that they’re offering a 5:1 Data Reduction Guarantee. This means you can lock in long-term cost savings with peace of mind.
- Flexible Consumption Options: PowerStore Prime introduces APEX Subscriptions, a subscription model that allows you to tailor PowerStore to your specific needs. Pay only for what you use, on-premises or as a managed service.
- Simplified Lifecycle Management: Lifecycle Extension with ProSupport combines world-class support with flexible technology upgrades and technical advisory services. This one-stop shop takes the stress out of managing your PowerStore throughout its lifecycle.
The Verdict: PowerStore 4.0 is a Winner
PowerStore 4.0 is a significant upgrade that delivers a powerful combination of performance, scalability, efficiency, and manageability. Whether you’re an existing PowerStore user or looking for a new storage solution, PowerStore 4.
