Dell ECS vs HPE File Storage and Object Storage comparison

FlashBlade is the industry’s most advanced scale-out storage for unstructured data, powered by a modern, massively parallel architecture to consolidate complex data silos (like backup appliances and data lakes) and accelerate tomorrow’s discoveries and insights.

Enterprise-ready. Future-proof. Data-first.

Dell EMC Elastic Cloud Storage (ECS) is a file and object storage solution from Dell EMC. ECS has been created to support both traditional and next-generation ecosystems equally. ECS boasts unrivaled economics, manageability, resilience, and scalability to satisfy the demands of today's next-gen, robust business enterprise ecosystems. ECS can easily be deployed in a software-defined model or as a turn-key appliance. ECS is software-defined and multi-layered for unlimited scalability. Every layer is abstracted and scalable with no single point of failure.

• Data service layer: Provides S3 access along with access to SWIFT, CAZ, NFS, HDFS.
• Storage service layer: Stores, retrieves and protects data.
• Fabric layer: Provides clustering, configuration management, health monitoring.

Everything is done within the software, which is containerized, using docker.

ECS is currently deployed using basic commodity hardware, which can easily be federated across as many as eight different locations and managed as a single resource. Additionally, ECS can also protect data at the site level, locally, disk, node, and rack levels. The federation enables a single global namespace with everywhere access to content. Applications can quickly rewrite in an active/active or everywhere active manner.

ECS is also able to be used as secondary storage or archival storage. This will free up valuable primary storage of data that is stale, redundant, or used infrequently, and the data will remain easily accessible. ECS uses policy-based tiering such as Data Domain, Cloud tiering, Isilon using cloud polls, and Geodrive, which give Windows systems direct access to ECS. Windows users can still use server message block (SMB) while leveraging the more expansive ECS storage.

ECS is enterprise-grade and offers valuable features such as retention, multi-tenancy, metering, monitoring, quotas, and more. ECS builds in robust security from the ground up and encrypts data. ECS is compliant with STIG guidelines and adheres to SEC rule 17A-4F.

ECS is an enterprise-ready solution that allows organizations to easily simplify object storage management and visualize information in intuitive new ways, and empowers your business to do even more with data. With ECS, enterprise organizations can deliver cloud-scale economics in-house that will lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and scale, creating greater levels of productivity and profitability.

Reviews from Real Users

One user, who is a deputy director at a tech service company, says ECS offers “good performance, reliability, and technical support”.

Dell EMC ECS is “a stable solution which is easy to scale, install and manage”, relates another user, who is a senior buyer at a tech service company.

"What I like best about this product is that it is a complete solution, both hardware, and software, by the same vendor," summarizes a system engineer at a tech services company. 

HPE File Storage and Object Storage efficiently manages large volumes of data, facilitating quick access, retrieval, and data integrity. It supports high-performance computing, scalability, robust security, and integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure.

Recognized for its scalability, reliability, and security, HPE File Storage and Object Storage is valued for easy integration with existing systems and cost-effectiveness. It excels in handling large datasets and simplifies storage resource management. The solution supports diverse data formats and facilitates seamless data migration. However, users note challenges with the initial setup, performance during heavy data loads, and some integration and scaling issues. There are also concerns about the lack of advanced features, insufficient support documentation, and the system's high cost.

• Scalability: Adapts to growing data needs efficiently.
• Reliability: Ensures uninterrupted data access and integrity.
• Security: Offers robust protection for data across environments.
• Integration: Easily connects with existing infrastructure.
• Cost-effectiveness: Provides value without compromising performance.
• Data Format Support: Handles multiple data formats seamlessly.
• Data Migration: Facilitates smooth data transfer between systems.

• Enhanced Performance: Efficient data handling and quick access.
• Operation Efficiency: Simplifies data management tasks.
• Reduced Costs: Balances quality and expense.
• Scalability: Meets evolving data storage requirements.
• Security: Protects sensitive information effectively.

Industries such as healthcare and finance utilize HPE File Storage and Object Storage for data archiving, backup, and analytics. In healthcare, it manages patient records and medical imaging, ensuring data accuracy and accessibility. In finance, it supports transaction data storage, compliance, and risk management. The versatility in handling diverse data storage needs makes it a valuable asset across sectors.