We use it for storing all the information for our gaming and distribution software.
System Administrator at a hospitality company with 1,001-5,000 employees
We have plenty of scalability and can add more nodes
Pros and Cons
- "We were able to speed up our gaming software, which was a big plus."
- "I would like an easier migration. This way, if a node fails like it did, the data would have been migrated and I would not have had to get up at three in the morning."
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
We were able to get past drives. We were also able to speed up our gaming software, which was a big plus.
What needs improvement?
I would like an easier migration. This way, if a node fails like it did, the data would have been migrated and I would not have had to get up at three in the morning.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It runs better than our previous solution.
Buyer's Guide
VxRail
November 2024
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What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have plenty of scalability and can add more nodes, if needed.
How are customer service and support?
We had one node that failed, and the technical support was very good about helping us.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We switched because the previous solution was seven years old. We could no longer get support on it.
This is a better SAN solution than the one that we used to use.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward for us, because the Dell EMC team did all the work.
What about the implementation team?
We used Dell EMC to install it. We are very happy with it.
We did have issues with the migration.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We evaluated CDW and Insight. We went with CDW because it seemed to be the better option of the two companies.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend the solution, as we have been very happy with it.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Infrastructure Senior Specialist at a financial services firm with 51-200 employees
With SSD cache managed by vSAN technology, all servers have a faster experience
Pros and Cons
- "It is the most valuable Software Defined Storage ever to manage all storage workloads, and also offers high availability."
- "We spend around six months waiting for a confirmation and firmware upgrade to confirm this step."
How has it helped my organization?
What is most valuable?
vSAN: It is the most valuable Software Defined Storage ever to manage all storage workloads, and also offers high availability.
What needs improvement?
It still has compatibility issues with the latest version of VMware vSphere 6.5. In fact, we spend around six months waiting for a confirmation and firmware upgrade to confirm this step.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Only in replication using native RP4VM software.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
No issues.
How are customer service and technical support?
They are always in touch with us doing whatever they can.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I used to use traditional infrastructure (blade servers and SAN storage). I switched for scalability and for the fast-growing data center that I have.
How was the initial setup?
It is a little complex. We had a lot of technical discussions to set a proper plan and basic architecture.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Most of hyper-converged solutions require additional licenses for the virtualization layer (like VMware). Nutanix, for example, offers their solution (Acropolis) for free. So, you have to revisit your needs and budget.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Nutanix, Cisco HyperFlex, and HPE Hyper Converged.
What other advice do I have?
It is good choice if you are looking for flexibility and scalability for the future.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Buyer's Guide
VxRail
November 2024
Learn what your peers think about VxRail. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2024.
824,067 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Station Manager at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Deployment is simple because everything is already built into the finished product
Pros and Cons
- "Depending on your architecture type, it's simple to manage and implement VxRail compared to other solutions. That's why most of our customers use it."
- "Sometimes during implementation, you can some scripting errors. And there are some issues when we update the version. There are some issues like the version will not get updated or stable at some time. Dell needs to resolve these problems, we don't waste time fixing them."
What is our primary use case?
We mostly provide VxRail for companies that need to integrate different solutions. It's an embedded solution with storage, computing, and networking parts. Most customers use it because for integration. Our clients are mostly government agencies, educational companies, and enterprise labor.
How has it helped my organization?
Depending on your architecture type, it's simple to manage and implement VxRail compared to other solutions. That's why most of our customers use it.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable aspect of VxRail is its management capability, especially during deployment. It has so many built-in features.
What needs improvement?
Sometimes during implementation, you can some scripting errors. And there are some issues when we update the version. There are some issues like the version will not get updated or stable at some time. Dell needs to resolve these problems, we don't waste time fixing them.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've been actively implementing VxRail solutions for different projects at various companies for two years, and we've worked with several series of VxRail solutions.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
VxRail is very stable, and you can upgrade it as needed. It will prompt you to update if there are any updates available.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
VxRail is scalable. You can add up to 64 nodes in a single cluster. Anytime you need to scale up or scale out, you can add hard disks on the node or you can add the node itself to the cluster. The scale depends on the customer's requirements. They put out a bid proposal and based on that, we propose the solution they need. It's VxRail most of the time. We first visit their site and look at the solutions in their existing environment. Then based on that, we provide the best solution, which is usually VxRail.
How are customer service and support?
Dell support is proactive. I'm happy with their support. They're active and supportive.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
In addition to this hyperconverged solution, we have implemented CI Converged solutions, which is a Dell EMC product. However, we recommend the HCI solution for most companies.
How was the initial setup?
Deployment is simple because everything is already built into the finished product. Implementation will not take as long as other products. The management is also straightforward. It has its own support that integrates directly through the network with the vendor. The vendors can automatically log into the system and support the customer. This and other features make VxRail more accessible to our customers.
I've deployed it so many times, including the mounting, nodes, cabling, visualizing, and configuring everything until it gets into production. The full deployment takes a day at most. The maintenance can either be physical or software maintenance. If there are any issues with the physical part, we do the RME process to get the hardware directly from the vendor. If there is a software issue, it's usually an issue we've seen before, so we can troubleshoot it ourselves. If there are any issues we can't resolve, we create a support ticket for the vendors to log into the system and do the maintenance directly.
What other advice do I have?
I rate VxRail eight out of 10. It's a good solution compared to the three-tier architecture, especially for companies that need educational sector services for VDI solutions. It's better to base this on Dell EMC. In the computer, this three-tier architecture is like a docking sensor in your box solutions to use, implement, and manage.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Technical manager at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Fast, reliable, pure infrastructure solution
Pros and Cons
- "It's a simple product, fast, and reliable."
- "One area of the product that could be improved is the support."
What is our primary use case?
All of the primary use cases of the solution are pure infrastructure, and one of two of them are horizon infrastructures.
What needs improvement?
One area of the product that could be improved is the support. In the first year, it was not that fast. Simple things could be changed, but the support has make the changes because you cannot just change them in VxRail. It had to be the support, and they took a little more time than usual supporting other kinds of infrastructures.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for five to seven years. I'm an integrator.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is not straightforward, but it's not that complicated. Deployment is supposed to be complicated, so it does not necessarily need to be easier.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
If you already have VMware, you just have to convert the license and apply it to the VxRail.
What other advice do I have?
We have about 400 customers, and I would recommend the solution. It's a simple product, fast, and reliable.
I would rate the solution an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator
Tremendous performance with easy setup and good support
Pros and Cons
- "Initial setup is straightforward, as everything is pre-installed."
- "Integration could be improved."
What needs improvement?
The product's integration could be improved. Its price is also a bit of a challenge, particularly if you want extra features or higher performance.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using this solution for two years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
This solution is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
My experience with the technical support for this product has been good.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward, as everything is pre-installed.
What other advice do I have?
VxRail's performance is tremendous, and it provides fine security. I would recommend this solution for most customers who want to avoid complex SAN storage implementations and managing SAN storage, as VxRail provides a single point of management console. I would rate this solution nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator
Network Engineer at a tech services company with 201-500 employees
A hyper-converged appliance with valuable deduplication feature, but the price could be better
Pros and Cons
- "It has a valuable deduplication feature."
- "The price could be better. The backup mechanism could also be better. Some of our clients prefer to work with backup software from a different vendor. They don't do a built-in backup solution. It would be better if they had guidelines on proper sizing and the whole life cycle from the requirement collection. If there aren't any proper guidelines, how do I go to the customer and evaluate their existing infrastructure? How can you do appropriate sizing to migrate to a hyper-converged environment? I think this is a requirement because most of our clients are migrating to a hyper-converged environment. In the next release, they can improve absolutely anything you can think of to improve the product in general—for example, the clusters and backup software."
What is our primary use case?
I work in the tendering and bidding department. We study the fees and propose a solution based on the customer requirements. Over the last three years, most of our clients have been migrating to hyper-converged environments. I worked with most of the hyper-converged vendors regarding implementation, pricing, and reviewing the technical write-up.
What is most valuable?
It has a valuable deduplication feature.
What needs improvement?
The price could be better. The backup mechanism could also be better. Some of our clients prefer to work with backup software from a different vendor. They don't do a built-in backup solution.
It would be better if they had guidelines on proper sizing and the whole life cycle from the requirement collection. If there aren't any proper guidelines, how do I go to the customer and evaluate their existing infrastructure? How can you do appropriate sizing to migrate to a hyper-converged environment? I think this is a requirement because most of our clients are migrating to a hyper-converged environment.
In the next release, they can improve absolutely anything you can think of to improve the product in general—for example, the clusters and backup software.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using VxRail for about three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I think VxRail is very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability is perfect.
How was the initial setup?
I think the initial setup is a straightforward process. In the beginning, there may have been issues in terms of sizing and collecting the requirements. But there weren't too many complications.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
VxRail is quite expensive and could be cheaper. I would say that the main difference between VxRail and the competition is cost. There may be some differences in features, but I would say that it's mainly the costs.
What other advice do I have?
On a scale from one to ten, I would give VxRail a seven.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Systems / Security Administrator with 51-200 employees
Makes for easier deployments through automation and improved accessibility
Pros and Cons
- "Its ease of administration is extremely valuable. It allows me to make better use of my time for other tasks instead of maintaining systems through multiple administration consoles."
- "It makes for easier deployments through automation and improved accessibility."
- "It needs faster deployment of security patches."
What is our primary use case?
For use with our on-premise infrastructure.
How has it helped my organization?
It makes for easier deployments through automation and improved accessibility.
What is most valuable?
Its ease of administration is extremely valuable. It allows me to make better use of my time for other tasks instead of maintaining systems through multiple administration consoles.
What needs improvement?
It needs faster deployment of security patches. Dell EMC is already improving its patching method, but faster security patch rollout would alleviate risks associated from known vulnerabilities within VMware/subsystems.
For how long have I used the solution?
One to three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
No issues with stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
No issues with scalability.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support has not been needed.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We previously used traditional storage and compute. We switched because we needed a single pane of glass for administration.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Be mindful of your storage needs now and for the future.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We evaluated VxRail vs HPE SimpliVity, as well as Flex, and others.
What other advice do I have?
You should make use of all the products available within the solution.
Disclosure: PeerSpot contacted the reviewer to collect the review and to validate authenticity. The reviewer was referred by the vendor, but the review is not subject to editing or approval by the vendor.
Head of Professional Solutions at a tech services company with 201-500 employees
It's fully integrated
Pros and Cons
- "like VxRail because it's fully integrated. The other hyperconverged solutions are also well integrated. They are all highly similar to each other in that regard. But we prefer VxRail for its physical integrations or lifecycle management. It also has vCenter, which integrates the hardware lifecycle management."
- "VxRail could be easier to set up. It's tricky to configure the network properly and match the requirements."
What is our primary use case?
VxRail is a software-defined storage solution that works with all VMware products. That's the primary function. So if a customer has limited IT staff and technical expertise, but they want to shift their workload into the cloud in the future, then VxRail is a good option.
What is most valuable?
I like VxRail because it's fully integrated. The other hyperconverged solutions are also well integrated. They are all highly similar to each other in that regard. But we prefer VxRail for its physical integrations or lifecycle management. It also has vCenter, which integrates the hardware lifecycle management. Everything can be done from vCenter, and that is a big advantage for us.
What needs improvement?
All hyperconverged solutions have one shortcoming: They are demanding in terms of compatibility and conformity of the network. So that is a problem for all hyperconverged solutions, including VxRail.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using VxRail for a few years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
VxRail is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
VxRail is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
Dell support is fine. It's on an expert level. They are well aware of all the technical to-do's with the product. They are very skilled.
How was the initial setup?
VxRail could be easier to set up. It's tricky to configure the network properly and match the requirements.
What other advice do I have?
I rate VxRail eight out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
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