Review: HP 3PAR StoreServ 7450
HP’s 3PAR StoreServ 7450 all-flash storage array takes the concept of storage virtualization to another level.
Rather than simply providing virtual volumes, the system creates virtual blocks that enable IT managers to support multiple volumes with different levels of redundancy and performance on the same hardware. The array also reserves spare chunklets in each flash disk, which enables better load balancing and wear across media.
A four-node StoreServ 7450 model with 2U enclosures delivers an exceptional balance of performance and value. Tested using an IOmeter setup of 80 percent reads, 20 percent writes and 100 percent random 8-kilobyte blocks, the system reached a maximum of 391,911 input/output operations per second with under 0.6 milliseconds of latency. Our test bed used four VMware ESX hosts connected via 8-gigabit-per-second Fibre Channel, with each host running four virtual machines and each VM running three IOmeter workers.
Because the 7450 StoreServ array runs the same operating system as the rest of the 3Par line, administrators can buy a basic system and later add software for all the features they want, and to increase scale and performance.
IT departments can easily create a multitenant, multiserver environment with the 7450. Volumes can be modified to increase or decrease performance or redundancy as needs change, without having to take the volume offline. Organizations will find it extremely useful to be able to clone a VM and create multiple deduplicated copies of an operating system.
The 7450 represents the latest in a long line of 3Par systems known for ease of use and configuration. Even inexperienced systems administrators will find the process of creating and using new storage volumes simple and straightforward.
Admins can also configure the 7450 from within the administration console of VMware, Windows Hyper-V and other operating systems and server applications using custom plug-ins, without needing to start a separate storage console to create a new volume.
The StoreServ delivers a broad range of enterprise-class features, superb performance and great ease of use.
