Green is indeed the color of the future

What is the latest on the EMC front?

We have unveiled the new Symmetrix DMX-4 series that is basically the next
generation of high-end storage array. We also have the entry-level Celerra NS20
for Indian companies. The great thing about Symmetrix DMX-4 is that it comes
with an end-to-end 4 Gbps design, a new point-to-point Fiber Channel, back-end
and support for high capacity disk drives.

But with NS20, are you not moving into the NAS territory
dominated by NetApp?

We are trying to change the paradigm of the market by offering innovative
solutions to our customers. Take the case of Celerra NS20, it is a unified
storage box supporting NAS, iSCSI, and Fiber Channel SAN connectivity. NetApp
has been successful in this area.

What are the RSA security features that have been incorporated?

We have started using hi-end security enhancements from the RSA technology
for Symmetrix DMX-3. We continue with that in DMX-4 as well. One of the most
acclaimed security feature has been the two-factor authentication built into the
Symmetrix to authenticate users, and a tamper proof auto lock. Another
innovative security feature is what we call envision. It collects audit logs
from the IT infrastructure of all companies, consolidates these logs, and
secures them with regular security checks.

You have been talking about Green storage. Can you
elaborate?

Over the last few years, companies have systematically gone in for server
consolidation. And, with it, they have been able to cut costs. Today, storage is
usually employed in an ad-hoc manner, thus leading to a lot of inefficiencies.
According to a survey, if storage is used properly, a company can cut down costs
by as much as 70%. This can be done by the use of arrays, as it reduces the
cooling requirements by saving power. Thin provisioning is in infancy, but I see
a lot of hope for green storage. Green is indeed the color of the future.

Shashwat Chaturvedi

maildqindia@cybermedia.co.in