Dell storage, an integral part of Dell Technologies’ infrastructure solutions group, has evolved significantly over the years. The acquisition of EMC in 2015 was a transformative moment for Dell, enhancing its storage portfolio. This acquisition remains a notable event in tech history, though it was recently overshadowed by VMware’s sale to Broadcom for $69 billion in 2023. Despite this, the influence of EMC can be seen throughout Dell’s storage offerings, though the branding has largely vanished.
Origins of Dell Storage
Dell ventured into the storage market in 2008 by acquiring EqualLogic, a company specializing in iSCSI storage area networks (SAN). This was followed by the addition of Compellent, a tiered storage SAN expert, in 2011. The pivotal moment for Dell came with the $67 billion purchase of EMC, which closed in 2016, bringing VMware into its fold.
Founded in 1984 by Michael Dell in Texas, the company initially focused on selling IBM-compatible PCs. Over the years, it expanded its offerings as the consumer PC market matured and competition intensified.
Market Position of Dell EMC
According to IDC’s 2023 report, Dell EMC leads the storage array market with a commanding 26% market share, significantly ahead of its closest competitors, including Huawei (9.7%) and HPE (8.3%). In the corporate landscape, Dell Technologies was positioned 48th in the 2024 Fortune 500, a decline from its previous 34th place in 2023. Financially, Dell’s revenues have seen fluctuations over the years, reaching approximately $102 billion in 2023 before settling at around $88.5 billion in 2024.
Key Storage Products of Dell EMC
Dell EMC offers a diverse array of storage solutions:
- PowerMax: High-end SAN and NAS arrays designed for critical workloads, featuring NVMe technology and advanced processing capabilities.
- PowerStore: A mid-range array that serves as a successor to the VNX and Unity lines, providing storage solutions for various enterprise applications.
- PowerScale: Formerly Isilon, this scale-out NAS product includes different series targeting performance, balance, and bulk storage needs.
- PowerFlex: A software-defined storage solution that operates with scalable capacities for enterprise needs.
- ECS: Focused on unstructured data storage, offering a range of appliance options for different capacity needs.
- PowerVault ME5: Targeted at SMEs, this cost-effective storage solution is versatile for various applications including backup and virtualization.
Target Markets and Workloads
The scope of Dell EMC’s storage offerings caters to a wide range of markets, addressing high-performance requirements in AI and HPC, as well as general workloads suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises. Their product lines encompass block, file, and object storage solutions, making them equipped to handle diverse data needs.
Cloud Integration in Dell EMC’s Strategy
Dell EMC’s storage solutions are well-integrated with both public and private cloud infrastructures. Their offerings include MultiCloud Data Services, enabling comprehensive cloud connectivity and data protection. Collaborations with cloud providers like Wasabi Technologies enhance their hybrid cloud capabilities, enabling seamless data tiering and disaster recovery solutions.
Container Strategy of Dell EMC
In 2023, Dell introduced its Apex Red Hat OpenShift service, leveraging open-source container management for enterprise deployments. This complemented existing Container Storage Modules (CSMs) that provide advanced data management for Kubernetes environments, enhancing automation and control for enterprises.
Consumption Models Offered by Dell EMC
Dell EMC’s Apex consumption model allows customers to select from various storage options while offering a cohesive experience across cloud and on-premises environments. Clients can collaborate with Dell to determine appropriate capacity requirements, ensuring efficient resource management and planning.