Dell, Microsoft Jointly Offer 'Affordable' Storage SystemDell, Microsoft Jointly Offer 'Affordable' Storage System

Dell and Microsoft on Wednesday introduced what they describe as an affordable storage system that integrates hardware and software for file and application data.

The PowerVault NX1950 is offered with Microsoft Windows Unified Data Storage Server 2003. The midrange device is being marketed as offering performance and advanced management features at an affordable price.

The two companies say the integrated device reduces storage costs by eliminating the need for separate licensing for additional features such as snapshots, replication, and resource management. "At Dell and Microsoft, we've listened to our customers and designed a system for a market segment that historically has been underserved and overcharged," said Darren Thomas, VP and general manager of Dell storage and services, in a statement.

The PowerVault NX1950 includes a single or two-node cluster configuration featuring a redundant SAS-based back-end storage array scaling up to 45 drives. Microsoft's storage server provides advanced file server and IP SAN capabilities, as well as unified management tools for deployment and maintenance in heterogeneous environments.

The system is available for a starting price of $17,000. Configurations with 4.5 terabytes start at less than $24,000. More information is available on the Dell and Microsoft Web sites.

Separately, Dell unveiled another new member of the PowerVault line. The MD3000 is a direct-attached storage array for demanding jobs such as delivering video or powering applications with high transactional performance requirements. The device's expandability and advanced snapshot and virtual disk-copy functionality are designed for clustered applications, including Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Dell said. Pricing starts at $6,499.