Dell PowerVault Storage

Dell PowerVault Storage

When it comes to Dell storage, the 3 keywords are Dell EqualLogic, Dell Compellent and Dell PowerVault. And while the first 2 have been generating a lot of buzz lately, Dell PowerVault is also an incredibly buzz-worthy line of products. Featuring 3 main types of storage products, the Dell PowerVault storage line includes Direct-Attached Storage (DAS), Network-Attached Storage (NAS) and Shared Storage Area Networks (SANs) at cost-effective, entry-level prices. The differences between the 3 storage array types can be described as: a DAS directly attaches to the server or workstation, while the NAS instead attaches to the network itself through an Ethernet connection, and a SAN works to connect a combination of storage elements and server back-ends. So for datacenters looking to expand their storage capabilities, but not ready to take the leap into monster-sized storage, Dell PowerVault storage provides a simple, entry-level disk storage solution that’ll get your toes wet without overwhelming you.

Even the 3 different types of storage arrays within the Dell PowerVault series may seem like a lot to choose from, so it is important to understand the different advantages that are provided by each type in order to understand what type of storage array is best for your unique datacenter. Beginning with Dell PowerVault DAS storage arrays, the major advantages that they provide is that they are the most affordable of the 3 and that they offer the most diverse functionality along with the highest ease-of-use. Moving along to the Dell PowerVault NAS storage arrays, they are best-suited for varied workload enterprise IT environments performing frequent deployment applications, along with a high demand for storage tiering. And ending on a high note with Dell PowerVault SANs, there are actually two different types of PowerVault SANs, Fibre Channel (FC) SANs and Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) SANs, both of which provide exceptional storage consolidation.