Dell Compellent SC8000 Storage Center Controller
File-level, user-restorable snapshots

Benefits:

Help control data center operating expenses with Dell-driven efficiency, quality and durability. The SC8000 is a Storage Center controller built on the Dell PowerEdge™ 12th generation server platform with a custom configuration to support the needs of an enterprise datacenter. The SC8000 offers high density, exceptional processing power, excellent memory, and fast PCIe Gen3 IO bus. Dynamically scale to meet business requirements with the flexible, persistent SC8000 hardware platform.

Enhance efficiency with resilient hardware

The SC8000 is a 2U rack chassis with dual six-core, 2.5GHz (with Turbo) Intel® E5-2640 processors. It can support full high-availability and failover capabilities with a dual controller system and provide enhanced diagnostics capability with the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC).

The SC8000 offers exceptional power efficiency with dual redundant 80 PLUS® Platinum rated hot-swappable, low wattage power supplies and has six redundant hot-plug fans. Using Fresh Air™ technology, the SC8000 can operate at higher temperatures or even chiller-free environments to help reduce datacenter costs.

Providing up to five nines of availability (99.999% availability), Storage Center keeps critical customer data at the ready¹. Combining resilient hardware and software with world-class Copilot Support helps enterprises realize the continuous data availability critical to their success.

Increase storage optimization with intelligent, automated software

Built-in intelligence and automation optimize the storage environment, and every enterprise feature is fully integrated for optimum efficiency, flexibility and performance. Empowered by real-time system information about each block of data, Storage Center optimizes data placement, management and protection throughout its lifecycle. Storage is provisioned without wasting capacity. Data is moved where it's needed, when it's needed, based on actual use and performance needs. Data is automatically tiered from SLC and MLC SSDs as well as traditional rotating disk options to optimize performance and cost. And data is continuously protected using pointer-based snapshots.

Storage Center leverages a comprehensive software suite with advanced functionality. At the core of the solution is true storage virtualization, which pools all resources across the array for maximum efficiency and performance. Thin provisioning, automated tiered storage software and space-efficient snapshot technology help you get more out of your storage investment. Thin replication and dynamic business continuity software provide a cost-effective recovery and allow for the movement of volumes between arrays without disruption.

Scale on a persistent, open, agile platform

A Storage Center SAN built with the SC8000 scales up to 960 SAS drives per dual controller system and scales-out to multiple systems across multiple sites, monitored by a single console. It supports simultaneous iSCSI, Fibre Channel (FC) and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) front-end interconnects to provide flexibility in your datacenter.

Unlike systems that require you to rip and replace technology as your business needs change, Storage Center supports the continual adoption of new technologies as you grow. You can easily mix and match SSD, SAS and FC drive technologies, upgrade storage array firmware and build a unified storage solution without ever worrying about a forklift upgrade. This allows you to use any combination of industry-standard technology at any time, and you can add capacity or make configuration changes without downtime or disruption. Incorporating the latest data center technologies is as simple as plugging in new components on the fly. Storage Center adjusts automatically, restriping data across all drives and updating the in-flight use characteristics.

Technical Specifications:

Compellent SC8000 Storage Center Controller
Scalability
Scalability	Each system supports 32GB or 128GB of memory (16GB or 64GB per controller) Each system supports up to 960 SAS drives in the storage array. Each 3.5" SAS enclosure holds up to 12 SAS drives. Each 2.5" SAS enclosure holds up to 24 SAS drives.
Processor
Processor	Two 2.5GHz 6-core Intel™ processors per controller
Connectivity
Front-End Connectivity	Fibre Channel (4Gb, 8Gb, 16Gb), iSCSI (1Gb, 10Gb), FCoE (10Gb) Simultaneous interface support
Maximum Front-End Ports	16 (Fibre Channel), 10 (1Gb iSCSI), 10 (10Gb iSCSI), 10 (FCoE) per controller. NOTE: SC8000 controller can support up to 16 FC front-end ports with 4-port low-profile SAS back-end IO option.
Back-end Connectivity	SAS (6Gb & 3Gb), Fibre Channel (2Gb, 4Gb, 8Gb)
Maximum Back-End Ports	16 (Fibre Channel), 20 (SAS) per controller - NOTE: No SATA ports, FC and SATA enclosures are connected to FC8 IO card.
	Fibre Channel and SATA expansion enclosures connect to SC8000 via Fibre Channel IO expansion card
Storage
Drive Interfaces	SAS and NL-SAS drives. Also backwards compatible with existing Compellent Fibre Channel and SATA drives. Different drive types, transfer rates and rotational speeds can be mixed in same system
RAID
RAID	Supports RAID 0, 5, 6, RAID 10, and RAID 10 DM (Dual Mirror) Any combination of RAID levels can exist on a single Storage Center Multiple RAID levels can exist on the same storage tier within an array
Chassis
Storage Controller	Rack size: 2U Height: 87.3 mm (3.44 inch) Width: 482.4 mm (18.98 inch) with rack latches 444 mm (17.08 inch) without rack latches Depth: 755.8 mm (29.75 inch) with bezel Weight: 19.73 kg (43.5 lbs)
Rack Support	ReadyRails™ II static rails for tool-less mounting in 4-post racks with square or unthreaded round holes or tooled mounting in 4-post threaded-hole racks
Environmental Operating Conditions
SC8000 Controller:	Power: Dual, Redundant 750W 80 plus® Platinum certified power supplies Maximum Power: 425W
Max Heat Dissipation	1,450 BTU/hr
Operating Temperature	50 - 95°F (10 - 35°C)
Non-Operating Temperature	-40 - 149°F (-40 - 65°C)
Operating Humidity Ranges (non-condensing)	Operating, 20% to 80%
Non-Operating Humidity (non-condensing)	5% to 95%
Inlet Type	NEMA 5-15/CS22.2, n°42
Emissions/Safety
Controller	FCC Class A; EN55022 Class A; EN 61000-3-2/-3-3; CISPR 22 Class A; EN55024/CISPR 24; (EN 61000-4-2, EN 61000-4-3, EN 61000-4-4, EN 61000-4-5, EN 61000-4-6, EN 61000-4-8, EN 61000-4-11); EN60950/IEC 60950 Compliant UL Listed (USA), CUL Listed (Canada), TUV Certified (Germany), CE Marking (Europe)

Software:

Automatic data tiering

Storage Center 6.4 Data Progression has been enhanced to support multiple tiers of SSDs, which ensures that all writes go into Tier 1, RAID 10, SLC SSDs for increased performance. Additionally, Data Progression moves read-only data to Tier 2, RAID 5, MLC SSDs to ensure cost-optimized read performance and free up Tier 1 for writes. This provides built-in, extremely granular intelligence that automatically tiers data and optimizes performance while still protecting your data. SC6.4 Data Progression dynamically moves data between SSD tiers within the flash-optimized SC220 solution and places inactive data on the high capacity HDD drives within the SC220, SC200 or the ultradense SC280 enclosures, all within a single array.

Dynamic Capacity: thin provisioning

Built into every Dell Compellent Storage Center system, thin provisioning delivers efficient storage utilization. Our advanced thin provisioning, called Dynamic Capacity, completely separates storage allocation from utilization, enabling users to allocate any size volume up front yet only consume physical capacity on write. You can even reclaim capacity that is no longer in use by applications, automatically reduce the space needed for virtual OS volumes and convert traditional volumes on existing storage to thin-provisioned capacity.

Data Progression: Automated tiered storage

Based on actual use and performance requirements, Dell Compellent Data Progression automatically classifies and migrates data to the optimum tier and RAID level. All new data is written to Tier 1, RAID 10, for the highest write performance, yet snapshots automatically move to the lowest tier and most cost-effective RAID level within 24 hours. The most active blocks of data remain on high-performance SSD, Fiber Channel or SAS drives, while inactive blocks dynamically migrate to lower-cost, high-capacity NL-SAS drives. With Data Progression, organizations can dramatically reduce ongoing costs of storage.

Data Instant Replay: Space-efficient snapshots

Dell Compellent Data Instant Replay enables organizations to take thousands of continuous snapshots to speed recovery to any point in time. Fluid Data technology doesn't require full-volume clones - not even to provide a base snapshot. Instead, after first write an initial snapshot is taken of that write data only. Subsequently, only incremental changes in data are captured and the system uses real-time intelligence to create virtual pointers between all associated blocks. Stored on lower-cost drives to free up Tier 1 capacity, in most cases these readable/writable snapshots can be used to recover any size volume to any server in less than 10 seconds.

Remote Instant Replay: Thin replication

Dell Compellent thin replication technology, called Remote Instant Replay, leverages space-efficient snapshots between local and remote sites to deliver a cost-effective disaster recovery solution. After initial site synchronization, only incremental changes in data need to be replicated regularly, cutting hardware, bandwidth and administration costs. You can choose between replicating data over Fiber Channel or native IP connections, depending on your unique business requirements.

Live Volume: Dynamic business continuity

Dell Compellent Live Volume enables organizations to move volumes on demand between Storage Center arrays within a local storage grid. All migration occurs transparently while applications remain online. And the functionality is fully integrated into the virtualized storage platform, eliminating the need for additional hardware or server-side agents. Live Volume supports any virtualized server environment. In fact, migrated volumes automatically map to associated hosts regardless of physical location to Dell complement leading virtual machine movement engines.

Storage Center GUI: Intuitive management

Dell Compellent Storage Center features a unified, point-and-click interface that cuts administration time and eliminates the need for specialized skills. The intuitive interface automates repetitive, time-consuming tasks so data center staff can focus on other important projects. Complex allocation, configuration and administration functions are easily accomplished with wizards to guide the process. And comprehensive Support Assist capabilities deliver remote, diagnostic and monitoring tools coupled with automated alert and notification services.

Enterprise Manager: Enterprise storage management

Enterprise Manager simplifies storage resource management by providing comprehensive monitoring and management of all local and remote Dell Compellent Storage Center systems. You can gain instant visibility and control of a multi-terabyte, multilocation environment, streamlining administration and reducing operating costs. Configure and verify remote replication processes, monitor storage capacity and disk utilization in real time, and generate comprehensive storage usage and performance reports - all from a single pane of glass.

Data Center Automation: Technology partner integration

With aggressive platform integration, ongoing interoperability testing and collaborative design efforts, Dell Compellent delivers best-of-breed data center automation for industry-leading applications. Dell Compellent has a vast array of integration points with VMware® to manage storage and virtual machines together including a vSphere™ plug-in, a vCenter™ SRM adapter and VAAI plug-in support.The Storage Center Command Set for Windows PowerShell streamlines system management with an intuitive scripting interface. Replay Manager provides consistent, automated backup and restore for Microsoft® Exchange, SQL Server® and Hyper-V™ data. These certified and validated platforms ensure seamless interoperability and support.

Dell Compellent Services:

Award-winning service with over 96 percent customer satisfaction

Dell Compellent™ Copilot Support delivers proactive, comprehensive 24x7 technical support that covers the storage center infrastructure. Operating out of a state-of-the-art U.S. call center, Dell Compellent Copilot engineers continuously monitor system performance and alert customers of potential issues. Dell Compellent Copilot Support provides:

• 24x7 access to highly trained Dell Compellent Copilot Support engineers.
• Priority or next business day on-site response by Dell Compellent-certified technicians.
• Priority, next business day or UPS ground delivery of replacement parts.
• Storage system monitoring via integrated SupportAssist technology.

Dell Compellent Copilot Support enables you to choose the right level of phone support, on-site support and parts delivery for your unique business needs. Every call is answered by a highly trained copilot engineer, who takes ownership of the entire storage infrastructure, including third-party technology partner products.

Speed of response	Protection	Premium proactive
Call center: A phone call away - Perfect for enterprise storage environments where immediate phone assistance by a highly trained support engineer is a must to speed issue resolution and avoid unplanned downtime. On-site: Priority or next business day - Choose from priority (4/8/24-hour, depending on location) or next business day on-site response by a Dell Compellent-certified technician. Parts delivery: Priority or next business day - Choose from priority (4/8/24-hour, depending on location) or next business day parts delivery. UPS ground shipping also available.	Data management and protection Warranty: protection of hardware components. Software Subscription includes perpetual software licensing for patches, updates and releases; only incur additional fees when adding new functionality or more capacity.	SupportAssist - Provides enhanced proactive support capabilities through: Remote monitoring of system capacity and performance. Automatic capacity threshold alerts. Proactive calls from Copilot engineer to notify customer of possible issues. SupportAssist only sends information about the health of your storage center back to Copilot, no customer data is ever transmitted or accessed.

Dell Compellent Services

Dell Compellent ServicesDell Services storage experts go beyond everyday administration to help you improve the performance and utilization of your Dell Compellent Storage Center system. The Dell Compellent Services portfolio provides system installation and implementation, as well as training. From disaster recovery planning to physical relocation, the Dell Services team is available to provide professional assistance when you need it.

• Dell Compellent Deployment. Implement fast. Implement correctly. Implement once. No need for your IT staff to spend time researching correct processes and advanced configuration task sequences or purchasing the correct tools. We can reduce costs and relieve your IT department of the time-consuming implementation tasks that otherwise divert valuable IT resources from business-critical activities.

We bring two unmatched values to every implementation: deep knowledge of our products and broad experience deploying them. We do thousands of deployments every year across the globe, in just about every type of customer environment. From this vast experience we have acquired best practices that are integrated into our processes. As a result, we are very well aware of what undocumented activity must occur to avoid mistakes. In addition to doing it right the first time, we rarely encounter situations or issues for which we are not prepared. So, you can be confident your new Dell Compellent storage system is installed properly, configured per the design specifications and that your data is migrated safely from your legacy storage system without disrupting operations or end users.

• Dell Compellent Copilot Optimize. Through the personal assistance of a dedicated support expert, we help you improve system utilization and performance with proactive reviews, health checks and evaluations, as well as advanced configuration and software support. Ensure a highly available and optimal performing storage area network (SAN) through ongoing best practice guidance while minimizing diagnostic troubleshooting and reducing service calls.

Training Services

Dell Education Services
Decrease downtime, improve utilization and ensure business continuity with storage training from Dell Education Services. With Compellent training from Dell, Compellent Administrators will learn to perform key administrative tasks for a Compellent Storage Center and effectively manage all tools associated with Storage Center operations.

Dell Storage Consulting Services
Storage consulting from Dell helps customers develop transformational strategies to meet their complex data management business needs. By engaging Dell, customers can optimize the way that data is stored, protected and managed, allowing customers to free up valuable resources, budget and time. Here are just some of the areas with which we can assist you:

• The consolidation of storage infrastructure within one/multiple data centers
• The optimization of storage infrastructure for virtual environments
• The development and adoption of data protection processes or improvement of backup operational processes
• The classification and categorization of data for storage tiering
• The planning, design and implementation of an IT Disaster Recovery plan or simply Data Disaster Recovery

Documentation:

dell compellent sc8000 storage center controller datasheet (.pdf)