HP 3PAR StoreServ Flash storage - High performance storage that won't break the bank
September 11, 2018
HP 3PAR StoreServ Flash storage - High performance storage that won't break the bank
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with HP 3PAR StoreServ Flash Storage
We have been using HP 3PAR StoreServ Flash storage as our primary Data Base server storage within Central IT. All Virtual machine and data base files associated with any of our data bases (production) our stored on the HP 3PAR StoreServ Flash storage. We have the array configured as an all-Flash array (no tiering is used).
- It provides above the level of I/O that we need in order for our data bases to perform as needed. We have never hit a plateau as far as I/O is concerned.
- The 3PAR is very easy to setup, use and manage. Both the GUI and the CLI are very intuitive and allow you to manage the storage your way.
- The 3PAR packs a lot of storage space and performance into a much smaller footprint than our previous storage solution. The 3PAR uses aboout 1/3 of 1 Rack, while our old solution used 2 full rack spaces.
- The system requires a physical or virtual system to manage upgrades and patches and for call home features. Most other systems have this integrated into the array. Just another piece of infrastructure to manage.
- There are some system jobs that come pre-scheduled in the initial setup, but there is at least 1 job that should be added to this by default. When you delete storage, you also need to run a job to compact the CPG (a group where the luns all reside) to reclaim the previously used storage as free. This should be done by default at least monthly in the background.
- There are 2 different GUI front ends that can still be used. The older version (3 PAR management console) is being phased out (has been for 3 years).
- Our data bases are performing at very high levels and can now support the few times a year when we have very high demand.
- The system is very easy to use and has saved us up to 10 hours per week compared to our old system.
- With the smaller footprint we are consuming less electricity and using less cooling to provide more storage that is faster than our old solution.
The 3PAR is faster, easier to use, takes up less space and is much easier to expand than a VMAX system. We compared the 3PAR head to head against XtremIO and Compellent and chose the 3PAR for its combination of performance, features and price (Compellent was cheaper, but did not have some of the features we needed at the time - they do now).