This morning Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) announced that it was making enhancements to several of its solutions aimed at SMB. These solutions include HPE StoreEasy Storage, HPE ProLiant Easy Connect and HPE Flex Solutions. According to HPE, the enhancements announced today will help to deliver the flexibility to SMB to ensure they are able to maintain the right mix of hybrid IT elements.
This morning Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) announced that it was making enhancements to several of its solutions aimed at SMB. These solutions include HPE StoreEasy Storage, HPE ProLiant Easy Connect and HPE Flex Solutions. According to HPE, the enhancements announced today will help to deliver the flexibility to SMB to ensure they are able to maintain the right mix of hybrid IT elements.
Using a hybrid strategy is growing increasingly popular throughout the industry but particularly in the SMB market. Companies in this segment typically have lower budgets and can leverage the cost-savings of the cloud, all the while gaining better agility and flexibility. HPE sees where companies are struggling somewhat and are answering the calls with new enhancements can further extend their hybrid strategies.
On the storage side, HPE is updated its StoreEasy portfolio with new configurations with Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2016 Standard Edition OS, the latest Intel Xeon processors, and high-speed memory. HPE also stated that is has enhanced the data reduction to help companies maximize capacity. Along with data reduction to add to capacity, the HPE StoreEasy 1650 can now support 10TB HDDs for a max capacity of 280TB in a 2U form factor. Not only will companies be able to consolidate more workloads, the system automatically notifies when it needs additional capacity to be added. HPE has beefed up security on the StoreEasy portfolio with 2x better encryption performance for large files.
From a hybrid perspective, customers can use Microsoft Azure as a back target for data stored on HPE StoreEasy systems. The StoreEasy’s native Microsoft integration eases the configuration of an off-site Azure vault that can be used for data restoration in the result of a disaster. On the flip side, StoreEasy can be used as a backup target for those using Microsoft Data Protection Manager to protect Microsoft applications, virtual machines, and client PCs.
With servers, HPE is expanding its ProLiant Easy Connect family with the addition of the HPE ProLiant Easy Connect ML110 Managed Hybrid Server. This new server can support up to 150 users per site and enables customers a level of control over a cloud-based and on-premises applications. The ProLiant Easy Connect family ideal for customers with limited on-site IT resources such as small businesses, education and ROBO sites.
Also new to HPE ProLiant Easy Connect:
- New high availability and 24×7 support options for customers who need protection against business disruption and data loss in the event of a system failure
- Aruba Central integration for centralized, proactive WiFi device monitoring with the potential to reduce the need for costly partner on-site visits
- Simplified management for MSPs thanks to integration with leading professional service automation tools, ConnectWise and Autotask.
Finally, HPE has refreshed its Flex Solutions for Microsoft SQL Server. These refreshed solutions now feature hybrid flash HPE MSA 2042 Storage systems and support for SQL Server 2016.
Availability and pricing
Flex solutions are currently available. HPE ProLiant Easy Connect Servers are expected to be available in December in both the US and UK. Existing HPE StoreEasy customers running Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 or 2012 can take advantage of the new Upgrade Kit for HPE StoreEasy Storage. Windows Storage Server 2016 Upgrade Kit is listed at $700.
Sign up for the StorageReview newsletter
