SAN & Enterprise Storage
SAN & Enterprise Storage
Mission-Critical Block Storage for Demanding Workloads
Storage Area Networks deliver the performance, availability, and enterprise-grade data services required for mission-critical applications. With dual-active controllers, all-flash NVMe arrays, AI-driven predictive analytics, and guaranteed 99.9999% uptime, SAN storage provides the foundation for virtualised infrastructure, database clusters, and high-performance computing environments.
MAINNET's enterprise SAN portfolio features HPE Nimble Storage with InfoSight AI, Dell PowerVault ME5 with CloudIQ management, and Lenovo ThinkSystem with XClarity integration. These platforms deliver auto-tiering between flash and disk, inline deduplication and compression, asynchronous replication for disaster recovery, and seamless integration with VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, and leading backup solutions. Scale from entry-level 2U arrays to multi-petabyte all-flash deployments with non-disruptive upgrades.
AI-Driven Management
HPE InfoSight analyses over 1 trillion data points daily to predict and prevent issues before they impact production. Dell CloudIQ provides proactive health monitoring, capacity forecasting, and performance optimisation. Machine learning identifies anomalies, recommends configuration changes, and automates routine tasks.
Guaranteed Availability
HPE Nimble guarantees 99.9999% uptime with dual-active controllers and automated failover. Redundant components include PSUs, fans, controllers, and connectivity paths. Non-disruptive firmware updates, drive replacements, and controller upgrades ensure zero planned downtime for maintenance operations.
All-Flash Performance
NVMe-oF arrays deliver sub-100 microsecond latency and millions of IOPS for latency-sensitive workloads. Inline data reduction with deduplication and compression reduces capacity requirements by 5:1 or greater. Adaptive block size and intelligent caching maximise throughput for mixed workloads.
Enterprise Data Services
Snapshot-based replication enables RPO measured in minutes with minimal bandwidth consumption. Thin provisioning and auto-tiering optimise capacity utilisation. TCG-Ruby self-encrypting drives provide hardware-level encryption with FIPS 140-2 compliance for data-at-rest protection.
Featured Enterprise Platforms
HPE Storage
Industry-leading InfoSight AI delivers predictive analytics, automated recommendations, and guaranteed 99.9999% availability. HPE Nimble features dual-active controllers with cache-coherent architecture whilst MSA provides cost-effective entry-level SAN with enterprise capabilities.
- Nimble All-Flash: Proven 6-9s uptime, InfoSight AI, cloud integration, timeless storage programme
- Nimble Hybrid: Adaptive flash caching, automatic tiering, sub-millisecond latency for tier-1 apps
- MSA Gen6: Entry SAN with 640K IOPS, all-inclusive software, 32Gb FC or 25Gb iSCSI
- Alletra Storage MP: Cloud-native architecture, AI ops, NVMe-oF, data services for hybrid cloud
Dell PowerVault
PowerVault ME5 series delivers entry-enterprise storage with dual Xeon controllers, CloudIQ AI management, and all-inclusive licensing. Purpose-built for SAN and DAS with simplified deployment, flexible connectivity, and exceptional price-performance.
- ME5084: 84-bay 5U dense enclosure, up to 8PB raw capacity, 12Gb/s SAS backend
- ME5024: 24-bay 2U all-flash or hybrid, 640K IOPS, dual 16GB controllers
- ME5012: 12-bay 2U compact, 25Gb iSCSI or 32Gb FC, ADAPT distributed RAID
- Features: CloudIQ analytics, vCenter plugin, SSD read cache, KMIP encryption
Lenovo ThinkSystem
ThinkSystem DE/DM/DG series combines proven NetApp ONTAP or E-Series platforms with Lenovo integration and support. XClarity Administrator provides unified management across compute and storage infrastructure for streamlined operations.
- DM Series: ONTAP-based unified storage, all-flash or hybrid, NVMe-oF, autonomous ransomware protection
- DE Series: All-flash arrays with NVMe, sub-100μs latency, 44GB/s throughput, VAAI integration
- DG Series: QLC flash for capacity-optimised deployments, 5PB per array, cold data tiering
- Management: XClarity integration, ThinkSystem Intelligent Monitoring, 24x7 support
Technical Specifications
Ideal Use Cases
- VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V virtualisation clusters with VAAI/ODX
- Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle RAC, and SAP HANA database environments
- VDI deployments for 500-5,000 concurrent users with predictable latency
- High-performance computing (HPC) for scientific research and simulation
- Video editing and post-production workflows requiring sustained throughput
- Financial services trading platforms with microsecond response requirements
- Healthcare PACS and medical imaging with regulatory compliance
- Backup and disaster recovery repositories with immutable snapshots
- Private cloud infrastructure with OpenStack and Kubernetes integration
- DevOps CI/CD pipelines requiring rapid provisioning and cloning
All enterprise SAN systems include comprehensive management software, replication licenses, and manufacturer warranty. MAINNET provides professional services including capacity planning, implementation, and ongoing support. Extended warranty and NBD hardware replacement available. Contact our storage specialists for proof-of-concept demonstrations and performance modelling.