Cisco Storage Area Networking vs. Lenovo ThinkSystem DS Series

The best scenario where we found the Cisco Storage Area Networking is best suited is for an architecture where we need a robust technology that provides high level SLAs regarding downtime due to maintenance activities. Our infrastructure provides the core to our Data analytics team, which provides the data needed for our commercial and management leaders to make the right decisions thanks to the data. We need our infrastructure to be robust and reliable, when it runs smoothly, we can focus on other aspects of IT Infrastructure areas, giving our inside business clients the service they need.

Incentivized

It works very well for essential data storage such as security footage. It is well suited for remote office storage, but not so much as large database storage.

Incentivized

• Zoning
• High MTBF
• Buffer Credits

Incentivized

• They are very easy to maintain and repair.
• The raid and storage speeds are excellent.
• They offer many ways to use the system as a standalone or in a cluster.

Incentivized

• Licensing
• Lack of GUI

Incentivized

• There are a lot of xclarity tools that need to be condensed.
• I would like to see the old IMM interface return as the new management interface is not as easy to use.
• Replacing some of the internal components is more involved than it used to be.

Incentivized

My rating of Cisco Storage Area Networking is a solid 10 regarding low-latency network is due to the high needs our data analysis teams need on their tasks. They have a lot of batch jobs that last quite some time and that also overlaps in a series of periods during the day. Their batch jobs need to run flawlessly, so our commercial teams can make the right decisions right on time. Our data also needs to be backed, up, when we run backup jobs, it is important that they do not decrease the efficiency regarding the service. This is also a key point in our choice to use Cisco Storage Area Networking as our backbone.

Incentivized

We looked at the Brocade G series and IBM SAN switches, but the seamless integration into our AAA suite and availability of skills in our local market were big factors. We also have these deployed in FlexPod and VxBlock environments, which the reference architectures provide additional confidence in the solutions overall compatibility, supportability and sustainability.

Incentivized

I much prefer the old x systems as I have worked with them for a while. The ds series is much faster and more reliable. Servicing it is simple but some internal components require more involvement.

Incentivized

We have not reviewed this product's overall security vs others but have not noticed any issues.

Incentivized

• Enhanced reliability and minimized downtime.
• Ensuring continuous data availability.
• New business model that change CAPEX into OPEX with an evergreen equipment maintenance.

Incentivized

• It has generated a lot of revenue in our service department.
• It has made us invest more in learning all of the new systems with xclarity etc.

Incentivized