Question : Problem: San Comparisons

We will be implementing a SAN solution for our enterprise system in the first quarter of this year.  We are comparing three models EMC (CX300)  HP(EVA3000) and Compellents SAN solution.    WE are a NT platform that initially needs approx 4TB of 15k fiber drive data and 8TB of ATA drives in the SAN with room to expand.    Has anyone gone thru the process of comparing these three solutions, and if so which solution did you choose and why?   How do you find the software that the vendor provides as to ease of use?  Does anyone know of a site that comapres the pro's and cons of these systems without bias.

Answer : Problem: San Comparisons

All three will offer you the same general performance.  I mostly implement EMC hardware, but also do work for HP, and have not really found any compelling reason to pick either the HP or the EMC in the 3XXX category.  Sorry, but I have not worked with Compellents.  I do know, however, that both vendors specifically state (in the fine print) that ATA drives are for near line storage, like backup to disk.  Their performance is very slow, as they only utilize 5400 RPM drives.

Both HP and EMC have GUI interfaces, and you create folders for storage per machine, and then create LUNs of any size you want, within the limitations of the disk groups you set up.  You can check with some of the "high level" firms that create comparison matrices, but when it comes down to it, but HP and EMC are on pretty even footing in real world usage with the CX300 and EVA3000.  Your best choice between the two of them is price--total price.  Make sure you get the hardware (total USABLE storage,) software, licenses (powerpath, secure path, etc.) and installation in a total quote.  Both like to sell you something and then say "we mentioned you would have to pay more for professional services.