EMC delivers modular high-end storage system

EMC has announced the Symmetrix DMX800, a new rack-mounted system that aims to reshape conventional notions of how high-end storage systems can be purchased and deployed. It offers flexibility for customers needing the functionality of EMC Symmetrix high-end integrated systems, and the ability to purchase storage in modular increments.

The modular member of EMC`s new Symmetrix DMX series of high-end storage systems, it features the new and patented Direct Matrix Architecture that serves as the foundation architecture for the next decade of high-end storage innovation.

For the first time, Symmetrix high-end systems can be installed in non-raised-floor data centres in distributed or centralised locations to support open systems applications and even more of an organisation`s infrastructure. Customers benefit by extending Symmetrix functionality and performance while driving down space, cooling and power requirements and increasing operation and maintenance efficiencies.

A Symmetrix DMX800 system configured with 7.2 usable terabytes, for example, offers up to three times higher performance at a list price that is 30% lower than last year`s Symmetrix 8530 system with the same capacity.

"EMC has effectively packaged more than a decade`s experience and Symmetrix value in a rack-mounted, small-footprint system that can be easily scaled as customers` needs change. Customers benefit from all the power of Symmetrix and the ability to purchase only the capacity and supporting infrastructure they need, when they need it," says Frank Touwen, country manager of EMC SA.

The Symmetrix DMX800 can be implemented either as primary storage or as an edge device remotely connected into the centralised storage network. It supports from 1.2 to17.5 terabytes of raw capacity (1 to 15.3 usable), thirty-two 2-gigabit Fibre Channel ports (16 front-end, 16 back-end), and up to 32 gigabytes of global cache.

The system also incorporates the complete suite of EMC Symmetrix software functionality. For instance, multiple Symmetrix DMX800 systems located across regional data collection points can replicate daily updates back to a headquarters-based data mart housed on a Symmetrix DMX2000 system.

EMC is also maximising its investments through common components by using the same physical disk drive from the low end of the mid-tier (CLARiiON CX200) all the way to the highest-end systems (Symmetrix DMX2000). The Symmetrix DMX800 system uses the same disk array enclosure as the EMC CLARiiON CX600, enabling customers to convert from a CLARiiON to a Symmetrix by swapping controllers and leaving the disk drives in place.

"Through unified management under the EMC ControlCenter family of open management software, pretested EMC E-Lab interoperability with the widest collection of network devices and professional services and support, EMC is able to deliver to both Symmetrix high-end and CLARiiON mid-tier storage platforms in a fully integrated networked storage environment," Touwen adds.