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HPE MSA Reviews

Vendor: Hewlett Packard Enterprise
4.2 out of 5
Badge Leader
557 followers
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What is HPE MSA?

Whether you need best-in-class performance or are looking to get the most capacity for your investment, MSA has a fast, affordable solution for you. And every MSA comes with an intuitive setup and management interface anyone can master.

Get the HPE MSA Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about HPE MSA, IBM FlashSystem, NetApp FAS Series and more!
HPE MSA is the #5 ranked solution in top Modular SAN (Storage Area Network) solutions. PeerSpot users give HPE MSA an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. HPE MSA is most commonly compared to IBM FlashSystem: HPE MSA vs IBM FlashSystem. HPE MSA is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 51% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 15% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
HPE MSA
April 2025
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Featured HPE MSA reviews

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HPE MSA mindshare

As of April 2025, the mindshare of HPE MSA in the Modular SAN (Storage Area Network) category stands at 19.9%, up from 17.1% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Modular SAN (Storage Area Network)

PeerResearch reports based on HPE MSA reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryModular SAN (Storage Area Network)Apr 28, 2025Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersApr 28, 2025Download
ComparisonHPE MSA vs NetApp FAS SeriesApr 28, 2025Download
ComparisonHPE MSA vs HPE 3PAR StoreServApr 28, 2025Download
ComparisonHPE MSA vs Hitachi Virtual Storage PlatformApr 28, 2025Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
IBM FlashSystem4.119.8%91%111 interviewsAdd to research
NetApp FAS Series4.419.2%96%108 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

HPE MSA is praised for its easy management, cost-effectiveness, and robust platform. Users highlight its stability, scalability, and flexibility. Key features include dual controllers, data deduplication, snapshots, monitoring, integration capabilities, and easy setup. Users appreciate its performance, storage levels, and autonomic tiering. The user-friendly interface simplifies configuration and guides non-technical individuals. Options for power supplies, CPUs, and connectivity enhance adaptability, and users commend its reliability, especially in power outage-prone regions.
  • "The speed and performance of HPE MSA are admirable."
  • "It has notably provided scalability benefits."
  • "The most valuable features are data deduplication and snapshot replication."

Room for Improvement

HPE MSA could improve by offering more block-based storage and additional advanced features such as synchronized replication and cloud integration. It would benefit from enhanced GUI and firmware updates. Users express a desire for better hardware flexibility. Expanding scalability, introducing more data security features, and reducing support contract costs are also areas for enhancement. Improved management tools, configuration options, and direct cloud connectivity would increase its appeal for small and medium businesses.
  • "Data security features are more important to me than anything else, and I think HPE MSA lacks in this area."
  • "It should show more options for cloud backup support."
  • "It would be beneficial to have an add-on feature to improve analytics or insight capabilities inside the app."

ROI

Several entities noted cost savings and return on investment from HPE MSA usage, highlighting its affordability as an entry-level storage option. This central storage system enables multiple servers to be spun up, avoiding higher expenses and optimizing business operations.

Pricing

HPE MSA pricing is considered entry-level but can start over $10,000 or 10,000 euros, which may be a barrier for small businesses. Some enterprises find it reasonably priced due to responsive support and competitive licensing costs, while others view it as expensive compared to alternatives. The solution involves a one-time CapEx with additional fees for storage expansion, offering perpetual licenses not relying on monthly or yearly fees, with prices varying by features and storage units.
  • "The solution’s pricing is reasonable."
  • "I would rate the pricing as nine out of ten, where one is cheap, and ten is expensive."
  • "HPE StorageWorks MSA's licensing is perpetual and not integrated."

Popular Use Cases

HPE MSA is widely utilized for virtualization environments, data storage, and central storage for VMware clusters. It supports workloads for companies and customers, serving as a storage utility for normal servers, NAS, SAN, and CCTV systems. Ideal for small to medium businesses, its ease of use suits various infrastructures, such as hotels, hospitals, and government projects. It is employed in fiber-based storage for production servers, file servers, SQL databases, and active directories.

Service and Support

HPE MSA's customer service is generally well-received. Users find technical support responsive, helpful in upgrading firmware, and quick to assist. Experience varies; some rate it highly for effectiveness, while others mention slow response times and inadequacies in dealing with recurring issues. Support is praised in areas like Saudi Arabia, with requests for better integration with tools. Engineers are seen as knowledgeable, but users express a desire for improvements in speed and preventive measures.

Deployment

HPE MSA's initial setup is consistently described as straightforward and easy by users. Many express no difficulty during deployment, highlighting user-friendly processes and quick configuration. Time taken varied from 15 minutes to a few days, often depending on the environment. Integration with various operating systems was seamless. Assistance from HPE support was appreciated, especially for custom configurations. Organizations found the setup manageable, often rating the ease highly on a ten-point scale.

Scalability

HPE MSA is regarded as scalable by users. It suits small to medium-sized enterprises and allows multiple expansions like adding shelves and bays. Users agree on its ease of scaling, though it may not fit large enterprise needs. Many users highlight its capacity to host customer workloads and improved storage without difficulty. Some find its scalability limited, especially in terms of fixed configurations. This scalability is often rated highly in user assessments.

Stability

HPE MSA is recognized for its strong reliability, consistently praised by users. Minor firmware issues occurred about five years ago, but it remains rock-solid. Users deploy HPE MSA across multiple areas due to its dependability. While some face hard drive failures, RAID successfully manages these conditions. Many users rate its stability high and appreciate its resilience in challenging conditions. There are no persistent stability problems, and both customers and partners express high satisfaction levels.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our HPE MSA Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Manufacturing Company
15%
Computer Software Company
15%
Government
8%
Construction Company
7%
Healthcare Company
6%
Real Estate/Law Firm
5%
Educational Organization
5%
Financial Services Firm
5%
Comms Service Provider
5%
Wholesaler/Distributor
3%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
3%
University
3%
Media Company
3%
Retailer
2%
Non Profit
2%
Energy/Utilities Company
2%
Outsourcing Company
2%
Hospitality Company
2%
Insurance Company
2%
Legal Firm
2%
Logistics Company
1%
Mining And Metals Company
1%

Compare HPE MSA with alternative products

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Learn more about HPE MSA

HPE MSA was previously known as HP StorageWorks MSA.

HPE MSA customers

Femsa CSC, TTX, Rabobank

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Product Categories

Product Categories
Modular SAN (Storage Area Network)

Popular Comparisons

Popular Comparisons
IBM FlashSystem vs HPE MSA Logo
IBM FlashSystem vs HPE MSA
NetApp FAS Series vs HPE MSA Logo
NetApp FAS Series vs HPE MSA
HPE 3PAR StoreServ vs HPE MSA Logo
HPE 3PAR StoreServ vs HPE MSA
Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform vs HPE MSA Logo
Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform vs HPE MSA
Oracle Sun ZFS Storage Appliance vs HPE MSA Logo
Oracle Sun ZFS Storage Appliance vs HPE MSA
Dell EqualLogic PS series vs HPE MSA Logo
Dell EqualLogic PS series vs HPE MSA
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HPE MSA reviews

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JT
Manager, Information Technology at a construction company with 201-500 employees
Verified user of HPE MSA
Apr 24, 2025
Ensures quick data handling but needs advanced security features

Pros

"The speed and performance of HPE MSA are admirable."

Cons

"Data security features are more important to me than anything else, and I think HPE MSA lacks in this area."

What is our primary use case?

I am using HPE MSA storage solutions for my organization's data storage needs. I have offices with different requirements, and this product is used across our various setups.

What is most valuable?

The speed and performance of HPE MSA are admirable. I found that its scalability benefited my organization, especially in larger settings. While the price is not reasonable, its performance makes up for it. Additionally, the licensing costs are consistent with most brands. Compared to Huawei, however, I found that Huawei's processing power, performance, and cost were more advantageous.
*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (476 words)
Pragnesh Sachania - PeerSpot user
Deputy Manager IT at La Gajjar
Verified user of HPE MSA
Aug 10, 2024
Scalable, easy to manage, and used for virtualization environments

Pros

"The solution is scalable and easy to manage."

Cons

"We faced a lot of challenges with our custom configuration during installation."

What is our primary use case?

We use HPE MSA for our virtualization environment.

What is most valuable?

The solution is scalable and easy to manage.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (439 words)
Buyer's Guide
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Find out what your peers are saying about HPE MSA. Updated April 2025
849,335 professionals have used our research since 2012.
CarlosArdila - PeerSpot user
Project Manager, Information Technology at Telelago
Verified user of HPE MSA
May 31, 2024
Has a straightforward setup process and good technical support services

Pros

"MSA performs exceptionally well, particularly in regions with frequent power outages."

Cons

"The platform’s monitoring capabilities could be enhanced."

What is most valuable?

MSA performs exceptionally well, particularly in regions with frequent power outages. It reliably restarts without issues after shutdowns caused by power interruptions, such as when a UPS depletes its battery or a generator fails to start.

What needs improvement?

The platform’s monitoring capabilities could be enhanced, particularly in terms of integration with other tools. While it works seamlessly with PRTG, integrating with Zabbix requires a custom OID.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Read full review (387 words)
Saleem Ullah-Khan - PeerSpot user
Manager - IT Business Solutions at Kuwait Automotive Imports Company
Verified user of HPE MSA
Dec 4, 2023
An affordable solution for data storage but lacks cloud backup

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution for data storage.

What is most valuable?

HPE offers the flexibility of the ports in terms of connection using iSAPI, private channels, or anything else.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (420 words)
Atilla Celiloglu - PeerSpot user
Broadcast Technology Director at tv8
Verified user of HPE MSA
Dec 30, 2024
Improved storage management with room for better cloud integration

Pros

"It has notably provided scalability benefits."

Cons

"It should show more options for cloud backup support."

What is our primary use case?

I have been using HPE MSA for storage area network purposes.

What is most valuable?

Generally, HPE MSA has improved my storage management. It has notably provided scalability benefits.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (195 words)
Muhammad Saqib - PeerSpot user
System Engineer at Hybrid Tech
Verified user of HPE MSA
Dec 4, 2024
Product version discussed: NA
Affordable solution boosts storage scalability with autonomic tiering and DBplus options

Pros

"The most valuable feature for customers is the autonomic tiering, which enhances their storage scalability as easily as possible. "

Cons

"HPE should reintroduce customizable ports as they were in Gen 5, allowing customers to use both iSCSI or SC on a single controller. "

What is our primary use case?

Mostly, customers in Pakistan use MSA for small to medium business solutions. It's easy to use and doesn't require significant technical expertise to configure or use.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature for customers is the autonomic tiering, which enhances their storage scalability as easily as possible. 

Additionally, the MSA DBplus is a very good option for customers to scale their storage. MSA is cheap and scalable compared to other solutions, making it a solid and cost-effective choice.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer:
Read full review (368 words)
SS
Owner at INTUIS COMPUTERS
Verified user of HPE MSA
Dec 19, 2023
Stable and offers a wide range of options for power supplies

Pros

"The most valuable feature of HPE StorageWorks MSA is its flexibility. "

Cons

"Some clients have suggested room for improvement in expanding storage capacity beyond the base traces. "

What is our primary use case?

I use HPE StorageWorks MSA for my data center needs. I combine the storage with server services and software to create a centralized environment. By connecting everything in the network and setting up a virtual environment for servers, I manage data storage and server resources for improved performance and centralization.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of HPE StorageWorks MSA is its flexibility. I appreciate the range of options for power supplies, CPUs, and fast 10-gigabit network connections, including both optical and Ethernet. This flexibility allows me to configure the system according to specific needs, with various options for internet ports.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller
Read full review (526 words)
RM
Server Engineer at Telephony
Verified user of HPE MSA
Oct 6, 2023
Offers good monitoring features and scalable solution

Pros

"Monitoring is a very big thing. Other great features include block storage; volume creation and the data reliability scalability, which makes the solution really good."

Cons

"There is room for improvement in terms of scalability. There are times when we need to upgrade the device and the firmware. Sometimes, that can be a struggle."

What is our primary use case?

We suggest this solution for multiple infrastructures, such as hotels, hospitals, and government projects, are using the solution. For small businesses and other organizations that require a small infrastructure or less scalability, we use any storage solution that meets their needs. However, for organizations that require high scalability and storage capacity, the MSA is the most suitable solution. 

What is most valuable?

Monitoring is a very big thing. Other great features include block storage; volume creation and the data reliability scalability, which makes the solution really good.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Pre-sales Engineer | System Integrator
Read full review (510 words)