Home > Storage > PowerMax and VMAX > Storage Admin > Dell PowerMax and VMware vSphere Configuration Guide > Path management
The ability to dynamically multipath and load balance by using the native or third-party storage vendor multipathing software is available in VMware vSphere. The Pluggable Storage Architecture (PSA) is a modular storage construct. It allows storage partners (such as Dell with PP/VE (Virtual Edition)) to write a plug-in to best leverage the unique capabilities of their storage arrays. These modules can interface with the storage array to continuously resolve the best path selection. They can also use redundant paths to greatly increase the performance and reliability of I/O from the ESXi host to storage.
The use of PP/VE is a Dell best practice with VMware due to its superior ability to manage traffic and detect anomalies. Dell understands that many companies will choose to use NMP, particularly with the future deprecation of PP/VE. Both NMP and PP/VE will be discussed in the next sections.
Note: While PP/VE is no longer sold, it will be supported through July 2027 for those customers who currently license it. See KB 000223522 for more detail.