Overview:
The amount of unstructured data, including digital images and office documents, is expected to grow significantly over the next several years. When you add to this the continued proliferation of structured data from databases, managing enterprise storage can quickly become costly and complex. Dell Compellent NAS products enable you to consolidate file- and block-based data onto a single unified platform designed for efficiency and scalability.
Beyond the multi-protocol SAN capabilities of Storage Center, Dell Compellent also extends the benefits of Fluid Data into network attached storage. Dell Compellent NAS solutions enable you to consolidate file- and block-based data onto a single unified platform designed for efficiency and scalability.
Dell Compellent’s NAS portfolio allows you to select the best architecture for your IT environment. The Dell Compellent zNAS is ideal for midsize and large organizations with pure NFS or mixed CIFS/NFS environments, while the NX3000 for Compellent is optimal in pure CIFS environments.
With Dell Compellent NAS solutions, file serving operations remain separate from application operations to avoid bottlenecks from CPU-intensive processes. Clustered configurations, hardware redundancy, and the ability to add storage capacity on the fly further enhance availability, with active/ active failover and advanced multipathing (MPxIO) helping to ensure that there is no single point of failure.
Intelligent ZFS-Based Unified Storage
With unstructured data expected to grow significantly in the next several years, managing separate pools of file- and block-based data can quickly become costly and complex. The Dell Compellent zNAS unified storage solution integrates the highly scalable Zettabyte File System (ZFS) with a Fluid Data architecture to consolidate enterprise data onto a single virtualized platform. zNAS is ideal for midsize and large enterprises with pure NFS or mixed CIFS/NFS environments. Regardless of the size or type of data, with the Dell Compellent zNAS, administrators can actively, intelligently manage data throughout its lifecycle with block-based features such as Thin Provisioning, Automated Tiered Storage, Replays (continuous snapshots), Boot from SAN and Thin Replication.
How the Dell Compellent zNAS Empowers IT Admins with File-Level Needs
- Cut costs and increase capability with a unified platform for file- and block-based data
- Take advantage of the highly scalable and highly resilient Zettabyte File System (ZFS)
- Create space-efficient snapshots at the file level while using Storage Center Replays for rollback of entire NAS volumes
- Use a single, wizards-based interface to manage all storage across a mixed Unix, Linux and/or Windows OS environment
- Increase availability, reliability and performance with active/active clustering and advanced multipathing
All Data, One Platform
Compellent zNAS integrates the highly scalable Zettabyte File System (ZFS) with a Fluid Data architecture to consolidate all enterprise data onto a single platform. Users have file-level access and control for audit and regulatory compliance. And they can leverage the full Compellent feature set, including Thin Provisioning, Automated Tiered Storage, Continuous Snapshots and Thin Replication.
Key Benefits:
Increase capability, lower your costs
With a unified SAN and NAS solution from Dell Compellent, you can provide file-level access and control while taking advantage of the full Dell Compellent feature set for NAS-dedicated volumes. File-based storage costs can be reduced through features such as Data Progression, which automatically migrates inactive data to lower-cost drives, and Dynamic Capacity, which enables you to provision any size volume upfront yet only consume capacity on write. Additionally, a high number of space-efficient snapshots, called Replays, can be created to ensure rapid recovery of entire NAS volumes.
A unified approach with Dell Compellent provides both block- and file-level data with access to the same virtualized pool of disk. There is no need to partition a certain number of disks for file-level needs and a separate number of disks for block-level needs. This helps to eliminate waste and can lower overall total cost of ownership (TCO).
Customize your architecture, centralize administration
The Dell Compellent NAS portfolio allows you to select the best architecture for your IT environment. The Dell Compellent zNAS is ideal for midsize and large organizations with either pure NFS or mixed CIFS/NFS environments, while the Dell NX3000 for Compellent is optimal for pure CIFS environments.
Both NAS solutions share data with ease across server platforms, regardless of size or type. System administration is simplified with a central, wizard-based interface, and built-in intelligence automates volume creation and mapping.
Deliver high performance and availability
With Dell Compellent NAS solutions, file serving operations remain separate from application operations to avoid bottlenecks from CPU-intensive processes. Clustered configurations, hardware redundancy and the ability to add storage capacity on the fly further enhance availability, with active/active failover and advanced multipathing (MPxIO) helping to ensure that there is no single point of failure.
Achieve a single point of contact and contract
Both the Dell Compellent zNAS and the Dell NX3000 for Compellent are sold and supported by Dell Compellent, providing customers with an end-to-end solution that is completely covered by Dell Compellent's award-winning Copilot Support team.
ZFS Architecture, Advanced Manageability
Compellent zNAS is ideal for midsize and large organizations with mixed UNIX, Linux and Windows environments. zNAS supports Common Internet File System (CIFS) and Network File System (NFS) protocols in the same name space. Data can be shared with ease across server platforms, regardless of size or type. All system administration is performed using a central, wizard-based interface. And built-in intelligence automates volume creation and mapping.
High Performance, Availability
With Compellent zNAS, file serving operations remain separate from application operations to avoid bottlenecks from CPU-intensive processes. Yet all I/O requests are spread across the storage pool and processed in parallel, increasing overall performance and availability. Clustered configuration and hardware redundancy further enhance availability, with active/active failover and advanced multipathing (MPxIO) ensuring no single point of failure.
More Capability, Lower Total Cost
By consolidating file servers and databases with zNAS, organizations can signifi cantly cut data center hardware, power and cooling costs. Thin Provisioning enables users to provision any size volume upfront yet only consume capacity on write. Automated Tiered Storage automatically migrates inactive data to lower-cost media. Boot from SAN eliminates the need for file server disks. And space-effi cient snapshots provide near-instant recovery without full-volume clones.
Product Views:
Front View
Rear View
Technical Specifications:
| Feature |
Dell NX3000 for Compellent |
Dell Compellent zNAS |
| Form Factor |
2U rack mount |
1U rack mount |
| Clustering |
Yes, up to 4 nodes |
Yes, up to 2 nodes |
| CPU |
2 Quad-Core Xeon X5650 (2.66Ghz), 64-bit |
2 Quad-Core Xeon E5540 (2.53 GHz), 64-bit |
| Memory Capacity |
24GB ECC DDR3 DIMM RAM |
24GB or 48GB ECC DDR3 DIMM RAM |
| Expansion Slots |
4 PCI-E slots |
2 PCI-E slots |
| Network Connectivity |
On-board: 4 1GbE ports
LAN: 1 quad-port 1GbE NIC or 1 dual-port 10GbE NIC
SAN: 1 dual-port 8Gb Fibre Channel HBA, 1 quad-port 1GbE NIC for 1Gb iSCSI, or 1 dual-port 10GbE NIC for 10Gb iSCSI |
On-board: 2 1GbE ports
LAN: 1 quad-port 1GbE NIC or 1 dual-port 10GbE NIC
SAN: 1 dual-port 8Gb Fibre Channel HBA |
| Remote Management |
Lifecycle Controller |
Embedded IPMI card |
| Hard Drive |
Yes, 2 internal disks in Raid 1 |
No, boot from SAN |
| Peripheral Devices |
CD/DVD-ROM |
CD/DVD-ROM |
| High Availability |
Redundant power supplies, clustered heads (up to 4) with active/active failover |
Redundant power supplies, clustered heads (up to 2) with active/active failover |
| Platform |
Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Enterprise |
OpenSolaris ZFS |
| Environment |
Ideal for pure CIFS |
Ideal for pure NFS or mixed CIFS/NFS |
| Administration |
Active Directory |
LDAP or mixed |
*Requires Storage Center 6.0 and optional memory upgrade
**See Dell Compellent Compatibility Matrix for latest supported Operating Systems.
Fluid Data Architecture:
A Dell Fluid Data architecture enables Dell Compellent network storage to manage enterprise data at a more granular level. Details about each block of data are captured in action, providing real-time system intelligence. A powerful data management and movement engine uses this information to actively store, migrate and protect data efficiently and cost-effectively.
With a Dell Fluid Data architecture, Dell Compellent breaks through the boundaries of traditional data storage systems to deliver solutions with the future built in. Business applications are implemented faster, information to make decisions is available when it's needed, new technologies are readily adopted and deployed, and data is protected against downtime and disaster.
Dell Fluid Data Architecture Delivers
- Breakthrough efficiency—buy fewer drives and use more Tier 3 storage, saving on power and space
- Intelligent storage automation—simplify your IT infrastructure with zero-touch management
- Single platform scalability—scale on demand with a persistent, technology-independent platform
- Continuous data protection—protect data with space-efficient snapshots and multi-site replication
- Best-in-class comprehensive enterprise support—like having a Dell Compellent expert on staff
Services:
Dell Compellent Copilot Support
Dell Compellent Copilot Support delivers proactive, comprehensive 24x7 technical support that covers the entire storage infrastructure. Operating out of a state-of-the-art U.S. call center, Dell Compellent Copilot engineers continuously monitor system performance and alert customers of potential issues. Dell Compellent Copilot Support provides:
- 24x7 access to highly trained Dell Compellent Copilot Support engineers.
- Priority or next business day on-site* response by Dell Compellent-certified technicians.
- Priority, next business day or UPS ground delivery of replacement parts.
- Real-time storage system monitoring via integrated PhoneHome technology.
Dell Compellent Copilot Support enables you to choose the right level of phone support, on-site support and parts delivery for your unique business needs. Every call is answered by a highly trained Copilot engineer, who takes ownership of the entire storage infrastructure, including third-party technology partner products.
Call Center: Immediate — Perfect for enterprise storage environments where immediate phone assistance by a highly trained support engineer is a must to speed issue resolution and avoid unplanned downtime.
On-Site: Priority or Next Business Day — Choose from Priority (4/8/24-hour, depending on location) or next business day on-site response by a Dell Compellent-certified technician.
Parts Delivery: Priority or Next Business Day — Choose from Priority (4/8/24-hour, depending on location) or next business day parts delivery. UPS ground shipping also available. |
Data Management and Protection
- Warranty protection of hardware components.
- Software Subscription includes perpetual software licensing for patches, updates and releases; only incur additional fees when adding new functionality or more capacity.
- Live Volume Data Migration provides online migration of data to new disk drives and/or enclosures without downtime or disruption.
|
PhoneHome — Provides enhanced proactive support capabilities through:
- Real-time remote monitoring of system capacity and performance.
- Automatic capacity threshold alerts.
- Proactive calls from Copilot engineer to notify customer of possible issues.
Dell Compellent Copilot Optimize — Through the personal assistance of a Dedicated Support Expert, we help you improve system utilization and performance with proactive reviews, health checks and evaluations, as well as advanced configuration and software support. |
| Support Options |
24x7 Support,
Priority Response |
24x7 Support,
Next Business Day Response |
24x7 Support,
Call Center Only |
| Call Center Support |
24x7 Support Center |
24x7 Support Center |
24x7 Support Center |
| On-Site Response |
Priority (4-, 8- or 24-hour) |
Next Business Day |
— |
| Parts Delivery |
Priority (4-, 8- or 24-hour) |
Next Business Day |
UPS Ground |
| Software Releases |
Perpetual Software Licensing |
Perpetual Software Licensing |
Perpetual Software Licensing |
| PhoneHome Technology |
24x7 Monitoring & Response |
24x7 Monitoring & Response |
24x7 Monitoring & Response |
Dell Compellent Services
Dell Services storage experts go beyond everyday administration to help you improve the performance and utilization of your Compellent Storage Center system. The Dell Compellent Services portfolio provides system installation and implementation, as well as training. From disaster recovery planning to physical relocation, the Dell Services team is available to provide professional assistance when you need it.
- Dell Compellent Deployment. Implement fast. Implement correctly. Implement once. No need for your IT staff to spend time researching correct processes and advanced configuration task sequences, or purchasing the correct tools. We can reduce costs and relieve your IT department of the time consuming implementation tasks that otherwise divert valuable IT resources from business critical activities.
We bring two unmatched values to every implementation: deep knowledge of our products and broad experience deploying them. We do 1000’s of deployments every year across the globe, in just about every type of customer environment. From this vast experience we have acquired best practices that are integrated into our processes. As a result we are very well aware of what undocumented activity must occur to avoid mistakes. In addition to doing it right the first time, we rarely encounter situations or issues for which we are not prepared. So, you can be confident your new Dell Compellent storage system is installed properly, configured per the design specifications and that your data is migrated safely from your legacy storage system without disrupting operations or end-users.
- Dell Compellent Training. Our Administration and Management and Advanced Instructor-led courses are designed to help you understand how to manage and maintain your Storage Center on an ongoing basis to ensure efficient utilization and continuous availability. These courses are led by our knowledgeable storage experts who will guide you through hands-on exercises to ensure you gain the necessary skills to maximize your Storage Center performance.
Dell Education Services trains over 10,000 individuals a year for companies and organizations just like yours. We are committed to offering essential courses and programs with options to fit your unique needs. We create a wide array of training plans that work for you ranging from convenient online self-paced training, to Live Distance Learning which allows you to virtually be in the classroom with a live instructor while sitting in front of your own computer, to hands-on instructor-led classroom training offered at various sites or at the convenience of your location.
Dell Storage Consulting Services
Storage Consulting from Dell helps customers develop transformational strategies to meet their complex Data Management business needs. By engaging Dell, customers can optimize the way that data is stored, protected and managed, allowing customers to free up valuable resources, budget, and time. Here are just some of the areas with which we can assist you:
- The consolidation of storage infrastructure within one/multiple data centers
- The optimization of storage infrastructure for virtual environments
- The development and adoption of data protection processes or improvement of backup operational processes
- The classification and categorization of data for storage tiering
- The planning, design and implementation of an IT Disaster Recovery plan or simply Data Disaster Recovery
