Enterprises long for ways to use data center infrastructure more efficiently. Some have given up on local data centers altogether, entrusting their data and compute resources to cloud service providers. 

But sometimes, there’s no substitute for the high throughput and low latency of local infrastructure for high-volume workloads.

Optimizing data center efficiency requires virtualizing compute and storage resources with hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI). And one of the first names in HCI is EMC VxRail from Dell Technologies.

In this guide, you’ll learn the different Dell VxRail pricing and types, and why Dell Technologies is the go-to provider for hyperconverged infrastructure appliances.

What is VxRail? It is the result of a partnership between Dell Technologies and VMware to develop a line of HCI appliances optimized for VMware’s server virtualization architecture. 

VxRail consolidates compute, storage, virtualization resources and automated lifecycle management in one appliance whose specifications are configurable to your specific business needs.

Dell VxRail Types

Dell’s VxRail models are organized into different series, each serving a distinct broad application scenario:

• P series: With a high core count, large installed memory, and large capacity for all-flash or hybrid storage, P-series appliances are meant for high-performance, high-throughput applications such as large database management systems.
• D series: These appliances have a smaller form factor and lower hardware specifications, but are expanded to deliver VxRail in challenging environments.
• E series: This series provides cost-effective VxRail capability for a wide range of applications.
• V series: These high-performance appliances are optimized for the heavy computing and storage requirements of 2D and 3D graphics rendering and visualization.
• S series: With hybrid-only storage, the S series is optimized for high storage capacity.
• G series: These general-purpose HCI appliances deliver midrange performance for less-intensive business applications.

VxRail Pricing

Because Dell Technologies custom-configures each system according to your needs, there is no single “VxRail price list.” Each delivered system is a unique combination of:

• Processor cores (anywhere from 2 to 56)
• Memory (64 GB up to 3,072 GB)
• Hybrid storage (1.2 TB up to 48 TB)
• All-flash storage (1.92 TB up to 76.8 TB for appliances that support all-flash storage)
  

(Click Here to get access to Dell VXRail pricing options from Quadbridge)

Different minimum and maximum configurations for these attributes vary depending on the product series.

Your hardware costs depend on the configuration and number of nodes. Although it’s possible to implement a single node, it’s recommended to start with a three-node system and add nodes (in one-node building blocks) as needed. The scalability of VxRail simplifies this expansion.

In addition to the hardware, each node requires a VxRail software license. Other software licensing may also be required, depending on the configuration and use case of your system.

The listed Dell EMC VxRail price per node, including the basic hardware and software, varies based on the product, its configuration and the number of nodes installed. 

Remember that the value of VxRail lies in its substantial reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO) compared with traditional, non-HCI data center architectures. According to IDC, customers can realize a five-year return on investment of almost 500%.
VxRail Reviews

A look at the reviews of the Dell VxRail product line shows overwhelming customer enthusiasm. Here is a summary of the feedback.

Motivators: Why did customers choose HCI?

• Improve business process agility
• Operational efficiencies and cost management
• Compliance and risk management
• Driving enterprise innovation

Key decision factors: Why did customers choose Dell VxRail appliances?

• Strong vendors in Dell and VMware with strong customer focus
• Wide range of products and services
• Low entry cost for small and medium-sized businesses
• Ease of use and maintenance

Advantages: What benefits does the Dell VxRail environment provide?

• Hardware/software integration - Dell EMC and VMware jointly engineered the product for tight integration and optimization
• Flexibility - A variety of configurations that can be optimized for specific use cases
• Scalability - The ability to start with a small system (low entry cost) and scale up as needs evolve
• Maintenance - With centralized management, maintenance and upgrades are easier than with a traditional architecture, resulting in zero downtime
• Security - Built-in encryption, backup, and recovery services
• Support - VxRail offers a single-point-of-contact support model for both the hardware and software

The Bottom Line

As the demands on IT infrastructure increase, data is being generated at an unprecedented rate. Business users expect rapid analytics and vast, secure storage. End customers are asking more of your e-commerce capability.

Your IT support staff may not be growing at the same rate as the demands on their time and expertise. As enterprises attempt to squeeze more performance and productivity from every dollar spent, increasing the efficiency of your IT infrastructure and staff is critical to business success.

A shift from the traditional rack-and-stack data center model towards super-efficient HCI is inevitable. With compute and storage resources for hundreds of virtual machines implemented in a single appliance, Dell VxRail maximizes resource utilization and power efficiency while simplifying maintenance and scalability.

Work With a Trusted Dell Channel Partner

As a Dell Technologies Platinum Partner, Quadbridge can provide you with significant discounts and package options to reduce system startup costs. If you’re new to VxRail, our team can provide you with expert advice, a free scoping session and a quote to assist with your purchase decision.

It’s time to take immediate action before increasing IT demands exceed the capacity of your current infrastructure, and Dell EMC VxRail is the way to go. Contact us today for more information.