The VxBlock 1000 is a converged infrastructure solution that integrates Dell storage and data protection into a turnkey converged system supporting all high-value, mission-critical workloads—from the core data center to the cloud. It helps users modernize and simplify their IT infrastructure at scale, so users can focus on innovation and gain more value from data.
The VxBlock replaces the former Vblock from VCE, acquired by EMC in 2014. The Vblock used a Cisco Nexus virtual switch, while…
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Oracle Exalogic
Score 9.0 out of 10
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Oracle's Exalogic is a converged infrastructure appliance.
VBlock is extremely well-suited for reliable delivery of virtualized mixed workloads. VBlock provides necessary hardware abstraction that allows for, uninterrupted by hardware failures, continuous delivery of critical services that otherwise do not provide hardware failure resiliency. VBlock is not the best solution from a financial standpoint for cost-sensitive solutions that are programmed for software resiliency.
Oracle Exalogic was designed for Oracle WebLogic Server, the best scenario is for two specific tasks: 1) consolidation of different installations (in a virtual configuration) 2) maximize the performance of java applications (with any code change) Oracle Exalogic is not appropriate to create custom vServer. For example, it's not possibile to install Microsoft Windows operating systems. There are specific Exalogic vServer template to be used instead.
My major complaint with the Exalogic platform is in the resilience of the ZFS appliance within the platform. This device should fail-over to the redundant controller when issue occur, however we have had three events in which this did not happen and a complete outage followed.
Additionally Oracle sales has a tendency to exaggerate the simplicity of this platform. The management overhead is great, and while my company provides managed service, for our specific customer they were surprised to find out how much work goes into run-and-maintain support.
It is a very condensed version of what used to be rows of servers. I like that storage, networking and compute nodes fit in one rack. The power and the software are top notch. The only problem is cost. You need to do some serious processing to get the true value out of the Exalogic system.
vce vBlock is considered a converged solution wherein 3 vendors namely cisco, vmware and emc combined in a single rack/solution. Compared to Nutanix which is tightly integrated, vblock does not provide the ease of use, support and management. The solution does not offer that much if you buy it separately.
It's hard to compare Oracle Exalogic Engineered Systems with anything else on the market. It's so purpose built for application performance and intended to be used in conjunction with other Oracle Engineered Systems. As I alluded to earlier in this review the cost may not be worth the investment if the performance isn't needed. Oracle offers other solutions like the Oracle PCA which will meet the need for licensing compliance at a much lower cost of ownership and may fit better into your current infrastructure.
