We conclude our series on Dell EMC Storage Solutions, with a discussion of the Dell EMC PowerVault product line. As mentioned previously, data is the new currency, and its rate of growth has no end. It will fuel growth in a digital economy, and those that can harness its power will create opportunities for additional revenue. As data continues to drive your clients’ insights, the ability to build solutions with the addition of modern storage capability can lead to even further success. Adding storage to the overall solution helps create a competitive advantage and a lucrative revenue stream for you and your customers.
The Dell PowerVault ME4 series represents an entry-level block storage array that delivers large capacity, high performance, and efficient resource management. It also has enterprise-class features that simplify tasks such as system installation, configuration, and serviceability. The ME4 series is available in three scalable and flash-optimized models, including the ME4012, ME4024, and ME 4084.
The Dell PowerVault ME4 series at-a-glance
The ME4 models are affordable storage arrays, custom-built for Storage Area Network (SAN), and Direct Attached Storage (DAS). Both technologies are block devices, although SAN devices are typically connected to the host machine over a network while DAS devices are usually connected directly to the host.
The ME4 models are also optimized to run a variety of workloads for physical and virtual applications, typically for small businesses. They can meet many specific needs for a growing business, including block storage consolidation, data-intensive applications, intelligent data management, and virtual environment optimization.
These arrays are highly flexible, as they support multiple concurrent protocols such as iSCSI, FC, and serial-attached SCSI (SAS). All arrays and expansion enclosures for the ME4 models also support a mix of drive types, including SSDs, 7.2K, 10K, and 15K drives in addition to Federal Information Procession Standards (FIPS) - certified self-encrypting devices (SEDs).
PowerVault ME4 series architecture
The ME4 series implements a block architecture using VMware virtualization. All models use dual-core 2.2 GHz Intel Xeon processors with dual 8GB controllers by default, although single-storage processor systems are available. They also have network connections for 4x10Gb iSCSI, 4x12Gb SAS, and 4x16Gb FC network connections. The iSCSI and FC connections support auto-negotiations.
All models in the ME4 series have a full 12Gb SAS drive for the back end, although you can add storage capacity via Disk Array Enclosures (DAEs). Distributed RAID (ADAPT) technology reduces drive rebuild times for the ME4 series, and you can manage all arrays in this series with an integrated HTML5 web-based GUI. Overall, the PowerVault ME4 platforms offer a lot of flexibility where it matters; it is designed to consolidate block storage, support the demands of data-intensive applications, take advantage of intelligent data management, or optimize virtual environments.
Why build on Dell EMC PowerVault with UNICOM Engineering?
As a Dell Technologies Titanium OEM Partner, UNICOM Engineering’s team can help you build your technology on the strength of Dell Technologies storage solutions. We have the engineering and technical expertise to help you discover how the power of storage can add value to your solution. Our flexible engagement model also includes other services such as branding, logistics, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance. Watch our video or call us at (800) 977-1010 to learn more about how we can optimize your storage solutions.