EMC unveils Symmetrix revamp

EMC has today released details of its updated Symmetrix storage line revamp

EMC has today updated its storage array portfolio, including a revamped version of its flagship Symmetrix high-end storage array that features 4Gbit/s front-end and back-end design, enhanced energy efficiency and advanced disk isolation capabilities for easier maintenance.

The launch of Symmetrix DMX-4, available from August, coincides with an updated version of EMC’s Enginuity storage management software suite for its Symmetrix arrays. The updated suite boasts 30 percent improved performance and 33 percent faster remote replication compared with the previous DMX-3 version, as well as integration with the enVision security management suite that EMC acquired through its recent purchase of RSA.

Barbara Robidoux, vice-president of storage product marketing at EMC, said that the inclusion of new 750 GB Sata II drives within the DMX-4 array would deliver a significant improvement in energy efficiency compared with previous models.

“If you want to configure 750GB capacity you need one drive, whereas with 73GB drives you’d need 10 drives,” Robidoux said. “Each drive uses roughly the same amount of energy [regardless of capacity] so using just one is far more energy efficient [than 10 73GB drives].”

EMC will also unveil a “complete redesign” of its Centera content addressed storage platform, featuring a 67 percent improvement in energy efficiency and enhanced security and management software; a new entry-level version of its Rainfinity file management appliance; an update to its Celerra NS20 and NS40 systems, including new wizard-based management software and integrated support for iSCSI, NAS and FC; and improved iSCSI and security capabilities for its mid-tier Clariion storage platform.