Replaces aging ControlCenter
EMC recently launched a new storage management package for cloud computing called ProSphere to replace its aging ControlCenter software and allow more flexible management for cloud computing environments.
The software is designed to manage any EMC block storage environment – VMAX, CLARiion or VNX — including those with virtualized servers and hybrid cloud computing models.
New features of ProSphere include a federated architecture, end-to-end views of the storage network in just two mouse clicks, and rapid deployment and agentless discovery.
ProSphere can manage as many as 1.2 million volumes, 36,000 ports and 18,000 hosts as part of a single logical domain. Its Smart Groups function allows storage admins to create collections of objects (storage ports, devices or VMware) for management purposes.
It is integrated with FAST VP on the VMAX and extends its functionality to ports, switches, HBAs and physical and virtual hosts. ProSphere is also integrated with two modules – the Symmetrix Performance Analyzer and the EMC Ionix Storage Configuration Advisor.
The Symmetrix Performance Analyzer gives storage admins a deep look into VMAX performance, but more importantly a view of virtual machine to array performance.
On the roadmap for ProSphere is support for non-block EMC devices and non-EMC arrays. Customers will also see more complete monitoring and alerting and expanded capacity forecasting.
Users with maintenance contracts for ControlCenter can upgrade for free to ProSphere.
ProSphere is expected to ship by the end of July.
