INFOBrief

Dell |EMC AX150/AX150i

Network Storage System

Key Points
The Dell/EMC AX150
and AX150i can be
deployed in 4 simple
steps and offer highly
available networked
storage at breakthrough
pricing

Shared storage for up to 10 servers using either a familiar Gigabit

Ethernet (AX150i) or a higher performance Fibre Channel (FC)
network (AX150).

Customer installable and scalable - Ideal for small businesses or

departments/workgroups in large enterprises. Simple, appliance-like
installation process helps you deploy a SAN (Storage Area Network)
in four easy steps

Large storage capacity scales from 750GB up to 6 TB of storage

Data protection Redundant storage processors, fully redundant N+1

Power and UPS or battery-backed cache create a highly available
architecture. SATA-II hard drives provide increased performance
versus standard SATA drives.

Simplified, integrated management features Includes all the easy-to-use

software you need for management, snapshots, and automated data
path failover. And, you can add servers to the array at no additional
software cost.

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Background
Organizations of all sizes rely on digital information. This information
must be highly available and secure at all times, to keep employees
working, satisfy regulatory entities, and serve customer
But business information is growing each year, with no end in sight. You
need to manage this growing information poolwithout a lot of manual
intervention or additional staff. Small to medium size businesses, remote
offices of large corporations and local government agencies all feel pressed
because they need the quality and reliability of high-end storage platforms,
without the high price and demands on their technical staff. They need
solutions that are easy to install and use, and simple to redeploy in a
variety of ways as their storage needs change.
To keep information safe and available, many growing organizations are
turning more and more to Storage Area Networks (SANs). A SAN is a
high-speed, special purpose network that connects data-storage devices,
such as disk arrays and tape libraries, to servers. With the AX100 and
AX100i, Dell and EMC first made the advantages of SANs available to
smaller, budget-conscious organizations. The Dell/EMC AX150 and
AX150i build on those award-winning platforms, bringing new levels of
reliability and availability to entry-level SAN storage

Product Description
The Dell/EMC AX150 (Fibre Channel) and AX150i (iSCSI/Ethernet)
storage systems are entry-level storage arrays that enable organizations to
share storage with up to 10 servers. These arrays scale from 750 GB to 6TB,
and come with EMC's powerful yet easy to use integrated management
software
The AX150 and AX150i offer several much-appreciated features from the
Dell/EMC CX family in a lower price class. Now you can enjoy simple,
robust management, snapshot copy, and automated failover, all in a
product from the trusted Dell and EMC brands.
The AX150 and AX150i make it possible for small organizations with
limited budgets and technical expertise to migrate from direct-attached
storage to take advantage of what SANs have to offer: simplified,
centralized management, improved utilization, and streamlined backups.
Integrated Management Features Make It Easy
The AX150 is bundled with all the easy-to-use software you need to assure
data availability. Once you connect the AX150 to a server, the installation
and setup wizards help you configure the system for your needs in four
simple steps. Friendly, wizard-assisted software makes it easy to add other
devices, such as servers and switches, and perform all other management
tasks.

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Easy, centralized management lets you provision the exact amount of

storage you need, then securely assign it to a serverall from one
console.

Automated failover software reroutes data to an alternative path in the

SAN should a component fail, to help ensure that you have continuous
access to your information.

Snapshot software helps you recover lost or corrupted data, and

provides offline copies for secondary processes such as backup,
testing, and data mining.

Support for Microsoft Windows, Novell NetWare*, Sun

Solaris*, VMWare* and Linux operating systems

Single console management of CX and AX arrays with optional

management software.

Figure1 Array-based management software: browser-based

management for the AX150 and AX150i

Available for AX150 only.

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Architected for Reliability and High Availability

The AX150 and AX150i consist of up to two active/active storage
processors and hold up to twelve 250 GB or 500 GB SATA-II disk drives.
They feature redundant fans, and fully redundant N+1 power supplies
in a single 2U chassis. The dual-processor configuration is supported by an
additional 1U, UPS for maximum data availability.
SATA-II hard disk drives can offer improved performance over previous
generation SATA drives through Native Command Queuing (NCQ) which
uses advanced algorithms to execute commands in the most efficient
manner.
Connectivity Choices for Flexible Configurations
The AX150 offers up to four full-bandwidth, 2Gbps Fibre Channel host
ports and allows direct connection of up to four hosts or a single 2-node,
high availability cluster (two HBAs per server). With the addition of the
Brocade SW200E Fibre Channel switch, the AX150 storage system can host
storage for up to 10 redundantly or non-redundantly connected servers.
The AX150i offers up to four 1Gbps Ethernet host ports and allows direct
connection of up to four hosts or a single 2-node, high availability cluster.
With the addition of a Dell PowerConnect (or any industry-standard)
Gigabit Ethernet switch, the AX150i storage system can host storage for up
to 10 redundantly or non-redundantly connected servers. With the use of
free iSCSI initiators for Windows and Linux, the AX150i offers the most
affordable connectivity option available for a Dell/EMC SAN.
Redundancy Features Keep Your Information Available
The AX150 and AX150i feature mirrored cache, and hot-swap fans, power
supplies, and disk drives, to help assure continued operation in the
unlikely event of component failures.
One of the twelve hard drives can be dedicated as a "hot spare" to be
automatically incorporated into a RAID 5 or 1/0 RAID set should another
drive fail. Data in cache is written to disk in the event of a power failure.
Unlike data stored in battery-backed cache, data stored on disk can be
retrieved long after batteries are exhausted.

Feature
Drive scalability

AX150/AX150i
12

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CX300
60

CX500
120

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CX700
240

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Host scalability

10

64

128

256

Host connections

4 SFF optical
or 4 GbE

4 SFF optical

4 SFF optical

8 SFF optical

Rack size (DPE2 or

SPE)

2U/3U1

4U

4U

5U

RAID

5, 1/0

0, 1, 1/0, 3, 5

0, 1, 1/0, 3, 5

0, 1, 1/0, 3, 5

Cache vaulting

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Data scrubbing

Yes

Yes

Yes

Navisphere
Manager

Navisphere
Manager

Navisphere
Manager

Point in time copy

Yes
Navisphere
Express or
Navisphere
Manager
(optional)
SnapView
Express

SnapView

SnapView

SnapView

Remote mirroring

N/A

N/A

MirrorView

MirrorView

Management
software

Table 1: AX150 and AX150i Feature Comparison to the CX300, CX500, and CX700
Valued Features for the Entry-Level Market
All Dell/EMC arrays provide investment protection that lets you meet
future requirements by leveraging existing hardware assets and a common
management environment. The AX150 and AX150i arrays offer the
following growth paths:

Existing unit: Expand from 750 GB to 6 TB; upgrade from a single

to dual controllers; migrate from direct-attached to SAN; add
servers

Additional units: Modular, brick-like design and centralized

management functionality of the integrated Array-based
Management Utility make it easy and cost-effective to scale with
up to 4 units attached to a single server.

Easy, non-disruptive data migration to CX arrays: SANCopy/E

software enables a seamless migration path to higher performing
CX arrays and allows for tiered storage.

The AX150 is a 2U platform. The dual storage processor configuration is

supported with a UPS that takes up 1U of rack space.
1

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The Benefits: A Business Perspective

The AX150 and AX150i storage arrays are designed to meet the challenges
you face:

Continuous data growth with no end in sight

The need to keep digital information available all the time

Affordably priced solutions, flexible enough to use in a variety of

ways as your needs change

With robust availability and reliability, and ease of installation and use, the
AX150 and AX150i arrays give you an easy route to implementing your
first SAN. You get real business benefits at the financial, operational and
technical levels:

Financial benefits
For your organization to grow, its essential to implement new
processes that automate the management of your organizations
crucial asset information. The AX150 and AX150i are helping to
reduce the cost and complexity of SAN technology while still
offering all of the capabilities youd expect from Dell and EMC. If
you thought SANs were too complex and expensive, its time to
take a look at Dell.

Technical benefits
Managing growing amounts of data for your organization can be a
tough job. Relief is in sight. Dell has teamed with EMC and other
leading vendors to offer an inexpensive but complete SAN
solution that you can install and maintain yourself. If you thought
SANs were complex, its time to take a look at Dell.

Operational benefits
Technology can help you spend more time managing your
growing company but cant get in your way. The new Dell/EMC
AX150 and AX150i will easily help protect your most important
asset information. From e-mail messaging to small data bases,
this easy to use storage array lets you take charge of your
information rather than information taking charge of you.

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Service and Support

As EMC's #1 storage partner, Dell service professionals have a wealth of
best practice knowledge and practical experience to help deliver on the
promise of cost-effective SAN solutions. Whether you need occasional IT
assistance or to out-source service functions, Dell's flexible services
portfolio offers skilled resources to balance the skills and availability of
your internal staff with our experienced service professionals to achieve an
efficient, cost-effective strategy for getting the most value from your Dell
technology.
Dell offers services across the storage lifecycle that can help you plan a
storage solution that is aligned with your IT objectives, then efficiently
implement the technology into your business and maintain your SAN
solution at peak performance to support your critical business operations.
Plan
Whether you're consolidating disparate data stores onto a SAN platform
for the first time, or adding platforms to support growing storage
requirements, Dell's experienced SAN professionals can help you choose
the right technology to meet the demands of your scalable enterprise.

System Consolidation
Helps maximize the performance and capabilities of server and
storage systems by consolidating redundant or underutilized
systems.
Infrastructure Consolidation Readiness Assessment
Analyzes existing infrastructure, operational practices and
technical readiness to develop a roadmap for conducting a server
or storage consolidation.

Consolidation Planning and Validation

Consists of developing a detailed consolidation deployment plan
as well as a validated and refined solution design.

Implement
The Dell/EMC AX150 is designed to be quickly integrated into your IT
environment. Complementing this customer friendly packaging are Dell's
flexible deployment services that offer the level of assistance you may need
to efficiently deploy your Dell/EMC AX150 SAN. Dell provides a choice of
service offerings ranging from as needed, over-the-phone consultation and
remote assistance to on-site project management and deployment services
for complex storage migration and consolidation initiatives.

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Storage Installation

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Dell recommends on-site or remote installation of your complete

Dell storage system. By allowing Dell to provide installation, you
can help reduce the time required to get your system up and
running, while making efficient use of your employees' time.
Remote installation2 for the AX150 provides customers with an
alternative to onsite installation for direct attach or SAN AX150
configurations. By using a combination of Phone and Remote
support, Dell technicians will assist customers with all aspects of
configuring Windows hosts to access the AX150.2
Getting your IT resources quickly up-to-speed on any new
technology is essential in today's fast-past business environment.
Dell's comprehensive on-line or on-site training courses will arm
your IT staff with the skills they need to proficiently manage your
new Dell/EMC AX150 SAN.
Maintain
After your Dell/EMC AX150 is fully operational, Dell can help keep it
running smoothly. Dell's support services can help you maximize your
SAN's availability and performance.

Platinum Enterprise Support

Offered to organizations with more than more than 200 Dell server
comprehensive support service that Dell offers, Platinum Enterprise
Enterprise Expert Center and a designated Platinum Technical Acco
unique requirements and work with you to develop a custom supp
system availability even during complex incidents or times of cri

Gold Enterprise Support

Gain prompt phone-based access to Dell's senior-level engineers
along with access to a Technical Account Management team who
can provide the attention and resolution you need for businesscritical systems.

Silver Enterprise Support

Provides 7 x 24 toll-free complex issue phone support, followed by
on-site service3 after phone based troubleshooting if necessary.

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Dell|EMC Maintenance

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Dell/EMC Maintenance Service provides periodic health checks,

updates and upgrades for your SAN system throughout your
warranty period. We will analyze your system for overall health
and provide software and system updates and upgrades. We can
also provide how-to assistance for configuring or installing SAN
components through our Enterprise Assistance program.
At Dell we understand that the true value of your SAN is realized
long after it has been delivered and installed. Its greatest
contribution to your success lies in its ongoing performance,
dependability and how well it meets changing demands and
challenges. Dell/EMC Maintenance service is the smart choice for
your SAN system maintenance.

Summary: Product Advantages

The Dell/EMC AX150 and AX150i storage arrays are affordable solutions
that make it possible for small and medium-sized organizations to migrate
from direct attached storage to SAN. The AX150 and AX150i offer:

Appliance-like installation and easy, wizard-driven management

A complete, shrink-wrapped solution at an affordable price

Trusted Dell and EMC quality

Advanced functionality, for simplified management and streamlined

backups.

Dell cannot be responsible for pricing or other errors, and reserves the right to cancel orders
arising from such errors.
3 Service may be provided by third-party. Technician will be dispatched if necessary
following phone-based troubleshooting. Subject to parts availability, geographical restrictions
and terms of service contract. Service timing dependent upon time of day call placed to Dell.
U.S. only.
2 This service is only available for those configurations deemed customer installable and
applies only to Windows configurations.
Dell and the Dell logo are trademarks of Dell Inc. EMC, Navisphere, and VisualSAN, and
EMC2 are registered trademarks, and SnapView and SAN Copy are trademarks of EMC
Corporation. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities
claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell disclaims proprietary interest in the
marks and names of others.
Copyright 2006 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner whatsoever
without the express written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. For more information
contact Dell.

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