The Dell VMAX3 continues the evolution of Dell’s high-end enterprise storage system originally known as Symmetrix with architectural changes and additional capabilities compared to the prior VMAX system. Major advances include the embedded operating environment called HYPERMAX, use of InfiniBand for interconnect technology, ProtectPoint for direct backup of volumes, and file access support with eNAS data services based on VNX NAS.
The Virtual Matrix architecture continues the evolution with the ability to dynamically allocate resources for workloads. Three models of the VMAX3 are available with differences in the number of engines, DRAM cache, connectivity, and capacity scaling. As with earlier versions, VMAX3 supports IBM mainframe environments, open systems, and IBM System i. The models range from the single enclosure VMAX3 100K up to the VMAX3 400K with up to 5,760 2.5” devices.
The foundation of the VMAX3 is the Virtual Matrix Architecture utilizing the VMAX3 Engine as the core element. The engines are comprised of multi-core processors, cache, front-end and back-end connectivity allowing the Virtual Matrix to scale from the entry-level configuration with one engine to an aggregate up to eight engines in the largest model. Each VMAX3 engine contains two directors, cross-director communication path linking them and redundant interfaces to the Virtual Matrix Interconnect. Each director consolidates front-end, global memory, and back-end functions, enabling direct memory access to data.
HYPERMAX, the embedded operating environment for VMAX3, is a storage hypervisor providing internal virtual machines for running functional elements such as block storage, management, data protection, and other future advanced capabilities.
All VMAX3 models support virtualization of third party storage and other Dell storage with a feature called FAST.X. Other VMAX3 features are available for volumes on the attached external storage. An additional integrity check, VMAX3 add an additional integrity check called T10DIF to external volumes called eDisks created by VMAX3 on the external systems.
Dell VMAX3 Product Review Includes:
Overview
Highlights
Usage
Architecture Deployment
EvaluScale Product Review Methodology
Evaluator Group’s Opinion
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