The difference is in the software. With an integrated software feature set, Dell™ Compellent™ enables enterprises of all sizes to move beyond simply storing data to actively, intelligently managing data. Powerful storage software with built-in automation optimizes the provisioning, placement and protection of data throughout its lifecycle.
An intuitive management console provides comprehensive monitoring and customizable reporting for capacity and performance of all local and remote Storage Center systems. This unified point-and-click interface reduces administration time by automating repetitive tasks and providing wizards for configuration and administration functions.
Optimize Data Placement
Empowered by real-time system intelligence about each block, data is moved where it’s needed, when it’s needed, based on actual use and performance needs. Using patented tiering technology, Dell Compellent Data Progression™ automatically classifies and migrates data to the optimum storage tier and RAID level based on actual usage. The most active blocks reside on high-performance SSD, Fibre Channel or SAS drives while infrequently accessed data is moved to lower-cost, high-capacity SAS drives. The result is storage that is always in tune with application needs—and an overall cost per GB that decreases as you grow.
Maximize Storage Utilization
Built into every Dell Compellent system, Dynamic Capacity™ thin provisions volumes for ultra-efficient storage utilization. Our advanced thin provisioning completely separates storage allocation from utilization, enabling users to allocate any size volume upfront, yet only consume physical capacity when data is written. You can even reclaim capacity that is no longer in use by applications, automatically reduce the space needed for virtual OS volumes and convert traditional volumes on existing storage to thin-provisioned capacity.
Protect Data
Compellent network storage delivers continuous data protection using space-efficient snapshots called Replays. Once an initial snapshot of a volume is taken, only incremental changes in data need to be captured. These readable and writable Replays are automatically stored on lower cost drives and can be used to recover most volumes to a server in less than 10 seconds.
Remote Instant Replay™ leverages these Replays between local and remote sites to deliver a cost-effective replication solution. After initial site synchronization, only incremental changes in data are replicated on an ongoing basis—cutting hardware, bandwidth and administration costs. You can replicate over Fibre Channel or native IP, depending on your unique business requirements.
Provide Dynamic Business Continuity
Live Volume™ enables organizations to move storage on demand between Dell Compellent arrays to deliver high availability and continuous access to data. All migration occurs transparently while applications remain online. And the functionality is fully integrated, eliminating the need for additional hardware or server-side agents. Live Volume supports any virtualized server environment and complements leading virtual machine (VM) movement engines.
Manage Data Intuitively
Dell Compellent Storage Center features a unified, point-and-click interface that cuts administration time and eliminates the need for specialized skills. The intuitive interface automates repetitive, time-consuming tasks so data center staff can focus on other important projects. Complex allocation, configuration and administration functions are easily accomplished with wizards to guide each process. And comprehensive PhoneHome capabilities deliver remote, diagnostic and monitoring tools, along with automated alert and notification services.
Simplify Multi-Site Administration
Enterprise Manager simplifies storage resource management by providing comprehensive monitoring and management of all local and remote Dell Compellent Storage Center systems. You can gain instant visibility and control of a multi-terabyte, multi-location environment, streamlining administration and reducing operating costs. Configure and verify remote replication processes, monitor storage capacity and disk utilization in real time, and generate comprehensive storage usage and performance reports—all from a single pane of glass.
Automate Your Data Center
With aggressive platform integration, ongoing interoperability testing and collaborative design efforts, Dell Compellent delivers best-of-breed data center automation for industry-leading applications. The Storage Center Command Set for Windows PowerShell streamlines system management with an intuitive scripting interface. Replay Manager provides consistent, automated backup and restore for Microsoft Exchange, SQL Server and Hyper-V data. These certified and validated platforms ensure seamless interoperability and support.
