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Storage optimizationEnhancing SANself-management withDell EqualLogic storageBy Tony Ansley and Mansour KaramDell EqualLogic arrays offer built-in intelligence tohelp simplify configuration—but operators may still missimportant settings. Together, Arista and Dell have createda storage architecture that can automate configurationthrough switches running the Arista ® Extensible OperatingSystem (EOS ® ) platform.Ever-increasing growth in the volume ofstored data, coupled with applicationsthat demand large computational power,are driving the need for scalable, highcapacitystorage area networks (SANs). At the sametime, a constant push to simplify IT infrastructureand reduce operating costs is driving a move tovirtualize operations in the storage segment.These factors put a premium on interconnectbandwidth and manageability. Scaling to hundredsof terabytes or petabytes of storage capacityrequires switches that can cost-effectively providehigh bandwidth and low latency. To help simplify ITmanagement and minimize operating costs, tightintegration is necessary between the managementcapabilities of storage platforms and those of theswitches. Successful operation requires a highdegree of automation and integration into anorganization’s IT environment.The combination of Dell EqualLogic PS SeriesInternet SCSI (iSCSI) SAN arrays and the Arista7000 Family of Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) and10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) switches helps meetthese requirements. Now available with 10GbEcontrollers, the EqualLogic PS6000 series ofarrays can be deployed in conjunction with Aristaswitches to provide a cost-effective 10GbE-basedcloud storage platform that is well suited tobandwidth-intensive software such as database,analytics, search, high-performance computing(HPC), and media applications.Simplifying management throughautomatic configurationDell EqualLogic PS Series iSCSI SAN arrays offer highlevels of built-in intelligence and self-management.They are designed to automatically load balancedata across network connections, disk drives, andarrays to help optimize performance, and canautomate storage configuration, management,pooling, storage tiers, and data distribution to helpsave time and increase productivity.Switches from Arista Networks offer acustomizable, extensible switch OS thatprovides a platform for automation in supportof EqualLogic storage—and combining the twoenhances the self-management capabilities ofboth platforms. The Arista switch software hasdistinct properties that make this high level ofself-management possible.50 2010 Issue 02 | dell.com/powersolutionsReprinted from Dell Power Solutions, 2010 Issue 2. Copyright © 2010 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.