Introducing Dell EMC PowerStore
Posted by Ben Marquis on Jul 23, 2020
By Ben Marquis
7/6/2020
Dell EMC recently introduced its new storage array line called PowerStore. Since Dell’s acquisition of EMC in 2015, it is fair to say there has been some confusion and admitted overlap surrounding their combined storage portfolios. In addition to discussing this amazing new storage system, we will clean up and position Dell EMC’s storage portfolio moving forward.
PowerStore effectively replaces XtremIO X2 but merges many features from little brother Unity XT. PowerStore is positioned squarely in the upper end of the midrange storage market and aimed at users that are likely dealing with at least 200TB of storage.
PowerStore is both a scale-up and scale-out architecture. Its unparalleled flexible architecture means no tradeoffs in performance, scalability, and storage efficiency. Each controller node features active-active controllers. Support for mixed workloads includes physical, virtual, file, and container-based apps. Dell removed any of its competitor's advantages with this new system.
- NVMe all-flash or Storage Class Memory (SCM) with Intel Optane optimizes performance.
- Intelligent scale-up and scale-out architecture lets you add compute or capacity independently.
- “Always on” data reduction with Intel Quick Assist lowers costs and improves efficiency without compromising performance. 4:1 Avg data reduction guaranteed.
- Revolutionary AppsON provides flexibility to run VMware virtualized apps directly on the appliance while providing capacity for external workloads at the same time.
- New Anytime Upgrade program helps modernize PowerStore over time, without forklift upgrades.
- Automated end-to-end workflows with broad plugin support for VMware and apps like Ansible, and Kubernetes.
As promised, here is the current and “predicted” simplified primary storage portfolio.
| Positioning | Current | “Predicted” Future |
| Enterprise Storage | PowerMax | PowerMax |
| Enterprise Storage | VMAX All Flash | |
| Software Defined | PowerFlex | PowerFlex |
| Software Defined | VXFlex | |
| Midrange IO Intensive | XtremIO X2 | |
| Midrange Mixed IO Intensive | PowerStore | PowerStore |
| Midrange Mixed | Unity XT | Unity XT |
| Midrange Main | SC aka Compellent | |
| Entry Level SAN/DAS | PowerVault ME4 | PowerVault ME4 |
Dell EMC will continue to sell and support VXFlex, VMAX All Flash, XtremIO X2, and SC Compellent to existing customers that are currently using those products. None of the above encompasses entry NAS, Unstructured Data Solution (UDS), or Data Protection Solution (DPS) which are considered separate from primary Data Storage. If you are unsure which product(s) are right for you, xByte is here to help you find the hardware solution that is best for your business and budget. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your storage needs and goals, please contact us today!
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