Dell Unveils iSCSI Array, Starts Storage Business

Shortly after having purchased storage specialist firm EqualLogic for $1.4 billion, PC manufacturer Dell has begun worldwide delivery of next-generation iSCSI storage area network (SAN) arrays built on EqualLogic's technology: the Dell EqualLogic PS5000 Series. The new line of products targets larger companies that are considering using virtualization technologies for both servers and data storage systems.

Dell planned the storage company's acquisition since early November, as EqualLogic would allow it to consolidate its position on the extremely 'fashionable' iSCSI market. According to Dell representatives, new PS5000 Series would be sold through both EqualLogic and Dell's channel partners.

"We are committed to simplifying IT and EqualLogic will help us realize that vision for our customers worldwide," said Michael Dell, chairman and CEO, Dell. "Together, Dell and EqualLogic will deliver storage and server virtualization solutions that enable customers of any size to build resilient, flexible datacenters."

The market demand for iSCSI storage systems grows bigger and bigger with the advent of the virtualization technologies. The accelerating sales of SAN systems played an important role in the company's decision of purchasing EqualLogic. As iSCSI tends to be the best pick for a virtualized environment, it will also represent the main selling point for the new PS5000 line.

"Networked storage has been too complex for too long. Dell EqualLogic helps solve that problem," said Darren Thomas, vice president and general manager. "This is virtualized, consolidated storage that is self-managing, affordable and easy to use, regardless of scale. We're automating complex tasks, enabling fast and flexible provisioning while seamlessly integrating into the existing IT network. That's simplifying IT and this is the future of storage."

The Dell EqualLogic PS5000 Series will sell at a starting point of $19,000 and includes three models based on a 16-bay enclosure. The PS5000E comes with 8 to 16 low-cost 7,200-rpm SATA hard drives as well as one or two built-in controllers. The X version includes 16 higher-performance 10,000-rpm SAS hard drives and two controllers, while the professional XV series comes with up to 16 high-performance 15,000-rpm SAS hard-disk drives.