Specifications
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5. EMC² Symmetrix Family Subsystems
5.1. Symmetrix Storage Philosophy
5.1.1. Highest Performance
Symmetrix systems use large cache memory configurations, and proprietary caching algorithms enable
the highest probability for “cache hits” when reading data. One hundred percent cache fast writes
ensure the highest possible performance when writing data. Fast, 100 percent cache writes enable
Symmetrix performance to appear as close to that of solid-state disk as possible while being able to
support the largest data capacity per system in the industry.
5.1.2. Scalability
Symmetrix systems enable consolidated storage strategies by providing scalable storage in a common
family. System capacities scale from some gigabytes to multiple terabytes of fully protected storage.
Symmetrix offers new ways to manage change and growth in applications, databases, servers, and
overall business requirements.
5.1.3. Connectivity
Connectivity to host platforms is provided through industry-standard interfaces.
Symmetrix systems support connectivity to open UNIX, Windows NT, and AS/400 systems with
connectivity to Ultra SCSI, and Fibre Channels. When optional Symmetrix ESP software is added to
Symmetrix systems, they simultaneously support mainframe connections through ESCON channels.
This level of Symmetrix connectivity enables simultaneous support of multiple hosts and multiple host
types for greater configuration flexibility and the fulfillment of Symmetrix Enterprise Storage
philosophy.
5.1.4. Information Protection
Symmetrix software provides a variety of information protection/business continuance options,
including Mirroring the optimum RAID level for both performance and availability.
The following software offerings supplement the Symmetrix Enterprise Storage philosophy:
•
Symmetrix Remote Data Facility (SRDF)
provides fast enterprise-wide data recovery capability in
the event of a planned or unplanned data center outage.
•
TimeFinder
supports the online creation of multiple independently addressable business
continuance volumes (BCVs) of information allowing other processes such as backup, batch,
application development and testing, and database extractions and loads to be performed
simultaneously with OLTP and other business operations.