The Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform high end systems, the 5100H and 5500H hybrid systems and 5100 and 5500 all flash systems continue the evolution of Hitachi’s virtualized storage architecture with a new generation of purpose-built, Intel-based hardware. The VSP 5000 models use the same SVOS software as the earlier G1500 and F1500 models and builds on the high-end, highly reliable systems offered by Hitachi. Technology changes include new processors, new PCIe internal switches, support for NVMe devices, and new controller architecture.
The seamless continuation of the Hitachi VSP systems will allow customers familiar with the earlier systems to expand on their value derived from the system with the new capabilities and performance. Environments where the Hitachi VSP are used can be expanded with the new capabilities and simplified operations.
Highlights of the VSP 5000 models include:
The Hitachi VSP 5000 systems are targeted for usage in the high-end enterprise space for the most demanding applications and as a platform to be used for consolidation with the ability to virtualize other storage systems behind it. A full complement of advanced features is available with the Hitachi VSP including Command Suite system management and storage resource management software.
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The Hitachi VSP high-end system, 5100 and 5500 models for all flash and 5100H and 5500H models for hybrid, are high-function block storage systems. With the 5000 models, Hitachi has added NVMe device support and rearchitected the controller cards and interconnect. The systems use the same SVOS embedded software as the earlier models and the midrange systems.
The VSP systems support storage virtualization to allow attachment of external storage systems for use as another tier of storage or for migrating data. With external storage attached, the system can scale very large in capacity and performance.
The VSP high-end system has an architecture that allows up to 12 controllers to be installed into a backplane with a shared memory space. This architecture is different than traditional scale-out storage systems but still does allow scaling up to a point. The system represents the type used in high-end enterprises where reliability is of the utmost importance. A full set of feature capabilities including storage virtualization makes this one of the premier storage systems for enterprises.
Currently, both SSDs and FMDs are supported, which can be confusing during an evaluation. Also, the FMDs connect through an adapter card to convert PCIe to SAS. A change to directly attach with PCIe would provide greater performance through less latency. Evaluator Group believes this improvement will eventually be introduced to the VSP system.