It's a Winner!! for us
Updated March 21, 2024
It's a Winner!! for us
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with StarWind Virtual SAN
We have been using a StarWind Virtual SAN (VSAN) on two production locations with a Hyper-V Cluster for almost 7 years now in my current company but have 10 year of experience with the product. It has given us very good performance and we haven't had any issue with it in the past years. StarWind support is excellent, very fast and has very good knowledge of the StarWind and Hyper-V Cluster software. What we like best about it is that it's the only true two-node Hyper-V cluster solution that's available. On both production locations, we have a 2-node setup over 2 different server rooms. Our main goal was that we want to have all VM servers available on one Cluster host, in case of a disaster in one of our server rooms. Microsoft SSD (Storage Space Direct) always needs a 3rd witness (SMB or Cloud) but in ours a two-node solution this is not ideal. Direct connected fiber connections between the nodes makes everything fast and makes the chance of a Cluster split-brain fault less likely.
- True two node Hyper-V cluster solution.
- Performance.
- StarWind support will install and configure the software and also update it for you.
- Simplicity.
- none yet
- It easy to maintian with a small IT Team because of the great support of Starwind
- It's fast and doesn't need a third witness voor you cluster to work
- All VM can be running on one cluster host
Do you think StarWind Virtual SAN delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with StarWind Virtual SAN's feature set?
Yes
Did StarWind Virtual SAN live up to sales and marketing promises?
Yes
Did implementation of StarWind Virtual SAN go as expected?
Yes
Would you buy StarWind Virtual SAN again?
Yes
Using StarWind Virtual SAN
3 - Own IT staff, managing IT infrastructure for multiple locations of our company.
3 - IT System/Network Administrators need all skills to support all kinds of IT software and IT Hardware of our company.
- Storage for our Hyper-V Cluster.
- Hardware is placed on multiple locations so fast sync is important.
- Performance.
- Support from vendor.
- Keep it simple.
- True Two-node HA cluster configuration (no 3rd witness needed).
Evaluating StarWind Virtual SAN and Competitors
Yes - HP StoreVirtual SAN
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
A 2-node HA cluster without 3rd party appliances.
We will not change the selection. We also checked Microsoft SDS for our new servers but StarWind matched more with our wishes.
StarWind Virtual SAN Implementation
- Third-party professional services
Vendor (StarWind) did the installation with our own in-house IT staff.
StarWind Virtual SAN Training
- No Training
By Remotly viewing how the install it and with the help of there documentation you have a good idea how everything works
Configuring StarWind Virtual SAN
No - we have not done any customization to the interface
No - we have not done any custom code
StarWind Virtual SAN Support
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed No escalation required Immediate help available Support understands my problem Support cares about my success Quick Initial Response | None |
Yes, because it the best way to do when you have third-party software.
They always get in contact after a couple of days after they implement the software.
Using StarWind Virtual SAN
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Well integrated Consistent Convenient Feel confident using | Requires technical support |
- Installation is done with StarWind Support.
- Check the sync status.
- Iscsi target could be a little difficult if you never used it before
Yes, but I don't use it
StarWind Virtual SAN Reliability
Relationship with StarWind
Upgrading StarWind Virtual SAN
Yes - Yes it was done by starwind support without any issues.
- keep everything up-to-date