The VAST Data Universal Storage system is a highly scalable, high-performance NAS and object storage solution. VAST positions itself as “Universal Storage” meaning it can be used as a singular
solution for a variety of needs within a single tier.
Initially, VAST Data sold Universal Storage as a hardware solution with software in a perpetual license. In early 2021, VAST pivoted their model to be a software only solution sold as a subscription called Gemini, with certified hardware provided by Avnet. While VAST is no longer directly selling integrated appliances, the Gemini subscription model allows customers to purchase software licenses from VAST, and hardware which is integrated by the manufacturer and delivered to the customer as an appliance.
While the VAST Data solution is software based, it leverages a unique hardware architecture that utilizes the latest storage technologies. Storage enclosures consist of a large 3D Xpoint
(Intel Optane) or equivalent persistent memory devices write buffer and QLC (Quad Level Cell) NVMe flash devices. Storage services are run in containers on disaggregated compute nodes and the system is connected using NVMeoF networks to provide low latency.
In 2022, VAST added support for an additional storage enclosure called Ceres. The Ceres storage enclosure features Nvidia Bluefield DPUs (Data Processing Units) and houses up to 22 x E1.L 9.5mm drives for up to 675.84TB of raw capacity in 1U. The Ceres enclosures are capable of being mixed and matched with the traditional 2U VAST storage enclosures.
The VAST Data storage system utilizes a disaggregated shared everything scale out architecture, called DASE. This architecture separates the compute and storage allowing each to scale individually as needed up to Exabyte scale. VAST claims scalability of up to 1,000 storage enclosures and 10,000 servers.
VAST Data Universal Storage Product Brief Includes:
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