In a news conference recently, Dell announced the Dell/EMC AX100; the first SAN (storage area network) specifically designed to be easy-to-use and easy-to-afford for small organisations and workgroups.
Produced through the unique partnership of Dell and EMC, this new storage solution greatly reduces the cost and complexity of implementing network storage. The Dell/EMC AX100 array is available in a direct-attached (SAN-ready) configuration for R 49 779.00, as well as in a complete, scalable SAN configuration R 88 000 which is up to half the price of deploying existing entry-level SAN offerings. Both configurations offer advanced features such as software for snapshots, provisioning, and array management normally found in higher-cost, enterprise-class systems.
Small organisations, as well as large companies with many remote sites, recognise the availability and performance benefits of implementing networked storage, but have been deterred by the complexity and high cost previously associated with the technology. Dell has helped eliminate these concerns by partnering with industry leaders EMC, Brocade and QLogic to create an affordable networked storage solution that does not require specialised storage skills for installation and use.
Darren Thomas, vice president and general manager of Dell`s storage business, said that the Dell/EMC AX100 is an ideal consolidation platform for growing organisations that are ready for a SAN or need scalable direct-attached storage.
"Today`s announcement is a watershed event in the evolution of storage," Thomas said. "We`ve now made it easy for small workgroups and businesses to enjoy the many benefits of a full SAN solution."
This new low-cost storage solution can provide capacity starting at 480 GB and can scale to 3 TBs of storage. The Dell/EMC AX100 can be easily set up with wizard-based tools. Dell worked to make the system simple to set up and manage, thus significantly easing the technical hurdles that often deter organisations with limited onsite IT staff from implementing SAN technologies. For example, once connected to the server, Dell`s set-up wizard helps customers configure the AX100 in just four easy steps.
Furthermore, the solution includes all the software a customer needs to manage the deployment, automate failover and provide backup. Redundant features, such as dual controllers and mirrored cache, ensure high availability for critical data. Dell/EMC AX100 customers can tailor their product support to a broad range of service options that best fit their business needs.
Roger W. Cox, research vice president at Gartner, commented, "The small medium enterprise market and distributed elements of large enterprises represent a very large untapped opportunity for the deployment of low-cost and easy to install SAN-based disk storage infrastructures. Vendors that focus development efforts on reducing acquisition cost and developing simple-to-use management software tools for their SAN-based disk storage solutions will find a highly receptive user community."
High Performance, Low Cost, Unmatched Investment Protection
The Dell/EMC AX100 offers customers greater levels of scalability, simplified management, improved capacity utilisation and streamlined back-ups. It is engineered for flexibility and room for growth to provide the investment protection rapidly growing organisations require.
The new low-cost SAN includes:
* 2U Dell/EMC AX100 array with up to two controllers and up to12 SATA drives, providing storage capacities ranging from 480GB to 3TB;
* Bundled management software for provisioning, automated failover, snap-shot capabilities;
* Brocade Silkworm 8 port 3250 switch;
* Qlogic QLA 200 HBAs;
* Wizard-driven installation and management tools; and
* Support for Microsoft Windows, Linux and Novell NetWare.
The Dell/EMC AX100 will be available worldwide immediately starting at R 49 779.00 for direct-attached (SAN-ready) configurations and R 88 000 for SAN configurations. Dell will manufacture the array in its US, Ireland and Malaysia manufacturing facilities. For more information on Dell/EMC networked storage solutions, services and tools, please visit: www.dell.co.za/storage
Share
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) is a premier provider of products and services required for customers worldwide to build their information-technology and Internet infrastructures. Company revenue for the past year totalled $43.5 billion. Dell, through its direct business model, designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained at www.dell.co.za <http://www.dell.co.za/>
Dell/EMC - a great partnership
Dell and EMC have enjoyed a successful and developing business partnership since October 2001, so much so that the original agreement has recently been extended to 2008. The partnership brings together the two world leaders in computer systems and network storage, resulting in increased operational efficiencies and providing customers with a broader range of industry leading products and services at better value.
Pricing, specifications, availability, and terms of offers may change without notice. Taxes, fees and shipping charges are extra, and vary. Dell cannot be responsible for pricing or other errors, and reserves the right to cancel orders arising from such errors.
Editorial contacts