HP launches 2 new models in its hyper-converged set of products. Last year they released, together with an EVO RAIL model, they CS240-HC base and CS242-HC performance appliances.
I tested these models already in my other article I wrote a few months ago.
This new model CS250-HC will give the customer more flexibility in the configuration. There will be a 4-node model (like the CS240-HC) available from 17 august, at the end of September there will be also a 3-node model available. So each node will have the following possible configurations:
Each node in the system must be identically configured.
Further the new hardware will be Proliant Gen9 based (CS24x-HC was Gen8 hardware).
You also have the choice of VMware 5.5 or 6.0 (initially only 5.5).
Also OneView Instant-On got upgraded to 1.20 to support these new systems.
Due to the fact that a 3-node system will be available as well, gives us also the option to buy the system with vCenter Standard, which is much cheaper as the default vCenter Enterprise license for the 4-node systems.
Since the same version of StoreVirtual VSA will be used, co-existence with the current CS24x-HC systems is supported.
Like described in my previous hands-on article, the same idea remains of 2 power cables, 8 ethernet cables, 15 minutes of deployment time and a fully operational systems ready for +100 VM’s is yours. Also the default VMware integration feature remains. This means that you manage your environment from within the VMware environment, HP is not obliging you of using their management platforms. Full integration is foreseen by default without any hidden licenses.
HP Helion CloudSystem 9.0 offers a pathway to expand into hybrid-cloud implementations. The cloud feature utilizes the CS 250 for on premises workloads, but adds a provisioning portal and cloud bursting features to connect to public clouds.
Finally also there is a build-in disaster recovery feature allowing you synchronous and asynchronous replication across multiple sites, without any additional licenses.
The first prices I have seen would be much lower (up to 49%) than competing offering from Nutanix and others vendors (according to a list price comparison of the CS 250 and the IDC price book list price of Nutanix 3360 G4, each with 24×7 support).
I hope to get hands-on ASAP on this system as well to keep you even better informed. Stay tuned!
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