NexentaStor 3.0 Announced

Nexenta Systems announced it's 3.0 iteration at CeBIT and in a press release this week and has provided a few more details about how the next version is shaping-up. Along with the previously announced deduplication features, the NexentaStor 3.0 edition will include several enhancements to accelerate performance and virtualization applications:

• In-line deduplication for increased storage savings (virtual machine templates, clones, etc.);


• Broader support for 10GE adapters and SAS-2 (6Gbps, zoning, etc.) adapters;


• Replication enhancements to simplify disaster recovery implementations;


• An updated Virtual Machine Data Center (VMDC v3.0) optional plug-in with VMware, Xen and Hyper-V support (storage-centric control of virtual machine resource provisioning and management);

Additionally, Nexenta is promising easier high-availability (Simple and HA cluster) provisioning for mission critical implementations. Existing NexentaStor license holders will be able to upgrade to NexentaStor 3.0 at no additional cost. Nexenta Systems plans to make NexentaStor 3.0 available by the end of March 2010.

As a Nexenta partner, Solution Oriented will provide clients with valid NexentaStor support contracts upgrade guidance once NexentaStor 3.0 has been released and tested against SOLORI stable image storage platforms. As always, Nexenta's VMware Ready virtual storage appliance should be your first step in evaluating upgrade potential.

ExtremeTech: Shanghai to Istanbul

ExtremeTech runs some tests on the AMD Istanbul 6-core processor and compares the 2435 (2.6GHz) part to the 2384 (2.7GHz) part in a drop-in replacement using PassMark and Spec_JBB2005. Testing was performed in the same Supermicro system running an updated (AGESA 3.5.0.0) BIOS supporting Istanbul processors.

"Perhaps, the most tell tale result comes from the BOPS rating scored using SpecJBB2005, which simulates a server's ability to process JAVA code. Here, there was a 20% increase in performance, with BOPS increasing from 380721 to 471440. That 20% performance boost would [definitely] be noticed on a busy server in a data center."

- Loyd Case, ExtremeTech.com

While not as thorough as Scott Wassman's drop-in testing at TechReport (reported earlier this month), ExtremeTech's results and conclusions were about the same: Istanbul makes a great upgrade processor.

"It all comes down to simple math, where one has to consider the cost of the CPUs and the time needed to perform an upgrade to see if the return on investment is worthwhile. Most will find that in this case, it is..."

- Lloyd Case, ExtremeTech

"And if you have existing, compatible Socket F servers, the Istanbul Opterons should be an excellent drop-in upgrade. They're a no-brainer, really, when one considers energy costs and per-socket/per-server software licensing fees."

- Scott Wassman, TechReport

Both ExtremeTech and TechReport make compelling upgrade arguments in their testing. Compared to a new system architecture like Nehalem, it is logistically less disruptive - technologically and economically - to certify a CPU upgrade versus as platform replacement. After internal certification, a BIOS and CPU upgrade takes about 20-minutes per system to implement. In a virtualized datacenter where low-level differences are abstracted-away by the hypervisor certification testing should be much less invasive. Likewise, rolling upgrades in a virtualized datacenter with vMotion technology can provide a non-disruptive path from 4-core to 6-core. As Case puts it:

"Simply put, by just upgrading five servers in a data center, data center managers can eliminate the need to purchase an additional server to meet performance needs."

- Lloyd Case, ExtremeTech

However, this "upgrade proposition" is a difficult position for AMD as it does little to sell new systems. Historically, CPU upgrades only happen in 10-15% of the installed base, making CPU sales based on BIOS/drop-in upgrades an interesting footnote. Integrators want to move new hardware with Instanbul pre-installed, not sell "upgrade packages." Perhaps the dynamics of the new economy will drive a statistical anomoly based on the strength of the Istanbul proposition. Datacenter managers face a familiar dilemma with some new twists.

VMware's vSphere - Available Today

VMware's new flagship product, vSphere , has hit general release and is now available.

As we reported earlier, vSphere's license model has changed so existing SnS customers will need to either:

1. Check your e-mail for updated licenses;


2. Redeem their VI3 licenses (under SnS) for new vSphere versions;


3. Download the vSphere trial and request evaluation license (recommended);


4. Contact their VMware Partner for assistance;

We are strongly recommending a 30-day trial period for Existing VMware customers to vet vSphere in your environment and Eco-System. We'll be releasing some guidance for upgrades and vSphere ESXi deployment to flash over the next 30-days. We also recommend:

1. Remember that vSphere's ESX Server 4.0 is 64-bit ONLY - your 32-bit machines are not upgradeable;


2. Download the vSphere Evaluation Guide from VMware and review it completely;


3. Take advantage of VMware's On-Line Guided Evaluation Training;


4. Check the vSphere Hardware Compatibility Guide for issues specific to your hardware;


5. Arrange for a Demonstration and Training through your VMware Partner;


6. Backup your vCenter database (or virtual machine and database) prior to upgrading;


7. Sign-up for free vSphere 4 QuickStart training;

Not all of the announced features may be available in licensed version your SnS upgrade entitles you to receive. Please make sure that you are working with your VMware Partner or Consultant to insure that your VI3-to-vSphere trial, training and upgrade goes smoothly.

Quick Take: New Car Syndrome

John De Gelas over at Anandtech poses the "million dollar question" of upgrading memory and CPU versus replacing the entire system. So far, there is a 2:1 margin in favor of "throwing out the baby with the bath water" and replacing the entire server even when new CPUs are available. This curious "new car syndrome" that seems to have affected IT decision makers in the past will have to change in the "new" economy. Is Intel's marketing strategy sound?

Some in the AMD fan-boy camp have accused Anand of "bending" to Intel by "always" presenting new Intel products in the glowing light of an post-coital cigarette. However, Intel has consistently "outed" more technology than AMD on many more fronts: hands-down, Intel gives Anand's group much more to talk about! However, this relentless cycle of "product renovation" from Intel is an interesting formula of update and obsolescence that - like the "latest model" vehicle update - drags the user to a buying decision much earlier than the life-cycle warrants.

SOLORI is big on stable image platforms - Intel has SIPP for desktops and AMD's cover desktop and server - and expanding an equipment line's useful lifetime from 18 to 36 months with simple memory and processor upgrades seems an obvious choice. Perhaps the Intel-focus at AnandTech creates a reader bias towards disposable platforms than it would with more AMD followers. AMD Opteron users are likely more familiar with processor swaps than Intel users, given that a single-core AMD platform purchased in 2006 can be upgraded to 6-core Istanbul later this year with only another BIOS update - adding another 12-months to its life: that's a 48-month product lifetime in tech!