This paper provides a comparative analysis of Dell’s all-flash midrange storage arrays against Pure Storage arrays, focusing on key aspects such as performance, manageability, cost-effectiveness, and integration with third-party software and public cloud environments. This comparison aims to help IT professionals make informed decisions when selecting storage solutions for their specific needs.
Modern IT environments demand high-performance, scalable, and easily manageable storage solutions. Both Dell and Pure Storage offer compelling all-flash midrange arrays designed to meet these requirements. This paper delves into the strengths and weaknesses of each vendor’s offerings, enabling a comprehensive understanding of their respective positions in the market.
Performance
Dell
Dell’s midrange all-flash arrays, such as the PowerStore and Unity XT series, leverage NVMe drives and advanced architectures to deliver high IOPS and low latency. They often incorporate features like dual active controllers, redundant components, and intelligent caching algorithms to optimize performance for various workloads, including databases, virtualization, and high-performance computing. Dell’s performance emphasis is on a broad portfolio catering to diverse needs, sometimes requiring careful configuration to maximize specific workload performance.
- Up to 4 million IOPS: Dell claims PowerStore can achieve up to 4 million IOPS in a four-node cluster with all-NVMe drives. This is a theoretical maximum under ideal conditions.
- Real-world performance: In a VDI workload with 3,600 virtual desktops, PowerStore 9000T delivered sub-millisecond latency with 30 IOPS per user. This demonstrates strong performance in a demanding real-world scenario.
- Factors affecting IOPS: PowerStore’s IOPS performance is influenced by factors like the specific model (1000, 3000, 5000, 7000, 9000), the number of appliances in a cluster, the type and number of drives (NVMe SSDs, Optane SCM), and the workload characteristics (read/write ratio, block size).
Pure Storage
Pure Storage’s FlashArray//X and FlashArray//C series are known for their consistently high performance and low latency. Their focus on a streamlined architecture and optimised flash management contributes to predictable performance across different workloads. Pure Storage emphasises simplicity and ease of performance tuning, often achieving impressive results with minimal configuration. Their “DirectFlash” fabric and associated technologies play a key role in their performance profile.
- Millions of IOPS: Pure Storage arrays are known for their high IOPS performance, often reaching into the millions. However, they tend to focus on consistent performance across workloads rather than peak numbers.
- Focus on latency: Pure emphasises low latency as a key performance metric, which is crucial for many applications. They often achieve sub-millisecond latency even under heavy load.
- Factors affecting IOPS: Like Dell, Pure’s IOPS performance is influenced by the specific FlashArray model (//X or //C series), the number of drive shelves, the type and number of NVMe drives, and the workload.
Comparison
Both vendors offer high-performance solutions. Dell provides a broader range of options, allowing for granular customisation for specific needs, while Pure Storage focuses on delivering consistent, predictable performance with simplified management. Workload-specific benchmarks are crucial for determining the best fit for a particular environment.
Manageability
Dell
Dell storage arrays are typically managed through PowerStore Manager (for PowerStore) or Unisphere (for Unity XT and other platforms). These interfaces offer a range of functionalities for provisioning, monitoring, and managing storage resources. Dell’s management tools are comprehensive but can have a steeper learning curve due to their extensive features. Integration with other Dell infrastructure management tools is a key strength.
PowerStore Manager (for PowerStore arrays)
- Unified Management: PowerStore Manager provides a single, unified interface for managing all aspects of the PowerStore cluster, including hardware, software, storage provisioning, data protection, and performance monitoring. This simplifies administration and reduces the need to switch between different tools.
- Modern HTML5 Interface: Built on a modern HTML5 web interface, PowerStore Manager offers an intuitive and responsive user experience. It’s designed for ease of use and efficient navigation, even for complex tasks.
- AI-Powered Operations: PowerStore Manager leverages machine learning and AI to simplify management tasks, automate routine operations, and provide proactive insights into system health and performance. This helps optimise resource utilisation and prevent potential issues.
- Cloud Integration: PowerStore Manager offers tight integration with cloud platforms, enabling seamless data mobility, cloud-based snapshots, and centralised management of hybrid cloud environments. This facilitates hybrid cloud workflows and simplifies data management across on-premises and cloud deployments.
- REST API Automation: PowerStore Manager includes a comprehensive REST API, allowing for automation of storage management tasks and integration with other management tools and workflows. This enables infrastructure-as-code and simplifies integration with existing automation frameworks.
Unisphere (for Unity XT and other Dell storage platforms)
- Comprehensive Feature Set: Unisphere provides a full suite of features for managing Dell’s broader portfolio of storage arrays, including Unity XT, SC Series, and PS Series. It offers granular control over storage provisioning, performance optimisation, data protection, and replication.
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Unisphere includes RBAC, allowing administrators to define granular access permissions for different users and groups. This improves security and ensures that only authorised personnel can perform specific management tasks.
- Centralized Management: Unisphere can manage multiple storage arrays from a single console, simplifying administration and providing a unified view of the storage infrastructure. This is particularly useful for larger deployments with multiple systems.
- Performance Monitoring and Analytics: Unisphere offers robust performance monitoring and analytics tools, providing insights into system performance, identifying bottlenecks, and optimising resource allocation. This helps ensure optimal performance and prevent performance issues.
- Integration with VMware and other platforms: Unisphere offers deep integration with VMware vSphere and other virtualisation platforms, simplifying storage provisioning and management in virtualised environments. This streamlines operations and improves efficiency.
Pure Storage
Pure Storage’s Purity operating environment is known for its simplicity and ease of use. The web-based management interface is intuitive, and the system is designed for automated management tasks. Pure Storage emphasises ease of use and reduced administrative overhead. Their Cloud data services strategy further simplifies management by extending control plane capabilities to the cloud.
- Intuitive Web Interface: Purity’s web-based management interface is designed for ease of use, with a clean layout and intuitive navigation. This simplifies everyday tasks like provisioning, monitoring, and reporting, reducing the learning curve and improving administrator efficiency.
- Automated Provisioning and Management: Purity automates many routine tasks, including storage provisioning, capacity management, and performance optimisation. This reduces manual intervention, minimises the risk of errors, and frees up IT staff for more strategic initiatives. Features like automated tiering and dynamic capacity allocation further streamline management.
- Proactive Monitoring and Analytics: Purity provides built-in monitoring and analytics tools that offer real-time insights into system health, performance, and capacity usage. These tools help identify potential issues proactively, optimise resource allocation, and prevent performance bottlenecks. Predictive analytics can even forecast future needs.
- Simplified Upgrades and Maintenance: Purity’s architecture and Evergreen Storage program simplify upgrades and maintenance. Non-disruptive upgrades, including controller and software updates, can be performed without downtime, ensuring continuous availability and minimising disruption to operations.
- REST API for Automation and Integration: Purity includes a comprehensive REST API that allows for automation of storage management tasks and integration with other management tools and workflows. This enables infrastructure-as-code and simplifies integration with existing automation frameworks, making it easier to manage Pure Storage within a larger IT ecosystem.
Comparison
Pure Storage excels in ease of use and simplified management, making it attractive for organisations with limited IT resources. Dell offers a more comprehensive management platform with deeper integration within the Dell ecosystem, which is advantageous for larger enterprises with complex IT infrastructures.
Cost-Effectiveness
Dell’s diverse portfolio allows for a range of price points. However, the extensive configuration options can make cost comparisons complex. Licensing models for advanced features should be carefully evaluated. Dell often competes aggressively on price, particularly for larger deployments.
Dell APEX
Dell Technologies’ portfolio of as-a-service offerings designed to simplify IT operations and provide flexible consumption models for on-premises, edge, and cloud environments. APEX spans a range of solutions, from infrastructure (compute, storage, networking) to client devices and software, delivered with the agility and financial flexibility of a cloud service. Customers can choose from various consumption models, including subscription-based and pay-as-you-go, allowing them to scale resources up or down as needed and avoid large upfront capital expenditures. APEX aims to reduce IT complexity, accelerate digital transformation, and free up IT resources to focus on strategic initiatives rather than day-to-day infrastructure management. It essentially offers a way to consume Dell’s hardware and software as a service, simplifying procurement, deployment, and management while providing greater flexibility and cost predictability.
Pure Storage
Pure Storage typically offers a more straightforward pricing model, often based on effective capacity after data reduction. Their Evergreen Storage program, which includes non-disruptive upgrades, can contribute to long-term cost predictability. They focus on the total cost of ownership (TCO) rather than just the initial acquisition cost.
Evergreen Storage Program
Pure Storage’s Evergreen Storage program is a subscription-based model that provides customers with continuous access to modern storage technology without the disruptions and capital expenditures associated with traditional “forklift upgrades.” Evergreen Storage ensures that hardware and software components are kept up-to-date through non-disruptive upgrades, including controller refreshes, drive replacements, and software updates, all while maintaining consistent performance and availability. This eliminates the need for costly and complex migrations, reduces downtime, and allows customers to benefit from the latest innovations in storage technology without repurchasing their entire storage system every few years. Essentially, Evergreen Storage provides a worry-free, future-proof approach to storage ownership, ensuring that investments remain relevant and performant over time.
- Direct price comparisons: Direct price comparisons can be challenging. Dell might offer lower initial acquisition costs in some cases, while Pure Storage’s simplified pricing and Evergreen program could lead to better TCO over the system’s lifecycle. A thorough TCO analysis, considering factors like maintenance, upgrades, and operational expenses, is essential.
Third-Party Software and Public Cloud Integration
Dell: Dell storage arrays offer broad compatibility with a wide range of third-party software and platforms, including VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V, and OpenStack. They also offer integrations with public cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud for backup, disaster recovery, and cloud tiering. Dell’s strength lies in its broad ecosystem support.
Pure Storage: Pure Storage also offers integrations with popular virtualisation platforms and cloud providers. They have focused on building deep integrations with specific cloud services, such as AWS and Azure, often leveraging native cloud APIs for seamless data mobility and management. Their Cloud Data Services strategy emphasises hybrid cloud workflows.
- Comparison: Both vendors offer robust integration capabilities. Dell boasts broader compatibility across a wider range of software and platforms. Pure Storage emphasises streamlined integration with key providers and a cohesive hybrid cloud experience.
Conclusion
Both Dell and Pure Storage provide compelling all-flash midrange arrays. The “best” choice depends on the specific needs and priorities of the organisation. Dell offers a comprehensive portfolio with granular configuration options and broad ecosystem support, making it suitable for diverse and complex IT environments. Pure Storage excels in simplicity, ease of use, and consistent high performance, making it attractive for organisations seeking streamlined management and predictable performance. A thorough evaluation of performance requirements, management preferences, cost considerations, and integration needs is crucial for making the right decision. Proof-of-concept deployments and detailed TCO analyses are highly recommended.
At Nexstor, we specialise in helping businesses navigate complex IT decisions with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re weighing up Dell, Pure Storage, or exploring alternative options, our team can provide expert, vendor-neutral advice tailored to your performance, budget, and integration needs. Get in touch today to start a conversation.
