The Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform G1500 and F1500 continue the evolution of Hitachi’s virtualized storage architecture with a new generation of purpose-built, Intel-based hardware and new advanced features along with a directional change to make the embedded Storage Virtualized Operating System (SVOS) the singular code stream for Hitachi block storage. The VSP G1500 hybrid system and the VSP F1500 all flash system build on the high-end, highly reliable systems before it; the VSP, including the G1000, and the earlier USP. Advances in the technology have increased performance, expanded usability with active-active stretched clusters, extended storage virtualization with Virtual Storage Machines (VSMs), and added non-disruptive scale out capabilities to extend the life of the system.

The seamless continuation of the Hitachi VSP will allow customers familiar with the earlier systems to expand on their value derived from the system with the new capabilities and performance. Environments where the Hitachi VSP high end systems are used can be expanded with the new capabilities and simplified operations. The VSP G1500 supports both block and file access with file support coming with the high performance HNAS included with the G1500 (as an option). The HNAS supports up to 8 nodes in a cluster. The VSP F1500 all flash system supports block mode only.

This document provides an overview and analysis of the Hitachi VSP G1500 and F1500 that were announced in October 2016. HP resells the G1500, along with software options, as the HP XP7. HP’s software options have different names and may also differ in terms of functionality in some areas. Competitive systems that support mainframe and open systems attachment alternatives include the EMC VMAX3 and IBM DS8000.