Dell’s PowerVault ME5 storage solution is a prominent player in the virtualization world, targeting small-to-medium-size storage needs at an affordable price. For this reason, many small-to-medium-size businesses rely on ME5 storage for virtualization, databases, and backup. We will dive into the specs, advantages, and optimization of the ME5, plus how to minimize total cost of ownership (TCO) through third-party maintenance.
Understanding Dell ME5 Storage Solutions
The PowerVault ME5 boasts a versatile and high-performance solution for businesses needing reasonably large storage solutions with a compact footprint. Being a hybrid array, the ME5 supports hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs), making it a versatile and scalable option for various use cases. Additionally, it is a flash-capable system, allowing for even higher performance and speeds for virtualization workloads. The ME5 supports 25Gb iSCSI, 32GB Fiber Channel, and 12Gb SAS, allowing for enhanced connection to compute nodes or other storage networks. Redundancy in controllers and power supply units (PSUs), as well as multiple RAID options, ensures there is no single point of failure, making it ideal for mission-critical workloads and businesses requiring uninterrupted data access. The ME5 also supports non-FIPS Self-Encrypting Drives (SEDs), making it a cost-effective security option for businesses that need encryption without the regulatory requirements of Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Whatever your use cases, abundant pre-owned availability means we can quickly get you a solution that fits your needs.
Key Advantages of ME5 Storage
The PowerVault ME5 excels in two fields: cost-effectiveness and low-to-medium storage needs. The ME5 boasts a lower cost point than more feature-rich storage solutions, making it an ideal cost-effective solution for small-to-medium storage needs. Storage capacity varies by model, with the ME5012 supporting up to 288TB; the ME5024 up to 184TB; and the high-capacity ME5084 up to 2PB. It is easily scalable up to 8PB of total storage via SAS-connected expansion enclosures, making it a versatile machine for various business needs. An efficient plug-n-play setup allows for easy expansion when you need it.
Additionally, there are no licensing requirements for these models, meaning you do not need OEM support for system security. With publicly available updates, customers can take advantage of third-party services to support their storage array. Park Place Technologies is now supporting the Dell PowerVault ME5 systems, providing comprehensive third-party maintenance and other support services. By choosing third-party maintenance, you can save up to 40% off support services costs and maintain support on your equipment after OEM EOSL.
Optimizing ME5 for Maximum Performance
There are several best practices for configuring and managing ME5 storage to ensure maximum performance. Redundancy in drive configuration and controllers helps keep the ME5 system up and running, even in the event of a component failure. User-friendly GUI makes management of your system easy and straightforward. Additionally, standard RAID settings (i.e. RAID10, RAID5, RAID6, etc.) allow for easy configuration. With the ability to transition between a flash and hybrid configuration, the ME5 allows you to maximize performance while keeping costs low.
When to Expand ME5 Storage
It is important to understand when to expand your storage capacity, and when to upgrade. If you are consistently running out of capacity in your current system, expanding your array, or upgrading entirely, will likely help alleviate these issues. Comparing the ME5 versus Dell’s other storage solutions can help discern which action is right for your business needs. The ME5 replaced the previous gen ME4 PowerVault solution, making it the ideal choice if you are looking to upgrade your aging PowerVault array. While the ME5 does not have the richest feature set, it presents a reasonably high-capacity storage solution for a more affordable price than many other solutions, making it a solid entry-level Dell storage option. If you require database filing or other similar high-density, high-performance workloads, you may want to explore a more feature-rich solution. Dell Unity systems or other systems with deduplication and data compression may be a better fit for those scenarios. Curvature can help you with these systems as well!
Curvature offers entire Dell storage systems or helps with expansion for your current ME5 array. Additionally, Park Place Technologies can fully support these systems, eliminating the need to depend on OEM support. Dell Recertified solutions are also available if OEM support is required.
Reducing Total Cost of Ownership with Third-Party Support from PPT
Third-party maintenance can greatly reduce TCO by supplying customers with extensive maintenance support services with significant discounts compared to OEM pricing. Using third-party maintenance also allows for continued support for hardware infrastructure, including storage arrays, long after the OEM’s EOS/EOL date. Park Place Technologies is now offering full support for the PowerVault ME5 storage array. By choosing third-party maintenance through Park Place, customers can save up to 40% compared with OEM pricing. When considering TCO, these are significant savings that can help businesses allocate budget elsewhere.
The PowerVault ME5 is an excellent solution for small-to-medium-level storage needs. Its ease of use and expansion, relatively high capacity, publicly available updates, and Park Place Technologies support options make this the perfect choice for many companies looking for siloed storage solutions. Curvature can offer expansion to existing ME5 environments and Park Place can extend the life of your system long after OEM support has lapsed.
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