Unveiling APEX File Storage for AWS Enhancements
Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:36:10 -0000
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We are thrilled to announce the latest version of APEX File Storage for AWS! This release brings a multitude of enhancements to elevate your AWS file storage experience, including expanded AWS regions with the support for additional EC2 instance types, a Terraform module for streamlined deployment, larger raw capacity, and additional OneFS features support.
APEX File Storage delivers Dell’s leading enterprise-class high-performance scale-out file storage as a software-defined customer-managed offer in the public cloud. Based on PowerScale OneFS, APEX File Storage for AWS brings enterprise file capabilities and performance and delivers operational consistency across multicloud environments, simplifying hybrid cloud environments by facilitating seamless data mobility between on-premises and the cloud with native replication and making it the perfect option to run AI workloads. APEX File Storage can enhance customers’ development and innovation initiatives by combining proven data services such as multi-protocol access, security features, and a proven scale-out architecture with the flexibility of public cloud infrastructure and services. APEX File Storage enables organizations to run the software they trust directly in the public cloud without retraining their staff or refactoring their storage architecture.
What's New?
1. Additional EC2 instance types support
We've expanded compatibility by adding support for a wider range of EC2 instance types. This means you have more flexibility in choosing the instance type that best suits your performance and resource requirements. We now support the following EC2 instance types:
- EC2 m5dn instances: m5dn.8xlarge, m5dn.12xlarge, m5dn.16xlarge, m5dn.24xlarge
- EC2 m6idn instances: m6idn.8xlarge, m6idn.12xlarge, m6idn.16xlarge, m6idn.24xlarge
- EC2 m5d instances: m5d.24xlarge
- EC2 i3en instances: i3en.12xlarge
Please note that it is required to run PoC if you intend to use m5d.24xlarge or i3en.12xlarge EC2 instance types. Please contact your Dell account team for the details.
2. Extended AWS regions support
APEX File Storage is now available in more AWS regions than ever before. A total of 28 regions are available for you. We understand that our users operate globally, and this expansion ensures that you can leverage APEX File Storage wherever your AWS resources are located. The following table lists all available regions for different EC2 instance types:
3. Terraform module: auto-deployment made effortless
Simplify your deployment process with our new Terraform module, which automates the AWS resource deployment process to ensure a smooth and error-free experience.
Once you fulfill the deployment prerequisites, you can deploy a cluster with a single Terraform command. For more details, refer to documentation: APEX File Storage for AWS Deployment Guide with Terraform. Stay tuned for a blog with additional details coming soon.
4. Larger raw capacity: more room for your data
Your data is growing, and so should your storage capacity. APEX File Storage for AWS can now support up to 1.6PiB raw capacity, enabling workloads that produce a vast amount of data such as AI and ensuring that you have ample space to store, manage, and scale your data effortlessly.
5. Additional OneFS features support
The OneFS features not supported in the first release of APEX File Storage for AWS are now supported, including:
- Enhanced Protocols: With HDFS protocol support, you can seamlessly integrate HDFS into your workflows, enhancing your data processing capabilities in AWS. Enjoy expanded connectivity with support for HTTP and FTP protocols, providing more flexibility in accessing and managing your files.
- Quality of Service – SmartQoS: Ensure a consistent and reliable user experience with SmartQoS, which enables you to prioritize workloads and applications based on performance requirements.
- Immutable Data Protection - SmartLock: Enhance data protection by leveraging SmartLock to create Write Once Read Many (WORM) files, providing an added layer of security against accidental or intentional data alteration.
- Large File Support: Address the needs of large-scale data processing with improved support for large files, facilitating efficient storage and retrieval. A single file size can be up to 16TiB now.
Learn More
For deployment instructions and detailed information on these exciting new features, refer to our documentation:
- APEX File Storage for AWS
- terraform-aws-onefs Terraform Module
- Technical white paper for AI use case: APEX File Storage for AWS with Amazon SageMaker
- Technical White Paper for M&E use case: APEX File Storage for AWS for Video Edit in AWS
- APEX File Storage for AWS Manual Deployment Guide
- APEX File Storage for AWS Deployment Guide with Terraform
- APEX File Storage for AWS Interactive Demo
Author: Lieven Lin