Optimize Virtualization with Dell EqualLogic and VMware vSphere

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) can raise cost concerns because it requires moving storage resources from inexpensive hard disk drives to pricey storage devices in data centers. At the same time, virtualized servers require high-performance concurrent access to shared storage resources to achieve workload mobility. Overcoming these challenges requires tight integration between hypervisor and storage systems.

Optimize your virtualization deployments with Dell™ EqualLogic™ virtualized Internet SCSI (iSCSI) storage area networks (SANs) and VMware® vSphere™ and VMware View™. By integrating support for vStorage APIs for Array Integration (VAAI) into EqualLogic firmware, the VMware vSphere platform enables offloading of certain storage-related tasks ― such as full copy, block zeroing and hardware-assisted locking ― to the EqualLogic SAN layer. Delegating these tasks frees up network bandwidth and host computing resources, enabling quick deployment of virtual machines (VMs) from templates and improved storage performance for volumes shared by multiple VMs.

To further enhance the tight integration between EqualLogic and VMware vSphere, Dell offers:

• EqualLogic Multipath Extension Module (MEM) for VMware ― enables improved performance and scalability through features such as high-performance, fault-tolerant load balancing and intelligent management of multiple network paths
• Host Integration Tools/VMware Edition (HIT/VE) ― provides tools that help you simplify storage management, streamline and optimize VDI provisioning, and enable business continuity strategies

The combined strengths of Dell and VMware can deliver significant benefits for businesses of all sizes. Integration of Dell EqualLogic hardware with VMware vSphere and VMware View software can help you:

• Increase operational flexibility and productivity ― Enable quick provisioning of data stores and virtual desktop infrastructure for fast time to productivity.
• Realize transformative cost savings ― Lower your total cost of ownership (TCO) from standards-based iSCSI connectivity, simplified storage management and virtualized IT infrastructures.
• Enable effective business continuity strategies ― Get advanced data protection and disaster recovery features.
• Achieve optimal performance ― Enable intelligent management of multiple data paths and array offloading of storage-related tasks.