We acquired PowerMax for virtualization with PowerVC, which is the IBM product for virtualization. We're still in the PoC phase. While we initially acquired it for the PowerVC solution, we hope to deploy everything on it once we finish the PoC.
Storage Admin at a financial services firm with 501-1,000 employees
Integration using the API for Unisphere is pretty amazing
Pros and Cons
- "PowerMax, with version 9.02, which we installed recently, has some very good features, such as CloudIQ."
- "The NVMe integration could be improved."
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
The data in our environment grows very quickly. Other solutions were a little bit slow, but with the PowerMax, there isn't going to be any negative impact.
What is most valuable?
Unisphere 9 has good functionality compared to version 8 or version 6. PowerMax, with version 9.02, which we installed recently, has some very good features, such as CloudIQ.
The performance is really good.
I also like that there is integration for automation. We are using the API for Unisphere with PowerMax and it's pretty amazing.
The deduplication and the reduction of data are some of the keys we are looking for because our data is growing so fast. We need a solution to minimize the data.
What needs improvement?
The NVMe integration could be improved.
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Dell PowerMax NVMe
April 2025

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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Whether it's the older version of VMAX, or VMAX All Flash, or PowerMax, all these series are pretty amazing in terms of stability. This is electronics, so nothing is 100 percent perfect.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It's pretty expandable.
How are customer service and support?
We haven't used any tech support for this product.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We used the PowerVC solution with VNX but that didn't work very well. We're doing a PoC with PowerMax and it's working very well compared to VNX.
How was the initial setup?
The setup wasn't complex because we have already deployed a number of VMAXs in our environment and they are pretty much the same.
What about the implementation team?
We are buying it directly from Dell EMC.
What other advice do I have?
We did not go with this solution for the consolidation because in the banking environment we have to isolate the various applications. It's a requirement of the business.
I would rate PowerMax at nine out of ten. I have used many different storage systems, all the major VM technologies, but I find that with Dell EMC there are no issues.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.

Senior Solutions Architect at a healthcare company with 501-1,000 employees
Performance, replication time, and ease of use are key factors for us
Pros and Cons
- "Key features include performance, replication time, and dedup and compression."
- "I'd like to see the dedup and compression improve. Two to one is not very good. We should be getting something like three, four, or five to one."
What is most valuable?
- Performance
- Replication time
- It's become easier to use
- Dedup and compression
What needs improvement?
I'd like to see the dedup and compression improve. Two to one is not very good. We should be getting something like three, four, or five to one.
How was the initial setup?
The setup was pretty straightforward. It wasn't that hard.
What about the implementation team?
We bought it from a reseller and we used some services from Dell EMC. Our experience with them was pretty good. They showed us the basics and got us started.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Buyer's Guide
Dell PowerMax NVMe
April 2025

Learn what your peers think about Dell PowerMax NVMe. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: April 2025.
848,716 professionals have used our research since 2012.
System Engineer at a government with 5,001-10,000 employees
It has reduced our footprint in different physical locations
Pros and Cons
- "It has reduced our footprint in different physical locations."
- "Setting up PowerMax with VMAX is always complex."
How has it helped my organization?
It has reduced our footprint in different physical locations.
What is most valuable?
The health checks and problem solving are its most valuable features.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is good. We never have any issues.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is great.
How are customer service and technical support?
The technical is very good. It is easy to contact someone. They have a great team that helps us.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Our performance requirements were that it has to be always stable.
How was the initial setup?
Setting up PowerMax with VMAX is always complex. The support from Dell EMC helped made a difference.
What about the implementation team?
Dell EMC helped us with the deployment.
What other advice do I have?
It is a really good product. We never max out on the performance.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Member of Technical Staff at Cisco Systems, Inc.
It significantly simplifies storage
Pros and Cons
- "It significantly simplifies storage."
- "There is some room to grow, especially with some of the installation quirks."
What is our primary use case?
We are a partner installer.
How has it helped my organization?
It significantly simplifies storage.
What is most valuable?
- The ease of install
- The ease of maintenance
- Expandability
What needs improvement?
There is some room to grow, especially with some of the installation quirks.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
As an installer, I've seen a lot of different things. It's mostly stable. It's had its fair share of quirks, but support has always been there to help us get around those quirks.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is incredible. It's great.
How are customer service and technical support?
I use technical support frequently. Support has been relatively great across the board. There have been some language barrier issues in the early morning hours. They transfer calls to China, and there are some translation issues, but they know their stuff. You just have to let them go and type because you don't understand what they are saying.
How was the initial setup?
The build process is relatively straightforward.
What other advice do I have?
Talk to other people who have the people. It has been a great experience for most of my customers.
It's pretty much where it needs to be. For the most part, it is solid.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner.

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