Simplify & Save

Lately, we’ve been talking a lot about server technology in this blog, but storage is an equally important component of how to Simplify and Save with IT. And we’ve got important news.

A few weeks ago, we announced a new commitment to dramatically simplify de-duplication via a single de-duplication architecture across our PowerVault EqualLogic and Dell/EMC product families.

The very practice of de-duping simplifies data management by eliminating redundant copies of data… residing in multiple applications… on multiple hardware products. It saves money by reducing the amount of storage capacity required for back-up, with compression ratios that can range from 10:1 to as high as 30:1. De-duping also reduces the amount of network bandwidth required, especially during back-up or archiving.

With the compatibility that comes with a common architecture, customers will now find it much easier to replicate and de-duplicate data across multiple sites, from departments or branch offices to the data center. They will spend less time and effort, and also benefit from the cost reductions that non-proprietary technology always provides over the long term.

To further simplify de-duping, Dell offers a full range of services to help customers assess their current situation, design a comprehensive de-duplication solution and then implement it.

For more details, please check out the vlog below.

Earlier this week I posted about how virtualization can help you simplify and save in the data center. Yesterday, we presented a Virtualization Summit that covers everything from trends and new uses of virtualization technology (e.g. as a provisioning and migration tool) to technical, performance-gating factors (e.g. memory and I/O).

Virtualization technology can do some amazing things. In one instance here at Dell, we actually used it to replace 13 servers with one. Admittedly, that’s an extreme case, and only achievable under rare conditions. But it shows how much virtualization really can simplify hardware management – if it’s done right.

Through our continuing deep engagement with our customers, we’ve identified two different paths to virtualization, one that delivers on the promise of simplification, and one that leads to even more complexity.

 The keys to simplification include:

· a clear set of objectives that begin with short-term ROI

· open, flexible technology

· empowerment of the IT staff and freeing up their time for other tasks

In contrast, the complex path begins with an unclear objective, or one that’s unrealistic, e.g. 95 percent usage rates. It also involves choices of inflexible, proprietary technology, and often leads to increased service costs that obliterate any savings.

At Dell, we make sure that virtualization really does lead to simplification by taking an end-to-end perspective that goes beyond a pure product focus to include planning, deployment, and highly-targeted, short-term consulting options that add to the ROI of virtualization rather than subtracting from it.

There’s a lot more to tell. Click on the link in the first paragraph to see the presentation and learn the full story.

It’s hard to imagine a product category that fits the mantra of “Simplify and Save” better than blade servers. And now, with new, third generation technology, they make more sense than ever – even for companies that operate as few as six servers.

The ideas behind the first generation of blade servers make obvious sense. With blades, you deal with fewer racks, which means you get better use of limited data center floor space. (You may even be able to put off building a new data center - at an average cost of over $1000 per square foot!) With blades, you also deal with fewer chassis, which means you reduce extra connections while maintaining redundancy - making management easier. And finally, blades eliminate a lot of cable sprawl issues, and can save significant money with port aggregation.

The third generation of blade servers, as represented by our industry-leading PowerEdge M-Series Blades, make even more sense. In a word, we’ve simplified.

For starters, M-Series blades come pre-assembled right out of the box. With FlexIO, customers get flexibility allowing them to scale with I/O demands without creating change in network infrastructure. Additionally, FlexAddress limits downtime by maintaining persistence of network identity and easily integrates with existing network management tools.

Those are some examples of the “simplify” part of the equation. The “save” part is just as compelling, with dramatic improvements in performance per watt. Our M-Series blades consume up to 19% less power and get up to 25% better performance per watt than other blade systems on the market. So if you’re concerned about rising energy costs, blade servers can certainly be part of the solution.

Ziff-Davis just released a terrific new eSeminar on second generation blade servers, with plenty of detail. Whether you’re running 6 stand-alone servers or 6,000, it’s worth watching.

If you’re looking for ways to simplify and save in the data center – or even “server closet,” one of the most important strategies available to you is server virtualization.

When you migrate several applications running on several different servers onto a single server, you save. For starters, you see a substantial reduction in energy costs because you’re powering fewer servers. Equally important, you’re also cooling fewer servers. And you have fewer servers to physically maintain, which means fewer maintenance hours for the technicians who maintain them.

This all adds up to OpEx savings that can be as high as 25 percent. And when a new replacement cycle comes up, you won’t need to purchase as many servers. This will let you actually lower your CapEx budget. As times get better, you’ll have more funds available to allocate to other projects. Regardless of the economic situation, virtualization is a smart strategy for any business with five servers or more.

The savings benefits of server virtualization are indisputable. But does virtualization really simplify your operations?

A few years ago, the answer might have been in doubt. But with today’s mature virtualization technology, the answer is definitely yes. To give just one example, virtualization streamlines application development and platform certification, because with virtualization there’s a single, common virtual interface, and there’s no need to deal with multiple hardware implementations or generations.

At Dell, we provide all the resources you need to make virtualization a cost-saving reality for your business, from workshops and assessments to design, implementation and support. If you’re interested in learning more, a good place to start is our white paper, Server Virtualization in the Scalable Enterprise. For details about the services we offer, check out our Virtualization Services brochure, which has links to even more resources. You can also visit these previous posts. 

One of the key attributes of the new Optiplex line is its energy efficiency. For example, when compared to older systems in a customers’ environment – say the Optiplex 170L from about 4 years ago – the energy savings can be up to 84 percent (actual performance will vary based on configuration, usage and manufacturing variability). In fact, we just did a green makeover with Robertson Homes, a green-builder based outside of Orlando, Florida, where we replaced aging Opti 170Ls and non-branded systems with eight Optiplex 960s, a PowerEdge 400SC server with a PowerEdge T300, and provided eight new 19-inch EPEAT gold-certified flat panel monitors.

To view details on the makeover and hear firsthand from Robertson Homes co-owner and IT manager Clint Robertson on the value of green to his customers and his business, check out the “green makeover” video. We’ll be going back to visit Clint and his team in three months to see the REAL savings based on how companies actually use our technology on a daily basis vs. relying solely on our own engineering tests! We’ll update you on those results here and on our small business blog. A few things we do know from our energy calculations:

• The Optiplex 960 enables up to 84 percent less power consumption over Robertson Homes older OptiPlex 170L desktops and up to 43 percent less power consumption over the previous generation of OptiPlex desktops to reduce energy costs (actual performance will vary based on configuration, usage and manufacturing variability);
• The new PowerEdge T300 server is 23 percent more efficient than their previous 400SC server; and
• Three CRT monitors were removed and replaced with EPEAT Gold-certified 19-inch widescreen monitors for an approximate 50-percent reduction in average power consumption per monitor.

Added up, these savings directly impact the bottom line! If you are in the market for new desktops and want to ensure you are getting the most energy-efficient Dell configuration possible to experience similar savings, consider these components and settings:

• Energy Star 4.0 Category B or C, EPEAT Gold, Dell ESMART Settings (additional $20)
• Intel Core 2 Duo Processors
• 88% efficient power supply
• Quiet Kit (50% less noise; additional $50)
• Integrated Graphics or DVI-add in card ($10)
• 2.5” hard drives (more energy efficient than 3.5” drives) ($16 more for 80GB 2.5” hard drive vs. 80GB 3.5” hard drive)

On average, this will add around $100 to the upfront cost per desktop, but with the energy savings expected over the life of the system, the benefits more than outweigh the cost.

For more Optiplex news, visit www.dell.com/seriousbusiness.  Here you can learn more about the productivity, manageability and serviceability gains and security features of the new systems – all the more reason to give the new Optiplex a serious look. And stay tuned for a follow-up post and video tomorrow featuring Leigh Stringer, aka Greenette, editor of The Green Workplace blog and author of the upcoming book, "The Green Workplace." Leigh will be sharing additional tips for “greening” your business to save even more in energy costs.