"We are committed to simplifying IT and EqualLogic will help us realize that vision for our customers worldwide", stated Michael Dell, chairman and CEO, Dell. "Together, Dell and EqualLogic will deliver storage and server virtualization solutions that enable customers of any size to build resilient, flexible datacentres."

Dell EqualLogic PS5000 Series storage arrays share a revolutionary architecture to serve as the backbone of virtual datacentres. This dynamic architecture can deliver advanced storage functionality, simultaneous scaling of performance with capacity and enterprise-class management for one upfront price - eliminating upsells and hidden licensing fees. Using the iSCSI interconnect, the Dell EqualLogic architecture creates a flexible, virtualized environment for dynamic volume creation and movement, thin provisioning, scalability, remote replication, and easy interoperability within any IP-based datacentre.

"Networked storage has been too complex for too long. Dell EqualLogic helps solve that problem", stated Darren Thomas, vice president and general manager. "This is virtualized, consolidated storage that is self-managing, affordable and easy to use, regardless of scale. We're automating complex tasks, enabling fast and flexible provisioning while seamlessly integrating into the existing IT network. That's simplifying IT and this is the future of storage."

According to IDC, shipments of iSCSI-based storage solutions will increase 138 percent annually over the next five years. "This is twice the growth we're seeing in the worldwide disk storage systems market", stated Benjamin Woo, vice president, Enterprise Storage Systems at IDC. "Customers are turning to iSCSI as an easier way to integrate and manage their datacenter environments. With its investment in EqualLogic and the expansion of its overall storage portfolio, Dell is clearly positioning itself to go after this trend."

Dell EqualLogic PS5000 Series attributes include:

• iSCSI Interconnectivity: utilizes the IP protocol to enable fully virtualized storage arrays and storage networks that work seamlessly in the IP datacentre.
• Virtualization in the Array: built-in virtualization architecture provides extensive flexibility, intelligent automation of routine processes and on-the-fly performance optimization that responds to application demands.
• Modular Scalability: each modular storage array is a complete SAN; as arrays are added to a group, storage performance grows linearly, network bandwidth expands and the group continues to behave as one virtual SAN.
• Advanced Storage Management: built-in enterprise-class storage management capabilities, including remote replication and thin provisioning.
• Configurable for Capacity/Performance: configure each array for the desired ratio of capacity to performance; create multiple tiers of SAS and SATA-based storage in a single SAN, and optimize each tier for the applications it serves.