Dell EMC PowerMax is the replacement for the VMAX. The new generation offers up to 10M IOPS, and faster response times. It also incorporates technologies like machine learning to manage the system and inline deduplication and compression in the high-end lines. If you want to see the future of storage arrays, the Dell EMC PowerMax may be a good barometer.

Dell EMC PowerMax Key Features

Perhaps the most intriguing feature is the real-time machine learning feature using predictive analytics to optimize performance. This is a neat feature. The PowerMax can use historical data from Dell EMC’s installed base plus the system’s current and historical data to decide where data should reside in the system. Dell EMC claims it can make over 6 billion decisions per day. The goal is to automate a set of storage administration tasks at a granular level using machine learning.

The new arrays NVMe NAND storage and future storage class memory along with NVMe over Fabrics. Storage class memory encompasses technologies such as Intel Optane which Dell EMC says it is testing in its labs and plans to bring to its arrays when the technology is ready.

The impact of moving to NVMeoF and NVMe SSDs means that the array is much faster. From a latency perspective, it expects up to 50% better response times.

In terms of the throughput, using technologies such as 100GbE networking, the company expects up to 150GB/s of bandwidth from the systems.

In terms of IOPS, PowerMax claims up to 10M IOPS in its first generation.

Deduplication and compression are now inline which is a notable feature the company is using to differentiate between its new offering and the previous generation VMAX. That can yield a 5:1 effective data reduction and lower power consumption.

There are two launch flavors. The PowerMax 2000 series offers up to 1.7M IOPS and 1PB of effective capacity. The PowerMax 8000 series can scale up to 8 PowerBricks and hits 10M IOPS and 4PBe of capacity.

From a software perspective, both the 2000 and 8000 series have access to the PowerMax family.