Rob Steele

Tag: emc

  • VxRack Nodes

    VxRack Nodes

    I’ve been asked quite a bit lately on VxRack node types and options so I wanted to go over what is available and some of the options. First lets start off with the VxRack 1000 Flex options. At a high level there are 3 vxrack node types that can be configured in a VxRack solution; Dense Compute, Dense Storage, and a Storage only node.  Each of these nodes have a couple variations in order to properly size and accommodate various workloads.

    VxRack Node Types 1000 FlexVxRack Node: Dense Compute

    vxrack node dense compute

    VxRack Node: Dense Storage

    vxrack dense storage node

     

  • EMC VSPEX BLUE KEYNOTE RECAP

    EMC VSPEX BLUE KEYNOTE RECAP

    Incase you missed the EMC VSPEX BLUE announcement earlier today, you can still access the launch presentation here. The VSPEX BLUE offering is a hyper-converged infrastructure appliance that integrates VMware’s EVO: Rail software stack with EMC’s management software. In  keeping with the EVO:Rail reference architecture, each VSPEX Blue appliance has four server nodes in a 2U rackmount form factor.

    Here are some links to Demos from the announcement:

    VSPEX BLUE Manager Demo
    VSPEX BLUE and EMC CloudArray
    VSPEX BLUE Whiteboard

     There is plenty of other content online, but for this post I wanted to focus on some of the questions asked during the announcement. I’ll highlight some in the following FAQ, and I’ll leave the complete transcript below.

    FAQ:

    What is the GA date?
    -Tuesday, February 17th 2015
    Is EMC VSPEX BLUE based on vSphere 5.5 or vSphere 6?
    -Currently it is based on vSphere 5.5
    What backup solution is going to be bundled?
    -VSPEX BLUE will include vDPA EMC Avamar technology for backup
    Will VSPEX BLUE utilize NSX ?
    -VSPEX Blue does not come bundled with NSX in the current version. But it is on the roadmap
    How many appliances can you manage under the software? 
    -EVO:RAIL V1.0 based supports up to 4 appliances (16 nodes). Soon this will double.
    Will it be compatible with ScaleIO? 
    -No, EVO:RAIL is based on VSAN
    What is difference between converged and hyper-converged? Isn’t this same as vBlock offering?
    -Converged implies convergence of storage, compute, and networking. by the same token they can all be scaled out in a linear fashion and one cannot choose to scale storage but not compute.
    What EMC hardware do you have in the backend of the blue? 
    -It’s EMC’s whitebox. For V1.0, it’s the same box as ECS (2U/4N) but different configuration.
    What are the replication options?
    -VSPEX BLUE comes with RecoverPoint for VMs 15 VM license with support for free for every appliance.
    So I can only protect 15 VM’s per appliance? But the solution itself can host up to 400 VM’s?
    -A customer will be entitled to protect 15VMs per appliance. A single appliance can have 60 to 100 VMs on it. If replication is needed beyond 15VMs, a customer will need to purchase extra licenses for RP4VM
    Can I attach external storage? FC support?
    -No. EVO:RAIL assumes VSAN controls all the disk and provides a single datastore.
    How many VM’s is recommended to run within a blue system?
    -It will be dependent on your workload for each of the VM’s. However the current breakdown is 100 VM per appliance with a total of 4 appliances in currently supported configuration will mean 400 VM’s
    Does it use VMware HA? Is FT supported?
    -VSAN 1.0 currently does not support HA. This is being addressed
    Is support for vvols on the roadmap ?
    -Support of vVOL is two folds: VMwware EVO:RAIL does support vVols, but you will not be able to replicate vVOLS with the current RP4VM version 4.2. This will occur in future releases where both EVO:RAIL VMware stack and RP4VM supports vvol deployment end to end
    Will ViPR support VSPEX Blue? 
    -ViPR currently does not support VSAN today, so no.

    Complete Transcript:

    Technical Support: Welcome to today’s presentation! We are here to answer any questions you have during the session.02/03/2015 10:06AM

    0OZYTKH4WJ@INXPO.COM: how much $02/03/2015 10:08AM

    Pete Richardson: Please contact your local Partner or EMC sales personnel for pricing.02/03/2015 10:10AM

    JFL3WQPOLF@INXPO.COM: Can we use this link for marketing? This will be live tomorrow as well?: http://bit.ly/1ygG9P0 02/03/2015 10:05AM

    Pete Richardson: Yes this link will be live for replay tomorrow 02/03/2015 10:10AM

    6GHKUIBRXA@INXPO.COM: Is it based on vSphere 5.5 or vSphere 6 02/03/2015 10:10AM

    Curtis Edwards: currently it is based on vSphere 5.5 02/03/2015 10:10AM

    C0L9FTO5LX@INXPO.COM: Who is the networking partner w/in the VSPEX BLUE? Thanks – aaron 02/03/2015 10:08AM

    Jim Doustou: The Blue appliance does not include networking hardware02/03/2015 10:11AM

    JFL3WQPOLF@INXPO.COM: Will this link be available from today so we can use this in all Awareness campaings?http://bit.ly/1ygG9P002/03/2015 10:07AM

    Pete Richardson: Yes the link will be available tomorrow for replay02/03/2015 10:11AM

    B5RG4V0XL0@INXPO.COM: What does EMC squared stand for 02/03/2015 10:11AM

    Jim Doustou: It’s the initials of the founders02/03/2015 10:11AM

    LDYF58VDB9@INXPO.COM: Are the appliances a choice like EVO? 02/03/2015 10:12AM

    Rieko Sato: With hyper-CI storage is SDS (software). 02/03/2015 10:12AM

    JVLS3WWARD@INXPO.COM: What backup solution is going to be pushed with this?02/03/2015 10:12AM

    Michael Issa: VSPEX BLUE will include vDPA EMC Avamar technology for backup02/03/2015 10:13AM

    B7CE2QSRLA@INXPO.COM: who manufactures the Nodes? 02/03/2015 10:12AM

    Jim Doustou: Final system integration is completed by our distribution partners.02/03/2015 10:13AM

    85LRLAW9N9@INXPO.COM: Do you have a virtual lab that a consultant can use to get more exposure to VSPEX? 02/03/2015 10:12AM

    Rieko Sato: Yes, VSPEX BLUE will be available in vLab. 02/03/2015 10:14AM

    B7CE2QSRLA@INXPO.COM: Will this utilise NSX 02/03/2015 10:11AM

    Pete Richardson: VSPEX Blue does not come bundled with NSX in the current version. But it is on the roadmap02/03/2015 10:14AM

    RLX0AFXEBF@INXPO.COM: so the vspex still needs to plug into a managed fabric?02/03/2015 10:13AM

    Rieko Sato: 10 GbE TOR switch. Not FC.02/03/2015 10:14AM

    3BDJDP1VIR@INXPO.COM: Where is VSPEX Blue manufactured? 02/03/2015 10:10AM

    Jim Doustou: Final system integration is completed by our distribution partners at various locations. 02/03/2015 10:14AM

    A8IOZVIHA5@INXPO.COM: when will be available for LATAM? 02/03/2015 10:12AM

    Curtis Edwards: availability will be Feb 17th. For further specifics please contact your local EMC distributor/partner.02/03/2015 10:15AM

    IR0Y7SVXJ6@INXPO.COM: he said you can add a new appliance if you need more space. how many appliances can you manage under the software? 02/03/2015 10:14AM

    Rieko Sato: EVO:RAIL V1.0 based supports up to 4 appliances (16 nodes). Soon this will double. 02/03/2015 10:15AM

    DUYBNY9YMU@INXPO.COM: any plans for a non evo:rail (i.e. other hypervisor) hyperconverged system? 02/03/2015 10:11AM

    Michael Issa: Non EVO:RAIL like hpervisor is something we are considering as well but not for the SMB segment 02/03/2015 10:15AM

    3GZCVWULDC@INXPO.COM: Will it be compatible with ScaleIO? 02/03/2015 10:15AM

    Rieko Sato: No, EVO:RAIL is based on VSAN. 02/03/2015 10:16AM

    TY5KH057K9@INXPO.COM: Is this then provided as a single skew? 02/03/2015 10:12AM

    Pete Richardson: Yes, there is a single SKU for the applicant, software and maintenance. So 3 line items on the quote.02/03/2015 10:16AM

    JBR1PABOOF@INXPO.COM: Can this run on any x86 server hardware? 02/03/2015 10:16AM

    Rieko Sato: No. This is an integrated appliance with hardware. 02/03/2015 10:16AM

    BPGTBE4RW3@INXPO.COM: So what is difference between converged and hyper-converged? Isn’t this same as vBlock offering?02/03/2015 10:11AM

    Michael Issa: Converged implies convergence of storage, compute, and networking. by the same token they can all be scaled out in a linear fashion and one cannot choose to scale storage but not compute. 02/03/2015 10:17AM

    LP0BE7CCDN@INXPO.COM: what EMC hardware do you have in the backend of the blue? 02/03/2015 10:15AM

    Rieko Sato: It’s EMC’s whitebox. For V1.0, it’s the same box as ECS (2U/4N) but different configuration. 02/03/2015 10:17AM

    ST8FI9EVSN@INXPO.COM: will there be hardware variations to support customer need?02/03/2015 10:16AM

    Jim Doustou: the current offerings include a standard and performance model (different memory configurations) and either copper or optical network connects.02/03/2015 10:17AM

    JBR1PABOOF@INXPO.COM: Does it include VMware NSX? 02/03/2015 10:12AM

    Pete Richardson: NSX is not included in the current version of VSPEX Blue but it is a roadmap item 02/03/2015 10:18AM

    6GHKUIBRXA@INXPO.COM: will this be upgradable to vSphere 6 02/03/2015 10:12AM

    Curtis Edwards: it will be upgradeable when the EVO:Rail bundle supports and is released with vSphere 6. It will be a future release. 02/03/2015 10:18AM

    WG7V8BLK0T@INXPO.COM: Can you integrate it to existing vmware environments?02/03/2015 10:15AM

    Rieko Sato: VSPEX BLUE based on EVO:RAIL comes with vSphere ENT+, VSAN, vCenter Server, and vRealized LogInsight. For centralized management. if you’d like to use existing vRealize Operations/Automation you can then treat VSPEX BLUE as a vSphere end point.02/03/2015 10:19AM

    LDYF58VDB9@INXPO.COM: Isn’t this now competing with EVA:Rack? 02/03/2015 10:18AM

    Pete Richardson: EVO:Rail and EVO:Rack have different use cases.02/03/2015 10:19AM

    SXHWB8CDEG@INXPO.COM: is this running VSAN 6? 02/03/2015 10:17AM

    Curtis Edwards: The current released version is running vSan 5.5 and vSphere 5.5. Future release will support vSan 6.002/03/2015 10:19AM

    8NGNUFGQBB@INXPO.COM: is hardware monitoring included? 02/03/2015 10:19AM

    Rieko Sato: Yes. VSPEX BLUE Manager plays a key role along with ESRS.02/03/2015 10:19AM

    B7CE2QSRLA@INXPO.COM: what is the maximum amount of nodes/appliances?02/03/2015 10:18AM

    Pete Richardson: each appliance has 4 nodes, and today the cluster can scale to 4 appliances 02/03/2015 10:19AM

    D2LW7RHDIW@INXPO.COM: If a company already has an EA with VMWare will it still be required to pay for the VMWare licenses that come with VSPEXBLUE? 02/03/2015 10:19AM

    Rieko Sato: Unfortunately, ELAs are not supported by VMware for EVO:RAIL.02/03/2015 10:20AM

    ZIZ6UB2SQN@INXPO.COM: What is the basic configuration for this appliance (CPU, Memory, storage capacity)? How much can grow?02/03/2015 10:18AM

    Jim Doustou: The standard model includes 8×16 G memory, 3@ 1.2 T HDD and 1 12G SDD per node. Performance models up the memory to 6@ 32G 02/03/2015 10:20AM

    8NGNUFGQBB@INXPO.COM: what is the range of available storage capacities02/03/2015 10:18AM

    Pete Richardson: The VSPEX Blue appliance comes in one capacity 14.4 TB Raw 02/03/2015 10:20AM

    CZU56BIY5H@INXPO.COM: might have missed it, what are the replication options?02/03/2015 10:20AM

    Rieko Sato: VSPEX BLUE comes with RecoverPoint for VMs 15 VM license with support for free for every appliance.02/03/2015 10:21AM

    RKRY41ZRD6@INXPO.COM: Is this available to buy this from Avnet in the UK?02/03/2015 10:21AM

    Pete Richardson: Yes 02/03/2015 10:21AM

    Jim Doustou: Yes! 02/03/2015 10:21AM

    C0L9FTO5LX@INXPO.COM: What are the key differentiators vs. Nutanix? 02/03/2015 10:12AM

    Michael Issa: VSPEX BLUE differentiate against Nutanix as follows:02/03/2015 10:17AM

    Michael Issa: 1. VSPEX BLUE mfg process allows for higher margin 10+ points for partners. 2. simplicity and ease of deployment with EVO:RAIL VSPEX BLUE MANAGER 2. EMC ESRS call call with global tech support 3. overall architecture vsan and EVO:RAIL has intrinsic low latency path as they are embeded within the ESX kernel space vs. NUTANIX OS, requires a VM staged as a controller with APIs to vCenter , VAAI etc. 5. We do have value added software on the appliance like cloudArray to increase on prem storage with secure optomized encyption to any public cloud 3. RecoverPoint for VM granular sync, semi sync or async replication 02/03/2015 10:21AM

    ST8FI9EVSN@INXPO.COM: what is the minimum/maximum amount of nodes supported by the hypervisor 02/03/2015 10:19AM

    Curtis Edwards: VSPEX Blue will currently support 4 appliances. Unit of Purchase will be an appliance. Each appliance has 4 nodes. So a total of 16 nodes currently. You can start with one appliance and grow by adding more appliances. 02/03/2015 10:22AM

    ST8FI9EVSN@INXPO.COM: Can multiple clusters be integrated with each other?02/03/2015 10:20AM

    Rieko Sato: Each VSPEX BLUE appliance has 4 nodes, and it’s a cluster. You can expand the cluster by adding additional appliances, up to 4 (which is 16 nodes). EVO:RAIL management manages all the nodes across appliances as a cluster. The next EVO:RAIL refresh (soon) will provide a single-pane-of-glass for multiple clusters.02/03/2015 10:22AM

    8O560LDBOI@INXPO.COM: Can VSPEX BLUE be configured as an all-flash appliance?02/03/2015 10:21AM

    Jim Doustou: Unfortunately not. The configuration is set to the supported models. IE and “appliance” model.02/03/2015 10:23AM

    RLX0AFXEBF@INXPO.COM: does this or can tis product run inline with x86 HW?02/03/2015 10:17AM

    Rieko Sato: No, this is not SW and cannot run with general-purpose HW. Appliance includes HW. 02/03/2015 10:23AM

    D84IC4UYX1@INXPO.COM: Just saw CDW on the Video – is the Product Avail. from CDW today? 02/03/2015 10:21AM

    Pete Richardson: The product is available on Feb. 17th. 02/03/2015 10:24AM

    WG7V8BLK0T@INXPO.COM: Can I attach external storage? fc support?02/03/2015 10:23AM

    Rieko Sato: No. EVO:RAIL assumes VSAN controls all the disk and provides a single datastore. 02/03/2015 10:24AM

    V2VU3ZRX8R@INXPO.COM: is there a link to the hardware specs/node connectivity options available? 02/03/2015 10:16AM

    Curtis Edwards: yes there is. you can go to emc.com/vspex for all VSPEX BLUE information. 02/03/2015 10:24AM

    0OZYTKH4WJ@INXPO.COM: Can I replace my VMAX with this? 02/03/2015 10:14AM

    Michael Issa: some workloads on VMAX can be moved to VSPEX BLUE but it depends on the application latency and IOPS02/03/2015 10:24AM

    OGKX66DYIQ@INXPO.COM: Is it Easy to replicate accross sites? 02/03/2015 10:24AM

    Curtis Edwards: Yes it is. Using RP4VM (RecoverPoint for Virtual Machines). 15 licenses plus support are included with each VSPEX Blue appliance.02/03/2015 10:25AM

    3BDJDP1VIR@INXPO.COM: Where can we find more information on the VSPEX Blue supply chain. 02/03/2015 10:15AM

    Pete Richardson: Please contact you partner/distributor for supply chain questions. 02/03/2015 10:25AM

    B7CE2QSRLA@INXPO.COM: what happens when you go over 4 appliances?02/03/2015 10:24AM

    Michael Issa: You may encounter perf issues, and it will not be supported with the service contract in VSPEX BLUE release 1.0. We do have plans to scale out beyond 4 appliance in subsequent VSPEX BLUE releases 02/03/2015 10:25AM

    0VRILZ04ZB@INXPO.COM: Is there a try before you buy for additional features that can be bought for VSpex blue? 02/03/2015 10:23AM

    Jim Doustou: Eval systems are something you can arrange with your distributor or VAR. Blue comes with several Value Added software options including RP4VM and Cloud Array. 02/03/2015 10:26AM

    4SQAA5QBPW@INXPO.COM: differentiating factors vs Nutanix? 02/03/2015 10:20AM

    Rieko Sato: One of the key reasons customers are interested in EMC is the global support that is consistent with arrays. This is the same reaction customers had with Data Domain and Isilon prior to acquisition. VMware’s roadmap with vSphere, VSAN, management, and cloud addresses technical gap and creates additional value. EMC will be taking advantage of EVO:RAIL extensibility to create more differentiation.02/03/2015 10:26AM

    V2VU3ZRX8R@INXPO.COM: if there are greater than 4 host appliances, the 5th would just become its own separate management domain? 02/03/2015 10:27AM

    Pete Richardson: Yes, which you can aggregate together with SSO.02/03/2015 10:27AM

    02A8CXO5AS@INXPO.COM: how good is this product if the environment has vmax with very less amount of vmware handling02/03/2015 10:11AM

    Michael Issa: For deployments with low VMs and very low budget this product will not be a good fit price wise. We are consider perhaps a 2 node non EVO:RAIL option to compete with VRTX DELL02/03/2015 10:27AM

    SXHWB8CDEG@INXPO.COM: when VSPEX Blue is running VSAN 6, will it be able to be configured as an all-flash appliance?02/03/2015 10:24AM

    Jim Doustou: Blue configuration is set at the supported models. Each node includes 3@ 1.2T HDD and 1@12G SDD02/03/2015 10:28AM

    8NGNUFGQBB@INXPO.COM: how does vspex blue protect against silent data corruption?02/03/2015 10:24AM

    Rieko Sato: VSPEX BLUE’s EVO:RAIL is based on VSAN for storage. VSAN’s resilience is based on replicating the object (VMDK) and rebuilding instead of “RAID”.02/03/2015 10:28AM

    B7CE2QSRLA@INXPO.COM: if there is a problem with the EVO Rail software do you contact EMC or VMware? 02/03/2015 10:27AM

    Pete Richardson: EMC. This is an EMC OEM product, so it will be supported just like it was a VMAX, VNX, etc.02/03/2015 10:28AM

    LP0BE7CCDN@INXPO.COM: how many VM’s is recommended to run within a blue system?02/03/2015 10:27AM

    Curtis Edwards: it will be dependent on your workload for each of the VM’s. However the current breakdown is 100 VM per appliance with a total of 4 appliances in currently supported configuration will mean 400 VM’s. 02/03/2015 10:29AM

    WG7V8BLK0T@INXPO.COM: Is there a maximum capacity for VDP Advanced backups? 02/03/2015 10:27AM

    Michael Issa: The limiting factor is not VDP but the VSPEX BLUE on prem storage capacity 02/03/2015 10:29AM

    H7VJA144OK@INXPO.COM: Will there be a 10G switch with vspexblue? or will there be the recommended 02/03/2015 10:29AM

    Rieko Sato: VSPEX BLUE does not include a TOR switch but VSPEX partners do. Brocade, for example, will offer a bundle for VSPEX BLUE. 02/03/2015 10:29AM

    Curtis Edwards: Your EMC partner/distributor will recommend 10G switches. 02/03/2015 10:30AM

    SXHWB8CDEG@INXPO.COM: What are the key differentiators vs. Nutanix? 02/03/2015 10:19AM

    Michael Issa: 1. VSPEX BLUE mfg process allows for higher margin 10+ points for partners. 2. simplicity and ease of deployment with EVO:RAIL VSPEX BLUE MANAGER 2. EMC ESRS call call with global tech support 3. overall architecture vsan and EVO:RAIL has intrinsic low latency path as they are embeded within the ESX kernel space vs. NUTANIX OS, requires a VM staged as a controller with APIs to vCenter , VAAI etc. 5. We do have value added software on the appliance like cloudArray to increase on prem storage with secure optomized encyption to any public cloud 3. RecoverPoint for VM granular sync, semi sync or async replication 02/03/2015 10:30AM

    ST8FI9EVSN@INXPO.COM: Will there be options in the HW configurations of the VSPEX appliance 02/03/2015 10:29AM

    Jim Doustou: There are 4 available models Standard/Performance each with copper and optical interfaces. Standard has 8@16G memory vs 6@32G for the performance model. 02/03/2015 10:30AM

    4SQAA5QBPW@INXPO.COM: How is it superior then Nutanix? 02/03/2015 10:19AM

    Michael Issa: 1. VSPEX BLUE mfg process allows for higher margin 10+ points for partners. 2. simplicity and ease of deployment with EVO:RAIL VSPEX BLUE MANAGER 2. EMC ESRS call call with global tech support 3. overall architecture vsan and EVO:RAIL has intrinsic low latency path as they are embeded within the ESX kernel space vs. NUTANIX OS, requires a VM staged as a controller with APIs to vCenter , VAAI etc. 5. We do have value added software on the appliance like cloudArray to increase on prem storage with secure optomized encyption to any public cloud 3. RecoverPoint for VM granular sync, semi sync or async replication. Note that in VSPEX BLUE rel1.0 we lack global dedupe for on prem capacity a feature NX brag about, but we provide expansion of capacity to cloud02/03/2015 10:31AM

    5WFEY03UFP@INXPO.COM: Can VM’s be migrated from cuurent VCenter to EVO:Rail ?02/03/2015 10:30AM

    Pete Richardson: Yes. Standard VMware capabilities are native to VSPEX Blue.02/03/2015 10:31AM

    JVLS3WWARD@INXPO.COM: How much of the limitations that have been spoke about are due to vsan/vsphere 5.5? 02/03/2015 10:29AM

    Rieko Sato: VSPEX BLUE V1.0 based on EVO:RAIL 1.0 is targeting a moderate environment. The scale is supporting up to 4 appliances (16 nodes). This will soon be lifted to 8 appliances (32 nodes) soon with the EVO:RAIL refresh. EVO:RAIL will refresh with vSphere 6.0/VSAN 6.0 later.02/03/2015 10:32AM

    ST8FI9EVSN@INXPO.COM: How much rack space does a appliance take up?02/03/2015 10:31AM

    Pete Richardson: Each appliance consumes 2U 02/03/2015 10:32AM

    Jim Doustou: One appliance is 2U and include 4 nodes. 02/03/2015 10:32AM

    ML0JEMEM54@INXPO.COM: have to analyse TCO , 02/03/2015 10:28AM

    Pete Richardson: The TCO tools for VSPEX Blue are currently a roadmap item.02/03/2015 10:32AM

    ST8FI9EVSN@INXPO.COM: Can I plug VSPEX into my existing storage array?02/03/2015 10:31AM

    Curtis Edwards: no 02/03/2015 10:32AM

    WG7V8BLK0T@INXPO.COM: Does it use VMware HA? Is FT supported?02/03/2015 10:32AM

    Rieko Sato: VSAN 1.0 currently does not support HA. This is being addressed,02/03/2015 10:33AM

    B7CE2QSRLA@INXPO.COM: how many clusters can be managed together?02/03/2015 10:32AM

    Curtis Edwards: Currently only one cluster within the management interface. However with additional capabilities of vSphere and the use of SSO you could have multiple clusters in the vCenter. 02/03/2015 10:33AM

    B7CE2QSRLA@INXPO.COM: will VSPEX be added to the Vblock stack? 02/03/2015 10:31AM

    Michael Issa: VSPEX BLUE is a stand alone appliance and complements Vblock. One topology will be to deploy VSPEX BLUE around the edge(ROBO) and using vDPA and/or RP4VM to fan into a main data center having VBLOCK or Data domain.02/03/2015 10:33AM

    O71WLDFUCA@INXPO.COM: what is the upgrade path for storage? 02/03/2015 10:32AM

    Pete Richardson: There currently is no planned upgrade path for storage.02/03/2015 10:34AM

    8NGNUFGQBB@INXPO.COM: is support for vvols on the roadmap 02/03/2015 10:33AM

    Michael Issa: Support of vVOL is two folds: VMwware EVO:RAIL do support vVols, but you will not be able to replicate vVOLS with the current RP4VM version 4.2. This will occur in future releases where both EVO:RAIL VMware stack and RP4VM supports vvol deployment end to end02/03/2015 10:35AM

    D84IC4UYX1@INXPO.COM: Can you highlight the primary differences btw. this and running VSAN SW independently? 02/03/2015 10:32AM

    Rieko Sato: EVO:RAIL management radically simplifies the cluster management experience of deployment, upgrade, cluster expansion etc. that you can’t get. It’s HTML5/Javascript that is fast and easy. Because VSPEX BLUE is an appliance, not HCL. Plus the total value you get from EMC VSPEX with the additional SW products included for free, and integrated VSPEX BLUE Manager extension to EVO:RAIL.02/03/2015 10:35AM

    LP0BE7CCDN@INXPO.COM: how many VM’s can I protect with RP for VM within this solution? 02/03/2015 10:34AM

    Curtis Edwards: each appliance currently has 15 RP4VM licenses with support included. 02/03/2015 10:35AM

    B7CE2QSRLA@INXPO.COM: Will VSPEX be sold by VCE similarly to VCE sells Avamar and Data Domain? 02/03/2015 10:34AM

    Rieko Sato: No. VSPEX BLUE is offered by distribution partners but EMC direct sales are paid. 02/03/2015 10:36AM

    0VRILZ04ZB@INXPO.COM: Does this work with recoverpoint devices? 02/03/2015 10:33AM

    Michael Issa: Only with RP4VM , we replicate to another instance of RP4VM on the secondary 02/03/2015 10:36AM

    WG7V8BLK0T@INXPO.COM: What happens to my VMs if a node fails? 02/03/2015 10:34AM

    Pete Richardson: The DRS policy will automatic cause the VM’s to restart on a surviving node. Standard VMware functionality. 02/03/2015 10:36AM

    I7EUTAWF5X@INXPO.COM: Does VSPEXBLUE support data at rest encryption?02/03/2015 10:36AM

    Curtis Edwards: Data at rest encryption is a roadmap item. 02/03/2015 10:37AM

    IR0Y7SVXJ6@INXPO.COM: confused about the storage options. so are you supposed to use cloud storage for your file and block level data? What iif you dont want to go cloud now. can you store directly on the box? how many TBs available? 02/03/2015 10:36AM

    Rieko Sato: No, storage for VMDK comes from VSAN which is iSCSI via VMFS. For the guest OS apps, you can get file services from Cloud Array. Cloud Array provides both iSCSI and CIFS/NFS, which can be a virtual volume that uses capability in the public/private cloud.02/03/2015 10:37AM

    ST8FI9EVSN@INXPO.COM: does the system have self-healing capabilities02/03/2015 10:36AM

    Michael Issa: The VSPEX BLUE appliance relies on VMWare VM HA and fault tolerant technologies. It will also initiate an automatic EMC Support Service incident in case all fails, or something was not recoverable both SW or HW wise.02/03/2015 10:38AM

    L8APHO71R4@INXPO.COM: why should I choose VSPEXBLUE instead of going OEM?02/03/2015 10:11AM

    Rieko Sato: EMC is an OEM partner of VMware EVO:RAIL. VSPEX BLUE provides an integrated appliance through distribution partners to end-customers. The appliance is 100% supported by EMC, HW & SW including VMware SW. 02/03/2015 10:39AM

    UBKKDBMP0E@INXPO.COM: what is list price of evo rail? 02/03/2015 10:39AM

    Rieko Sato: Distribution partners provides the list price – Avnet and Arrow can generate quotes before VSPEX BLUE is GA on 2/17. 02/03/2015 10:40AM

    KI5IK939IF@INXPO.COM: Do the appliances in the cluster have to be identical or can upgrades be performed by adding an additional appliance (within the 16 node limit) and the VMs migrated and the original nodes then removed? 02/03/2015 10:39AM

    Jim Doustou: Support for mixed node clusters is supported however will complicate sizing. You can upgrade at the “appliance” level (i.e.. 4 nodes at a time).02/03/2015 10:40AM

    C0L9FTO5LX@INXPO.COM: Is VSPEX BLUE utilizing Foxconn compute? Are there other partners to be added? 02/03/2015 10:16AM

    Rieko Sato: VSPEX BLUE distribution partners are Avnet, Arrow, Tech Data for example. Not Foxconn. 02/03/2015 10:38AM

    Pete Richardson: It is currently using Foxconn compute. Please contact your distribution partner for further details about reselling VSPEX Blue. 02/03/2015 10:40AM

    SXHWB8CDEG@INXPO.COM: what type of servers can be used in VSPEX Blue?02/03/2015 10:39AM

    Rieko Sato: VSPEX BLUE comes with HW, so you cannot run with your general-purpose server. EVO:RAIL controls the specs. It’s a 2U/4N form factor.02/03/2015 10:41AM

    VOOM21H1U7@INXPO.COM: how is an existing VM infrastructure migrated to VSPEX Blue?02/03/2015 10:39AM

    Pete Richardson: You would be able to use the native VMWare tools to migrate to a VSPEX Blue appliance. 02/03/2015 10:41AM

    WG7V8BLK0T@INXPO.COM: Will ViPR support VSPEX Blue? 02/03/2015 10:40AM

    Rieko Sato: ViPR doesn’t support VSAN today, so no. 02/03/2015 10:41AM

    VOOM21H1U7@INXPO.COM: Will this appliance evolve to support SCALEIO?02/03/2015 10:40AM

    Michael Issa: No this appliance relies exclusively on vSAN and EVO:RAIL technology 02/03/2015 10:42AM

    H7VJA144OK@INXPO.COM: what version of vsan does vspexblue ship with and will it be upgradable? 02/03/2015 10:41AM

    Pete Richardson: It is currently bundled with VSAN 1.0. It will be upgraded in the next release of the EVO:Rail software.02/03/2015 10:42AM

    BPGTBE4RW3@INXPO.COM: What is the difference between vSpexBlue and vBLock offering? 02/03/2015 10:41AM

    Rieko Sato: VSPEX BLUE is hyper-converged. Storage is VSAN software running on compute, co-resident with application VMs. Vblock is based on external arrays, so it’s converged not hyper-converged. 02/03/2015 10:43AM

    BX9Q056L4V@INXPO.COM: Is the server hardware in VXPEXBlue coming from Cisco like Vblock? 02/03/2015 10:42AM

    Jim Doustou: No, the hardware is an EMC design. 02/03/2015 10:43AM

    UBKKDBMP0E@INXPO.COM: Hello. I have 16 node Nutanix – can I add EMC Blue to it?02/03/2015 10:43AM

    Pete Richardson: Unfortunately no. They are two completely different technologies.02/03/2015 10:43AM

    LP0BE7CCDN@INXPO.COM: so I can only protect 15 VM’s per appliance? But the solution itself can host up to 400 VM’s?02/03/2015 10:41AM

    Michael Issa: A customer will be entitled to protect 15VMs per appliance. A single appliance can have 60 to 100 VMs on it. If replication is needed beyond 15VMs, a customer will need to purchase extra licenses for RP4VM, an up-sell opportunity.02/03/2015 10:44AM

    8NGNUFGQBB@INXPO.COM: so the market is primarily smb market? 02/03/2015 10:42AM

    Rieko Sato: SME, large ROBO, enterprise departmental. One of the effective use case is VDI as you can start with an appliance and grow without much planning.02/03/2015 10:44AM

    8NGNUFGQBB@INXPO.COM: is there a program to trade-in existing nutanix for vspex blue? 02/03/2015 10:44AM

    Michael Issa: Competitive Technology Migration program is something we will be considering 02/03/2015 10:45AM

    E8ZGDUPJ5S@INXPO.COM: What is the price of 1 appliance? 02/03/2015 10:44AM

    Pete Richardson: Please contact you partner/distributor for details on pricing02/03/2015 10:45AM

    WG7V8BLK0T@INXPO.COM: Can you mix EVO:RAIL systems from different vendors?02/03/2015 10:44AM

    Pete Richardson: Not today.02/03/2015 10:45AM

    8NGNUFGQBB@INXPO.COM: what are the computer characteristcis? (# of sockets, cores, ram, etc? 02/03/2015 10:43AM

    Jim Doustou: Proc – 2@ E5-2620v2, memory 8@16G or 6@32G, HDD 3@1.2T, Sdd 1@12G. These are all per node specs.02/03/2015 10:45AM

    H7VJA144OK@INXPO.COM: so there will be a limitation of 4 vspexblue when it GA’s?02/03/2015 10:43AM

    Rieko Sato: VSPEX BLUE 1.0 is based on EVO:RAIL 1.0, so it’s limited to 4 appliances. Soon this will double with EVO:RAIL 1.1 refresh. 02/03/2015 10:45AM

    8NGNUFGQBB@INXPO.COM: is vipr on the roadmap 02/03/2015 10:42AM

    Michael Issa: Vipr and ScaleI/O are being considered but not for EVO:RAIL vsan HCIA appliance. 02/03/2015 10:46AM

    8NGNUFGQBB@INXPO.COM: how many average vdi desktops wil lthis support02/03/2015 10:45AM

    Curtis Edwards: it will depending on the workload for each desktop but the current numbers are 250 virtual desktops per appliance with a total of 4 appliance and 1000 virtual desktops. 02/03/2015 10:46AM

    LP0BE7CCDN@INXPO.COM: are there any SSD options available for the blue solution?02/03/2015 10:46AM

    Jim Doustou: Each node is configured with 1@12G SDD drive. 4 total per appliance02/03/2015 10:46AM

    A8IOZVIHA5@INXPO.COM: 2/17 GA applies to Mexico & LATAM markets as well?02/03/2015 10:46AM

    Curtis Edwards: Yes. 2/17 applies to all markets. 02/03/2015 10:47AM

    I2MI1AJT5H@INXPO.COM: Typical lead time for delivery in Europe? 02/03/2015 10:46AM

    Jim Doustou: Contact your partner/distributor for lead time information.02/03/2015 10:47AM

    8NGNUFGQBB@INXPO.COM: 12G SSd is pretty small. do you mean 128GB ssd?02/03/2015 10:47AM

    Jim Doustou: Sorry typo. 400G02/03/2015 10:47AM

    UBKKDBMP0E@INXPO.COM: that must be a mistake – 12G ??? 02/03/2015 10:47AM

    Pete Richardson: It is a 400GB SSD. Typo.02/03/2015 10:47AM

    8NGNUFGQBB@INXPO.COM: who manufactures the compute nodes02/03/2015 10:39AM

    Rieko Sato: VSPEX BLUE distribution partners not only sell/distribute but manufacture the appliance. The manufacturing process is all controlled by EMC’s automation process. Support is 100% from EMC, SW and HW including VMware SW. 02/03/2015 10:48AM

    93CXENP4MI@INXPO.COM: how much useable on a single appliance is provided by VSAN?02/03/2015 10:46AM

    Curtis Edwards: usable space on a single appliance is 13TB that will be assigned to vSAN to be used for various policies.02/03/2015 10:48AM

    H7VJA144OK@INXPO.COM: Are you saying EVO:RAIL 1.1 will include vsan 6?02/03/2015 10:46AM

    Pete Richardson: EVO:Rail will be bundled with VSAN 1.0 02/03/2015 10:48AM

    LP0BE7CCDN@INXPO.COM: how does those SSD drive work? As an cache or is it configurable? 02/03/2015 10:48AM

    Rieko Sato: VSPEX BLUE is based on EVO:RAIL/VSAN. VSAN uses SSD as read and write cache. 02/03/2015 10:48AM

    WG7V8BLK0T@INXPO.COM: How much IOPS can I expect? 02/03/2015 10:46AM

    Michael Issa: About 250K IOPS for one vSAN datastore per appliance (4 nodes)02/03/2015 10:48AM

    4J0BH3PDQ2@INXPO.COM: How many IOPS can one appliance deliver? 02/03/2015 10:48AM

    Michael Issa: 250K IOPS per appliance (4 nodes) one vsan datastore02/03/2015 10:49AM

    UBKKDBMP0E@INXPO.COM: SSD per node is 1 x 400GB eMLC 2.5″ SAS SSD02/03/2015 10:48AM

    Pete Richardson: That is correct02/03/2015 10:49AM

    LP0BE7CCDN@INXPO.COM: what other disk types you have in the blue solution?02/03/2015 10:49AM

    Curtis Edwards: there are only 2 preselected disks types in the VSPEX Blue solution. It is SSD and SAS drives.02/03/2015 10:50AM

    SXHWB8CDEG@INXPO.COM: Why do you say “Each node is configured with 1@12G SDD drive”? isn’t each SSD 400GB?02/03/2015 10:50AM

    Jim Doustou: Correct. 12G was a typo02/03/2015 10:50AM

    BX9Q056L4V@INXPO.COM: How does VSPEXBLUE compare to Oracles new Virtual Compute Appliance? 02/03/2015 10:45AM

    Michael Issa: I’ll have to get back to you on this comparison 02/03/2015 10:50AM

    ML0JEMEM54@INXPO.COM: Is there Web based console or management interface GUI availability along with RBAC so that end user customer can directly access the console and allocate / buy Virutual server on payment basis02/03/2015 10:39AM

    Rieko Sato: EVO:RAIL management is completely new, HTML5/Javascript and stateless. It uses vCenter database. Currently, EVO:RAIL does not provide extensibility / API. As far as purchasing the appliance, it is not a SaaS model. You have to purchase the entire appliance HW/SW.02/03/2015 10:50AM

    T91MC33X7T@INXPO.COM: Plans for mixing VSPEX with VPLEX and using external arrays?02/03/2015 10:50AM

    Michael Issa: No, but we are considering in future releases to embed vVPLEX onto VSPEX BLUE for Active Active HA appliance deployments 02/03/2015 10:51AM

    SXHWB8CDEG@INXPO.COM: when will VSPEX Blue support Intel’s Grantley (Xeon E5-2600 v3) processors? 02/03/2015 10:51AM

    Rieko Sato: Haswell HW refresh is planned when EVO:RAIL supports as mainstream later this year. 02/03/2015 10:52AM

    H7VJA144OK@INXPO.COM: With Vspexblue will I be able to levearge my vmware ELA?02/03/2015 10:50AM

    Curtis Edwards: VSPEX BLUE is a new Hyper-Converged Infrastructure Appliance that offers a brand new delivery and consumption model, and a new way to stack and scale the core virtualized infrastructure services in a simple and easy way. It is not currently included as part of any existing ELA agreement or on the VMware pricelist. 02/03/2015 10:52AM

    Technical Support: We are hosting an Ask-the-Experts session panel on the EMC Community Network (ECN) post event — simply go to community.emc.com for more details.02/03/2015 10:52AM

    WG7V8BLK0T@INXPO.COM: Is there anything to consider when using Networker and Data Domain? 02/03/2015 10:51AM

    Michael Issa: No just run vDPA and prevent upsell of Commvault , Veeam or Symantec02/03/2015 10:52AM

    GBZL8MDX8A@INXPO.COM: Are these Lenovo servers in Blue? 02/03/2015 10:53AM

    Rieko Sato: No. EMC’s white box. V1 is based on the same 2U//4N as ECS but different configuration. 02/03/2015 10:53AM

    93CXENP4MI@INXPO.COM: can an iSCSI datastore (outwith VSPEX blue) be presented to the VSPEX Blue cluster? 02/03/2015 10:52AM

    Rieko Sato: No. Because EVO:RAIL/VSAN assumes control of disks and present a single datastore. 02/03/2015 10:54AM

    Michael Issa: No as the underlying storage OS on VSPEX blue is vSAN. however, you can cache to the cloud using CloudArray and run iSCCI protocol 02/03/2015 10:55AM

    B9F5AH3JAK@INXPO.COM: can vDPA integrate on VSPEX Blue integrate with DD?02/03/2015 10:54AM

    Rieko Sato: Yes. And because VDPA 6.0 is free, VSPEX BLUE customers can download VDPA 6.0 from VSPEX BLUE Market and backup to DD.02/03/2015 10:55AM

    SDD6O6Q2H2@INXPO.COM: any integration with ViPR or XtremIO ? 02/03/2015 10:55AM

    Rieko Sato: ViPR does not support VSAN. VSPEX BLUE this product is based on EVO:RAIL. We are exploring SIO based and would like to get your feedback.02/03/2015 10:56AM

    INS2OEI4XS@INXPO.COM: Can external ESX hosts be added the the VSPEX Blue vCenter ?02/03/2015 10:55AM

    Rieko Sato: No, because EVO:RAIL assumes entire cluster control to deliver the amazingly simple appliance experience.02/03/2015 10:56AM

    UBKKDBMP0E@INXPO.COM: When is it configurable in channel express?02/03/2015 10:54AM

    Rieko Sato: Only the qualified VSPEX BLUE distribution partners who are doing the manufacturing can order from EMC CXP.02/03/2015 10:57AM

    Technical Support: We are hosting an Ask-the-Experts session panel on the EMC Community Network (ECN) post event — simply go to community.emc.com for more details.02/03/2015 10:58AM

    GBZL8MDX8A@INXPO.COM: What top of rack switching are we using to cluster nodes02/03/2015 10:56AM

    Rieko Sato: VSPEX BLUE does not include any TOR switch. VSPEX partners do. Brocade, for example, provides a bundle for VSPEX BLUE. 02/03/2015 10:58AM

    Technical Support: We are hosting an Ask-the-Experts session panel on the EMC Community Network (ECN) post event — simply go to community.emc.com for more details.02/03/2015 11:01AM

    Technical Support: We are hosting an Ask-the-Experts session panel on the EMC Community Network (ECN) post event — simply go to https://community.emc.com/events/3084 for more details. 02/03/2015 11:20AM

  • EMC Avamar SSL Cert Generation

    EMC Avamar SSL Cert Generation

    After completing a successful root to root Avamar migration I noticed that the old SSL certs were still being used. Through some digging I finally found a very simple and easy command to update it.

    The gen-ssl-cert command installs a temporary Apache web server SSL cert and restarts the web server.

    gen-ssl-cert [–debug] [–help] [–verbose]

    Note: You must run the gen-ssl-cert as root, and the original files are backed up and saved as:
    • /etc/httpd/conf/ssl.crt/server.crt.orig
    • /etc/httpd/conf/ssl.key/server.key.orig

    In order to view your current certificate you can use the following command:

    root@avamarnew:/etc/apache2/ssl.crt/#: openssl x509 -noout -text -in server.crt

    Here is the sample of what running the script looks like:

    root@avamarnew:/srv/www/#: gen-ssl-cert
    Generating RSA private key, 3072 bit long modulus
    .........................................................................................++
    ...................................................................................................................................................++
    e is 65537 (0x10001)
    You are about to be asked to enter information that will be incorporated
    into your certificate request.
    What you are about to enter is what is called a Distinguished Name or a DN.
    There are quite a few fields but you can leave some blank
    For some fields there will be a default value,
    If you enter '.', the field will be left blank.
    -----
    Country Name (2 letter code) [AU]:State or Province Name (full name) [Some-State]:Locality Name (eg, city) []:Organization Name (eg, company) [Internet Widgits Pty Ltd]:Organizational Unit Name (eg, section) []:Common Name (eg, YOUR name) []:Email Address []:
    Please enter the following 'extra' attributes
    to be sent with your certificate request
    A challenge password []:An optional company name []:Signature ok
    subject=/C=US/ST=SomeState/L=SomeLocale/O=SomeOrganization/OU=SomeOrganizationalUnit/CN=avamarhq.sccu.local/emailAddress=root
    Getting Private key
    gen-ssl-cert: INFO: installed these web server SSL temporary certificate files:
    -rw------- 1 root root 1708 Mar 2 12:29 /etc/apache2/ssl.crt/server.crt
    -rw------- 1 root root 2455 Mar 2 12:29 /etc/apache2/ssl.key/server.key

    Checking for httpd2: running
    Shutting down httpd2 (waiting for all children to terminate) done
    Starting httpd2 (prefork)

  • The Coolest Storage: EMC vFridge

    The Coolest Storage: EMC vFridge

    If you went to EMCworld last year and watched Brian Gallagher’s keynote on Transforming Enterprise Storage to Create Business Value, you were one of the many that got a sneak peak of the prototype of the EMC vFridge.

    (If you didn’t watch it, here it is… skip to 38 minutes in)

    Watch on youtube

    The vFridge was so popular in it’s initial appearance that it made another appearance at VMworld in #EMC booth 1207
    EMC vFridge

    The small fridge in a stylish VMAX shell was such a huge hit at both conferences that EMC engineers decided to make it “Enterprise Ready” and made it full size. Here are the features of the vFridge:

    Key features:

    • Consists of Summit Appliance commercial refrigerator with an EMC VMAX door
    • Holds refreshments for a team: 14.5 cubic feet interior
    • Meets ETL-S commercial standard
    • Specifications
      • Dimensions: 23.9” wide x 29” deep x 74.9” high
      • Weight: 325 lbs.
      • Power requirements: 115V AC/60 Hz; 2.8 amps

    I’m thinking I need one of these for my home lab so I can keep all of my mission critical beers cold. Here is the link to the official vFridge page on the EMC store.

  • XtremIO Interface Deep Dive

    XtremIO Interface Deep Dive

    Miroslav Klivansky from the XtremIO Technical Marketing team gives a guided tour through the XtremIO GUI and shows how simple the array is to use as well as its  powerful monitoring capabilities.

  • EMC World 2013 Blueprints and Recap

    EMC World 2013 Blueprints and Recap

    I’ll be typing up all of my notes from EMC World later today but for now here is a nice visual look back on the EMC Blueprints incase you missed anything.

    Softwared-Defined Storage
    In the software-defined data center of tomorrow, horizontal infrastructure management – not vertical – is the way of the future. Open, horizontal infrastructure that can run any application… from traditional workloads migrating to on-premise private clouds and virtual private clouds… to newer, cloud-based application workloads that are growing in public clouds, enabling enterprise users to access and share information in new ways. Learn how a wide range of application workloads are driving innovation in storage arrays and storage software. And how software-defined storage will answer enterprise demand for greater efficiency, control, choice and agility in IT
    infrastructure, free of vendor lock in.>  Watch the Keynote
    >  View the EMC Blueprints Gallery

    EMC Software Defined Storage EMCBLUEPRINTS

    Transform Enterprise Storage To Create Business Value
    Cloud Computing and Big Data are transforming how the business can derive new value from information technology. Join Brian Gallagher, President Enterprise Storage Division, as he discusses how you can lead the transformation of your organization for these megatrends. Brian will share EMC’s vision and strategy for how to build powerful, trusted and smart infrastructure that leverage and exploit information to create maximum business value. Learn how to lead your organization’s transformation to Cloud and Big Data with new and proven approaches for Fully Automated Storage Technology, Software-Defined Infrastructure, Purpose-built Cloud Systems, and Mobility and Protection Solutions.
    >  Watch the Keynote>  Watch the Backstage Session>  View the EMC Blueprints Gallery

    EMC Transform Enterprise Storage to Create Business Value EMCBLUEPRINTS

    The Platform for Next Generation Cloud and Big Data Applications
    Tomorrow’s platform for cloud computing will operate at scale in a highly automated way, enabling the rapid development and integration of new applications that can store, and reason over, very large amounts of data—and ingest huge numbers of events and react in real time. Learn how cloud era infrastructures will evolve to accommodate The Internet of Things and its pervasive telemetry and machine generated data, new data fabrics for Big Data and Fast Data, and how the Software-Defined Data Center and Software-Defined Storage will deliver greater efficiency, control, choice and agility in enterprise IT. Please join Joe Tucci, Chairman and CEO of EMC, as he reviews EMC’s strategy and direction, and Paul Maritz, CEO of Pivotal, who will outline the vision and strategy behind the new joint venture between EMC and VMware.
    >  Watch the Keynote

    >  View the EMC Blueprints Gallery

    EMC The platform for next Generation cloud and big data applications EMCBLUEPRINTS

    Connecting Information To Work
    The Information Intelligence Group (IIG) helps customers transform their business with cloud solutions that connect information to work. The team has planted a solid strategy to meet the information management challenges for the global enterprise: enable the user, accelerate your journey to the cloud, and help you transform your business with high value solutions. Rick Devenuti, president of IIG, will provide an exciting update on how IIG is helping organizations drive business transformation. New solutions: Delivered. Transformation: Delivered.
    >  Watch the Keynote

    >  Watch the Backstage Session

    >  View the EMC Blueprints Gallery

    EMC Connecting Information to work EMCBLUEPRINTS

    The Power of Three
    The past decade and a half has seen virtualization technology transform applications, servers and networks into software abstractions that enable data center and IT managers to build adaptive and agile data centers. The rise of the software-defined data center (SDDC) promises to build on the progress of virtualization by completely abstracting the three core components (compute, storage & network) of the data center from its underlying hardware so that IT can truly deliver IT resources as customizable, on-demand services. EMC’s software solutions give you the power you need to drive greater efficiency, control, choice and agility in your IT infrastructure. Please join Amitabh Srivastava, President of EMC Advanced Software Division, and special guests, as they outline EMC’s software-defined vision for the future.
    >  Watch the Keynote

    >  Watch the Backstage Session

    >  View the EMC Blueprints Gallery

    EMC The Power of Three EMCBLUEPRINTS

    The Software-Defined Data Center: The Foundation for Modern IT in the Mobile/Cloud Era
    CIOs today are looking to data center and cloud innovations for new ways to deliver more value to their people and organizations through on-demand access to any application on any device. The Software-Defined Data Center expands the virtues of server virtualization to the entire data center—compute, networking, storage and management—providing a foundation for IT in the Mobile/Cloud era. By delivering infrastructure for cloud services to all devices, this new platform offers the path to IT-as-a-Service—providing efficiency, control and agility, without sacrificing choice. Please join Pat Gelsinger, CEO of VMware, as he arms you with perspective on your role in this multi-year journey and outlines VMware’s technology strategy to radically simplify IT in this new era.
    >  Watch the Keynote

    >  View the EMC Blueprints Gallery

    EMC Software Defined Data Center EMCBLUEPRINTS

    Change the Game with EMC Backup and Archive
    In IT, the game is changing. Backup and archive are no longer just defensive tactics; they are offensive strategies that accelerate business. The playing field is shifting, fueled by massive data growth, virtualization, more protection options and expectations for IT as a Service. You need the right game plan to meet today’s requirements, but you also need to be in position to evolve and innovate for what’s coming next. Join EMC Backup Recovery Systems Division President Guy Churchward and Chief Technology Officer Stephen Manley as they map out EMC’s backup and archive strategy and explain how products like Avamar, Data Domain, NetWorker, and Mozy lay the foundation for a protection storage architecture that will keep you ahead of the game.
    >  Watch the Keynote

    >  Watch the Backstage Session

    >  View the EMC Blueprints Gallery

    EMC Backup Archive EMCBLUEPRINTS

    Flash Unleashed with VNX Innovations
    In the modern midrange, businesses must transform to be more agile and operate more efficiently. This requires that their virtualized application workloads be delivered timely stored efficiently, and continuously protected and easily managed. Learn how EMC is addressing these needs by revolutionizing modern midrange storage and leveraging the efficiency of FLASH 1st. Hear directly from VNX Unified Storage customers how VNX software innovations to unleash flash and integrate with clouds translate into industry-leading price performance, capacity efficiency, and ease of use.
    >  Watch the Keynote

    >  Watch the Backstage Session

    >  View the EMC Blueprints Gallery

    EMC Flash Unleashed EMCBLUEPRINTS

    Isilon Scale-Out NAS Innovation Today, Business Innovation Tomorrow
    The pace of IT transformation is accelerating. And the expectation for IT professionals to drive business value is evolving even more rapidly. Are you and your organization ready? Isilon’s industry-leading and innovative scale-out NAS solutions alleviate traditional storage challenges, freeing scarce IT resources to develop the type of next generation applications and business models that are creating tomorrow’s disruptive competitive advantage. This can’t-miss session will feature a look at Isilon’s latest product innovation, a panel of customers discussing how Isilon has solved their most pressing storage challenges, and a deep-dive look ahead at the impact of Hadoop, object-oriented architectures and what “scale-out” will mean in the future.
    >  Watch the Keynote

    >  Watch the Backstage Session

    >  View the EMC Blueprints Gallery

    EMC Isilon Scale Out NAS EMCBLUEPRINTS

    FLASH.NEXT
    Flash technology enables new levels of agility and application performance within IT data centers. This keynote session will cover the pervasive and transformative impact of flash on IT infrastructures and the evolving opportunities that flash presents to IT organizations. Find out how your organization can benefit from a diverse set of server and array-based flash technologies. Discover how EMC’s flash software and systems strategy will make flash more efficient, manageable, and reliable to meet the needs of increasingly demanding real-time datacenter environments. Learn how you can leverage an innovative flash software and systems architecture to achieve competitive advantage.
    >  Watch the Keynote

    >  Watch the Backstage Session

    >  View the EMC Blueprints Gallery

    EMC Flash Next EMCBLUEPRINTS

    Transform Enterprise Storage To Create Business Value
    The Technical keynote will demonstrate how IIG is driving transformation across industries powered by information. Join Rohit Ghai, SVP of products and solutions IIG, as he showcases innovation across the IIG product and solution portfolio. In addition, Rohit will describe the IIG roadmap to deliver cloud based solutions that connect information to work.
    >  Watch the Keynote

    >  View the EMC Blueprints Gallery

    EMC Transformation in Action EMCBLUEPRINTS

  • EMC and PSY Gangnam Style ?

    EMC and PSY Gangnam Style ?


    LOL

  • Reference Architecture Design for 5000 Seat Virtual Desktop Infrastructure

    Great Citrix XenDesktop, Cisco UCS, and EMC VNX solution overview for deploying 5000 virtual desktops.


    Citrix XenDesktop 5.6 Feature Pack Built on Cisco Unified ComputingSystem and EMX VNX


    LINK:
    Reference Architecture-Based Design for 5000 Seat Virtual Desktop Infrastructure



    Cisco Unified Computing System, Nexus 5500, Nexus 1000V, EMC VNX7500, and VMware ESXi 5

  • Avamar Backup of a Windows VM fails with the error: Protocol error from VMX

    Recently on a new install of Avamar version 6.1; I had a VMware Image based backup fail with error 10007. Upon further investigation of the backup job log I noticed that the snapshot failed with: A general system error occured: Protocol error from VMX. This is a good example of two very vague errors on both the backup system and the virtual infrastructure. So to further investigate we needed to look deeper into the vmware.log file…

    (more…)

  • The New #EMC #Networker

    The New #EMC #Networker

    Today EMC is announcing the new Networker 8 via a webcast, so I decided that I will be blogging about it as I watch it so I’ll be posting some highlights and new features as I go !

    It is Networker’s 22nd Anniversary and for the announcement EMC has done a racing themed webcast that is set in a racing garage. EMC is comparing the new Networker 8 to a V8 engine.

    Some of the Networker 8 Highlights:

    (more…)