The PowerVault™ MD3200i is a next-generation Ethernet-based array designed for exceptional performance and flexibility for storage consolidation, with system scalability for unexpected business demands, optional data protection features for added security and optional high-performance tier firmware upgrade for enhanced performance.
- Implement your storage area network (SAN) on cost-effective 1 Gb Ethernet networks.
- Choose from available single and dual controller models.
- Mix and match drives to create a tiered-storage environment.
- Scale up to 96 drives with PowerVault MD1200 and/or MD1220 expansion enclosures.
- Supports up to 32 physical servers when connected to one or more 1 Gb Ethernet switches
- Cuts management complexity with a single management interface and a single system to back up
Now it's simple to improve storage utilization by pooling storage resources. Increase availability with redundant hardware and a streamlined management and backup process.
iSCSI Storage Is Ideal for Virtual Server Environments
The MD3200i/MD3220i arrays offer several advantages over Fibre Channel systems to support your virtual server environment.
- 1 Gb Ethernet is a mature, well-understood technology that is less complicated than Fibre Channel technology.
- Ethernet hardware is cost-effective and readily available.
- Widespread familiarity with Ethernet technology can help cut training time and costs.
MD3200i storage systems are certified for use in virtualized application environments with VMware® ESX 4.1, Citrix XenServer 5.6.0 and Microsoft® Hyper-V™ software.
System management is easy
The MD3200i/MD3220i arrays are managed by next-generation MD Storage Manager software, an intuitive, easy-to-use client-based Java application.
- Two different management paths offer easy user interaction, even for those with only a basic familiarity of storage systems.
- The enterprise window feature monitors multiple systems through a single interface.
- Wizard-based array management helps simplify the configuration process.
Software detects and alerts you of any problems and launches an automatic Recovery Guru to help troubleshoot and resolve the issues.
Reach new levels of flexibility and scalability
MD3200i/MD3220i arrays enable you to mix and match components to create your optimal tiered-storage environment.
Deploy up to 96 HDDs by simply plugging in PowerVault MD1200 and/or PowerVault MD1220 enclosures behind MD3200i arrays. This means you can scale your system with a mix of both 3.5” and 2.5” hard drives. In dual-controller systems, hot plug additional storage enclosures without shutting down the system.
Keep pace with ever-increasing performance demands
The MD3200i/MD3220i arrays deliver an excellent performance/price ratio.
- Four iSCSI ports per controller enable twice the throughput compared to previous Dell 3000i iSCSI arrays.
- Increased cache sizes of up to 2GB per controller meet large database application needs.
- SSD support optimizes the system for the most demanding I/O applications.
Optional Data Protection
The MD3200i/MD3220i's optional data protection features include snapshots, virtual disk copy (VDC) and self-encrypting drives (SEDs) with Secure Erase.
- Snapshots: Each virtual disk supports up to eight snapshots, with a total of 128 snapshots per system. These are typically used when data needs to be "frozen" in time.
- Virtual disk copy: Virtual disk copy is full replication of an existing virtual disk at any point in time, often used for decision support and application development testing.
- Self-encrypting drives: If a drive is powered down or removed, the SED, which encrypts data written to the drive and decrypts data read from the drive, "locks" to prevent unauthorized access.
