Netapp or EMC for your VMWare environment?

We are currently running an IBM DS3500 SAN for our virtualization environment and my boss is considering a secondary SAN for replication. I’ve used Netapp in the past and like it, but I've heard good things about the VNX series. I’m just curious what you guys think is better and why?

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dave330i

Replication is extremely simple with Netapp. EMC is as difficult as possible.

meadIT

Are you planning on replacing the IBM, or replicating data from the IBM to a secondary SAN? Interoperability may be your deciding factor.

pwjohnston

I'd rather have an EMC or Netapp as our primary and the IBM as a backup, but we're noting getting rid of the IBM. We will have to be able to replicate between the two.

QHalo

A quick search says that the DS3500 is an OEM NetApp device. Doesn't really mean too much though.

down77

QHalo wrote: »

A quick search says that the DS3500 is an OEM NetApp device. Doesn't really mean too much though.

DS3500 has an LSI backplane, and NetApp bought LSI.

I would Agree with Dave on EMC being difficult on replication as compared to other brands. Go with either a NetApp (Preferred) or an nSeries (IBM Labeled NetApp).

vCole

I think it really all boils down to what functionality do you want. You really need to identify more than just better management. Does one have more features you'll use? etc

I worked at NetApp previously, and I can tell you - they really do make an excellent product.

aaron0011

We use EMC VNXe series. Replication between two of these SANs with Unisphere could not be any easier. Not sure about the other models though.

JBrown

We use VNX 5300, no replication here, BUT stay away from VNX, unless you can spend 250K and have previous experience with their hardware. Software cost much more than the hardware itself, support 0 to non-existent, except on the community boards by other users.

slinuxuzer

+1 for Netapp, I've been working with them for three years now and I love them.

cyberguypr

Our SaaS product runs on Netapp filers. Very reliable, great service, no complaints. My old place was an EMC shop and the sticking topic always was high pricing.

blargoe

I like NetApp, but I'm surprised at all the EMC hate, I've never really had any issues with CLARiiON or VNX. To the folks that have either spoken out against EMC (for reasons other than pricing) or in favor of NetApp, and you using NFS for VMware, or LUNs?

dave330i

blargoe wrote: »

I like NetApp, but I'm surprised at all the EMC hate, I've never really had any issues with CLARiiON or VNX. To the folks that have either spoken out against EMC (for reasons other than pricing) or in favor of NetApp, and you using NFS for VMware, or LUNs?

Few of my co-workers were setting up EMC VMAX for SRM. Non-stop cursing for about 3 weeks.

MrAgent

Neither.
Go with this

ION Data Accelerator :: Fusion-io

JBrown

We are using block level only, no NFS at all. Support problem related to 1) how long they take get back to you, 2) support desk experience.

We went with them because NetApp came on board way too late, and we wanted block only.

blargoe wrote: »

I like NetApp, but I'm surprised at all the EMC hate, I've never really had any issues with CLARiiON or VNX. To the folks that have either spoken out against EMC (for reasons other than pricing) or in favor of NetApp, and you using NFS for VMware, or LUNs?

jibbajabba

Isn't that also a matter of budget ?