Dell unveils updates to boost private cloud speed & security
Dell has announced new updates aimed at enabling organisations to manage private clouds for traditional and modern workloads with improved speed, efficiency and security.
Private cloud deployment
The latest advancements from Dell include general availability of Dell Private Cloud, enabling customers to automate, scale and manage private cloud infrastructure through the Dell Automation Platform. This platform supports both on-premises and software-as-a-service deployments and offers compatibility with commonly used cloud operating system stacks, as well as Dell's disaggregated storage infrastructure, including PowerStore, PowerFlex and PowerMax. Customers can leverage AI-driven automation for managing and monitoring their infrastructure.
Integration of Dell NativeEdge into the Dell Automation Platform is also set to provide a full stack solution designed to simplify and secure operations across both distributed cloud and edge environments.
Storage advances
Dell is expanding its PowerStore line with a new model featuring quad-level cell (QLC) flash technology. PowerStore now offers forthcoming support for Nutanix, bringing Dell's storage technology together with Nutanix's cloud operating model. This integration aims to deliver customers increased flexibility and control over infrastructure deployment.
According to Dell, the PowerStore 5200Q model offers high-capacity performance with QLC flash and supports flexible scaling up to scaling over 23Pbe per cluster. Additional enhancements include built-in anomaly detection, single sign-on and biometric authentication, support for external key management via HashiCorp, and improved replication over fibre channel. Through Smart Support Auto-Heal, customers can also benefit from automated health checks and self-healing capabilities which Dell reports can reduce issue resolution time by up to 90%.
PowerFlex Ultra
The new PowerFlex Ultra release introduces the Scalable Availability Engine (SAE), based on a native block, fully distributed, erasure-coded architecture. This architecture is said to bring improvements in storage efficiency and resiliency, with Dell stating the solution can achieve up to 80% storage efficiency and a reduction of more than 50% in physical storage footprint. PowerFlex Ultra also features data availability at up to 10x9s, with the capability to tolerate up to two simultaneous node failures, aimed at maintaining operations and data integrity in enterprise deployments.
PowerMax enhancements
PowerMax continues to target mission-critical environments, with latest software updates offering up to a 25% performance improvement, support for QLC drives, and enhanced automation and security features. PowerMax now introduces 1-click software updates, zero-touch management installs, and up to 66% fewer steps for replication mode changes. The PowerMax 2500 model introduces QLC drive support, capable of scaling from 122TB to 8.8PB per array. Security features now include single sign-on using Microsoft Entra ID and encrypted email alerts.
Cyber resilience with PowerProtect
For cyber resilience, the updated PowerProtect range addresses growing risks from cyber threats and the need for rapid recovery. PowerProtect now includes a new entry-level Data Domain DD3410 appliance offering data reduction and grow-in-place scalability from 8TB to 32TB aimed at remote offices and smaller locations, while maintaining integration with broader Dell storage offerings. PowerProtect Data Manager Appliance provides a centralised, software-defined solution for data protection, integrating features such as anomaly detection, data immutability and integrity checks.
"At Dell Technologies, we're empowering our customers with solutions that not only meet today's IT challenges but also anticipate tomorrow's needs. Our latest storage and cyber resilience advancements are designed to help organisations build private clouds that are smarter, more secure and ready to handle the demands of both traditional and modern workloads," said Travis Vigil, Senior Vice President, ISG Product Management, Dell Technologies.
Industry perspectives
"With our Nutanix Cloud Platform soon supporting Dell PowerStore, we will be giving customers a new choice in how they architect their virtualised environments. This integration will deliver an enterprise-grade solution that meets today's demands for flexibility, while allowing organisations to build confidently with Dell infrastructure," said Thomas Cornely, Senior Vice President, Product Management at Nutanix.
Simon Robinson, Principal Analyst at Enterprise Strategy Group, now part of Omdia, commented on the challenges facing modern IT teams:
"Organisations today face the dual challenge of managing traditional and modern workloads while navigating rising costs and evolving IT demands. Dell's latest advancements in storage and cyber resilience provide a comprehensive and flexible foundation for disaggregated private cloud environments, empowering businesses to achieve greater efficiency, security and scalability across their IT operations," said Simon Robinson.
Product availability
Dell Private Cloud and associated updates supporting PowerStore, PowerFlex and PowerMax are available, with specific product updates such as the PowerStore 5200Q, PowerFlex changes and enhancements for PowerMax expected to become available in the coming months. PowerProtect Data Domain DD3410 and Data Manager Appliance will be released at later dates for organisations seeking to enhance cyber resilience within their data centre environments.
