Dell PowerEdge VRTX Reviews

Our primary use case is for virtualization but on the current configuration that we have, we don't have the ability of failing over virtual machines from one host to another. They are all isolated independent, they are not configured in a cluster.

We want to move from a stand-alone implementation of VM hosts and we want to migrate to hyper-converged infrastructure. We will still be using the same virtual machine that we have, but we will migrate it to hyper-converged to have a higher level of availability and resiliency.

The problem is with our configuration. We know we can use PowerEdge for hyper-convergence if we have PowerEdge and configure vSAN. We will be able to achieve what VxRail is being able to provide, but we need to migrate it to a new infrastructure instead of changing our existing. It will be much more difficult for us.

I have been using this solution for three years. 

Because our server is stand-alone, we are limited with the capacity of the compute memory processed in our storage that we have on the server.

For example, if we have one server that is eight GB of memory and HR would like to expand this. We cannot expand it because the cluster in the server is already utilized and because it's not clustered we already reached the limit of the maximum capacity. The problem is with our configuration, not with the capability of the server that we provided.

We have several PowerEdge R440 which are configured as stand-alone VMHost (not in cluster) due to this we have fix configuration on our Storage.

We can expand on Memory as long as there are available slots, but not for storage as all the bays are consumed.

The problem is on our configuration, not designed for high availability and future scalability. therefore, we are looking into migrating our infrastructure to VXRail.

On a previous server that we procured we bundled the protocol. But for all the servers that we have, we have only on-site support access remote diagnostic. So this access remote diagnostic means that the end-user as a customer will be doing the diagnosis based on the procedure that was provided by Dell.

But for us and customers who are not Dell experts, it's a headache to implement the procedures that Dell provided.

We just had an issue with one memory and we wanted Dell to come and replace a memory module. But they said, "No, you need to update the firmware first." We updated the firmware first and then we still had the issue. They then asked us to send the longs and then they provided another firmware for another component until eventually all diagnosis procedures were completed, and the issue is still there. Only then did Dell come and provide the memory. The amount of time we spent on performing the diagnosis for critical services is not acceptable, but that was a mistake from our side.

The initial setup was straightforward. 

We started off with a base because we started our infrastructure with Dell and we always propose or prefer Dell which is easier to manage the warranty than with different vendors.

Some other companies like IBM and HP have come to introduce their system but because we already have a lot of Dell devices we just renew with Dell. I'm not sure if the prices are lower or higher but I think it's okay.

We are evaluating VxRail and we read some comments on the internet that the VxRail service will have only one rate controller. However, you have four nodes inside. So we expect that if any one of the four nodes fails the rest of the cluster will survive. So there's no point in asking the protocol failure on those nodes. And if that rate controller fails, then it is a single point of failure. Dell admitted that, yes, it is the single point of failure. So if that rate controller could be increased because then I think that would be a better design for the device.

I would recommend this solution and I would also recommend having a protocol because you cannot expect all engineers to have enough knowledge on how to do diagnostics. You should also bundle training for Dell so that the end-user will have the needed level of knowledge to continue using the device properly.

I would rate it a nine out of ten.

The cloud is the solution's best feature.

Technical support is great and very helpful.

We now find that the solution is quite stable.

There's a learning curve. I'm learning some things every day about the clouds and infrastructure specifically in my company, and in the other company's webinars.

Sometimes we have issues with storage. We end up googling answers.

We've had general issues related to the solution being difficult. They are small issues, like connection problems or cable issues mostly.

They could improve integration between other storage solutions.

We've been working with the solution for more than two years. 

We've had some issues with storage, however, those have largely been dealt with and solved. We don't have issues with bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. However, we sometimes face connectivity problems.

I haven't tried to scale the product. I can't speak to how easy or hard it is to expand. 

I'm not sure how extensive the solution is being used currently. We might increase usage in the future, however, I can't say for sure.

We've had issues with support. We've contacted them about it and are working with them to try to resolve it. We're also looking for images on Google. Mostly, they have been pretty helpful.

Ultimately, our managers chose the solution. I can't speak to what was used before or why they chose this product.

We bought it from Dell and they set it up for us. We are just managing it. There may have been some issues with the initial setup. I wasn't directly involved. I can't exactly be sure.

I don't have information about the licensing. I don't handle that aspect of the product.

I'm interested in looking into cloud options, however, our CEO is not ready to move off of on-premises products yet.

We're using the converged infrastructure series.

I'd recommend Dell. We know the Dell brand pretty well and can say that their support is good. There are professional engineers in their company. That's why we choose Dell.

I would rate the solution at a five out of ten.

VRTX is put into place where there are branch offices or where there is a NetIO-intensive workload in small offices with servers, racks, and processors in place to optimize their size and performance.

It helped to reduce cost of ownership in my remote branch office and help better manageability

This is all-inclusive with shared storage and the servers housed in one chassis, including the networking. It's a data center in one small box, which is a good value for the customers who are small in size and cannot afford a large investment.

It is simple to use and it's user-friendly.

This solution is good but, with multiple Chassis, it would be a good thing to have one console for management and integration with utilization software.

In the next release, I would like to see some auto-tiering features. There are other enterprise storage solutions that have them included.

I have been using this solution for the last three or four years.

This solution is quite stable.

The scalability is limited with one chassis and the amount of storage it will give you, but it is mainly used for small offices.

The initial setup was straightforward and took a maximum of one-hour to deploy.

I have learned that it is better to keep it simple and to have good management.

I think this solution is one of the best in the Dell portfolio.

I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.

The solution is largely used for security purposes.

The security is very good on the solution. We feel very secure. The protection on offer is quite good.

The product offers very good services overall.

The HCI is very useful for us. 

Technical support is very good. We find them to be helpful.

I'd like it f we could use HEI and CI capabilities. I've had a chance to look at the entire Edge portfolio, and I find those lacking in this solution.

I sometimes have trouble translating the solution.

The licensing can be difficult to understand.

I'd like to have the capabilities to change the main dashboard a bit. It should be more flexible.

We've found that technical support is a bit slow to respond. 

However they ask a lot of questions, and they try to work through the issues. We tell them what is wrong and then they work to solve the problems so they don't exist anymore. It's very good.

We are an implementor. We're a solutions provider and we partner with Dell. I personally work for sales.

We handle various deployments, including on-premises, as well as private and hybrid clouds.

Overall, we're quite happy with the solution. I would rate it at a ten out of ten overall.