Faced with rising energy costs and a chronic shortage of space in server rooms, Dell Technologies is updating its key storage platform. The release of PowerStore 4.3 is not an architectural revolution, but a precision hit on enterprise operating costs (OpEx), offering a dramatic increase in storage density while reducing power appetite.
The most significant change from an infrastructure perspective is support for 30TB QLC drives. This move allows Dell engineers to pack up to 2 petabytes of data into an enclosure just 2U high. For IT managers, this effectively means doubling the capacity per rack unit, which directly translates into saving valuable data centre space. Dell estimates that the new configuration reduces power consumption by up to 23 per cent and the total cost of ownership (TCO) can drop by 15 per cent. In the current macroeconomic climate, where energy efficiency is becoming a key KPI, these are arguments that can tip the scales in B2B tenders.
The software layer has also seen significant improvements, with a focus on business continuity and security. The introduction of synchronous replication over Fibre Channel and the Metro Sync function with automatic failover aims to eliminate the risk of data loss at critical times. The system now also offers asynchronous replication over longer distances with a recovery point objective (RPO) of five minutes. Significantly, Dell is implementing artificial intelligence mechanisms to detect anomalies in the data environment and multi-component administrative authentication, in response to growing ransomware and insider threats.
For system administrators, new analytical tools will be key. The ‘Top Talkers’ function provides insight into the processes that are putting the most strain on the network, enabling more precise Quality of Service (QoS) policy management. In addition, full support for the NFSv4.2 standard improves management of large file volumes. The upgrade is available immediately and free of charge to existing customers, a clear signal that Dell intends to aggressively defend its user base against the competition.
