Server-based storage is the hardware component of the Open Storage Platform (OSP) that runs the Software-Defined Storage package chosen. Often, the attention in an OSP deployment is focused on the software decision, but the hardware is important as well. See the Open Storage Platform Evaluation Guide for more information on both OSP hardware and software components.
Most companies planning an OSP deployment will buy their server hardware from a channel partner that works with the software vendor. All OSP software vendors have listings of their partners on their websites and actively work with these channels in the sales process. This is typically an integrator or distributor that takes the order for both the software and hardware and may provide some implementation services as well. First-call software support comes from the software vendor and hardware support from the channel partner or directly from the hardware manufacturer.
Providing multiple server platform choices allows customers to use a vendor they have standardized on, or already have a relationship with. The following is a list of OEM server vendors, meant to provide examples of these suppliers, but not meant to be exhaustive.
Many of these vendors also provide the “purpose-built” hardware for Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI) appliance companies; Supermicro builds Nutanix Xtreme Computing Platform nodes and Dell is SimpliVity’s current manufacturer. Or, some sell an HCI software package under their own brand, such as Lenovo’s HX and Dell’s XC products which use Nutanix software.
Open Storage Platform Server-based Storage Hardware Product Brief includes:
Introduction
Server-based Storage Characteristics
Direct-Attached Storage
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