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We've been looking into SMB SANs and based on the competitive pricing I've been getting we're really liking these two array's. There are some pro's to both solutions, but I've unable to really decide which to choose. The EMC offers better expandability since you can buy an additional shelf (roughly $1200) and can add drives then to the array. However, the Dell unit is still very nice.

Can anyone comment on their experiences with the two and thoughts on this?

Also, to get the VMware Storage API support you need VMware Enterprise. How much additional performance does this provide? It's roughly $15k more than the Essentials Plus bundle we're looking at (this is a small environment [3 Hosts 1 Array].

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Please read the FAQ : serverfault.com/faq#dontask – mfinni Jun 24 '12 at 19:59
If you want to split this discussion into several individual specific answerable questions, that would be very constructive, however. Explain what your needs are and what your questions are for a given feature - like what use you think you might be able to make for the Storage API. – mfinni Jun 24 '12 at 20:01
Hey, the question is proper: "what about storage for vmware", and then it's narrowed to dell and emc. The below answer says "well, dell drives are expensive", which is a major factor in this case, so question was simple as well the answer. – Andrew Smith Jun 24 '12 at 20:58

closed as not constructive by EEAA, growse, mfinni, Chopper3, Shane Madden Jun 24 '12 at 20:39

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.

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up vote -3 down vote

Regarding the storage I had never a single issue with Dell except that some of their products doesn't accept drives which are no dell branded. When it comes to hundreds of drives this makes a difference, because their drives are as up to twice as expensive as no dell branded one. Also, the latest generation of equal logic is not that bad with its iSCSI, but dont use 10GB dell switch for this. Anyway, Dell storage has the best reputation of all so far.

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-1 because "Dell storage has the best reputation of all so far" is completely unsubstantiated. – Jeremy Jun 24 '12 at 20:39
What about "processes and procedures leading to hq products"? – Andrew Smith Jun 24 '12 at 20:54

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