Using file virtualization, F5 ARX solutions help organizations to integrate Dell file storage solutions into their existing storage environments in a seamless and transparent manner. ARX devices decouple logical access to files from their physical location. This hides changes at the physical storage device level, simplifying data management and providing the flexibility to move data to Dell storage without disrupting users or applications.

Reduced Storage Costs

ARX helps businesses drive down overall storage costs by reducing management complexity and automating management tasks, which cuts operating expenses, and by increasing utilization of storage assets, which reduces capital expenditures.

ARX provides management policies that automate the movement of individual files based on various file characteristics, such as age or type. For example, a tiering policy can be created to automatically migrate all files that have not been modified in the last 90 days from any major storage vendor to Dell PowerVault NAS. Because of virtualization, users are not aware of a file’s physical location and do not see any change in access. This allows businesses to take advantage of the cost advantages of PowerVault for their less business critical data, which can comprise the majority of all file data.

ARX also aggregates capacity from multiple NAS devices or file servers into a virtual pool, which can greatly simplify provisioning. Administrators can provision a virtual share with storage from any physical resource in the virtual pool, allowing business to reclaim overlooked or stranded capacity, and increase utilization of those resources.


Optimize Backups

Using the ARX to create a tiered storage infrastructure can also help simplify data backups and reduce backup costs. By moving unchanging data to a separate storage tier, administrators can reduce the amount of redundant data that is backed up on a regular basis.

For example, a tiering policy can be created to move files that have not been modified in the last 90 days to a different tier, effectively separating active from inactive data. Now, a company can apply a different backup policy to different categories of data – e.g., they can continue to backup active data weekly, but backup inactive data monthly or quarterly. Because inactive data often comprises the majority of all data, this can dramatically shrink the backup window and reduce the amount of tape media being consumed.


Non-Disruptive Data Migrations


ARX makes it easier for companies looking to move to Dell file storage solutions by reducing the disruption from data migrations. File virtualization decouples logical access to files from their physical locations on backend storage devices. This means that files can be moved to a new location without any client reconfiguration. And, automated migration policies can move entire file systems or just individual files between heterogeneous storage devices, reducing the amount of IT resources required.

F5 Solutions Note for ARX and Dell Network Attached Storage F5 Whiteboard Conversation on Simplifying Data Management
F5 Deployment Guide for the Dell NX1950 and MD3000 Storage Array F5 Whiteboard Conversation on Reducing Storage Costs
F5 Deployment Guide for the Dell NX1950 and EqualLogic PS5000 F5 Whiteboard Conversation on Reducing Backup Windows and Costs

Data Manager Software Trial
F5® Data Manager is an extensible storage management platform that helps you better monitor multiple file storage resources. Data Manager gives you a detailed understanding of your unique file storage structure and enables you to identify areas that can be improved with file virtualization. For a detailed look inside your file storage environment, download the Data Manager 90-Day Trial.

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