Dell PowerVault MD3200i

Dell PowerVault MD3200i

The Dell PowerVault MD3200i is a premium, high-capacity Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI) Storage Area Network (SAN) storage array solution. Designed for enterprise environments requiring high availability, such as virtualized data centers, the MD3200i provides them with a flexible, high-performance system for applications including entry-level storage consolidation. One aspect of the MD3200i that makes it such a flexible storage solution is the unique ability to mix and match 3.5 in. and 2.5 in. tape drives within a single array. Additionally, the PowerVault MD3200i is highly scalable, with the capacity to support up to 32 physical servers when the MD3200i is connected to one or more 1 Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) switches. This level of scalability allows the MD3200i to be one of many Dell storage solutions that meet the unexpected demands today’s culture of exponential information throws at your data center with ease.

As an Ethernet-based network storage array, the Dell PowerVault MD3200i is a cost-effective alternative to Fibre Channel (FC)-based network storage both in terms of training and hardware expenses. Not only cost-effective, but easy to use as well, the PowerVault MD3200i features one management interface and one system requiring backup. However, the design isn’t the only way the MS3200i is made easy to manage, a graphical user interface (GUI) called MD Storage Manager software is also included to further enhance its manageability. The simplicity of the Dell MD3200i in terms of use, design and manageability doesn’t extend to the technology it utilizes. In fact, the MD3200i is equipped with the most advanced technologies, including the ability to be used in virtualization applications through software including VMware ESX and Microsoft Hyper-V. Additional advanced features include virtual disk copy (VDC) and self-encrypting drives (SEDs). However, the main purpose of the PowerVault MD3200i is storage, and it has a maximum storage capacity of up to 96 hard disk drives (HDD), with the ability to expand by means of various PowerVault expansion closures.