1. Overview
HPE SimpliVity is a solution that provides integrated computing, storage, and network based on hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI).
The storage architecture is based on RAID + RAIN structure andNFS protocol, and VMware-based SimpliVity and VME have similarities and differences.
2. Storage architecture core composition
1) RAID + RAIN structure
- RAID (Local): Configure RAID inside each node to prepare for disk failure
- RAIN (Cluster): Data replication to other nodes in the cluster → Data integrity is guaranteed even when node failures
- Double protection structure ensures high level of high availability (HA)
2) NFS protocol based data store
- Use NFS datastore in a VMware ESXi or VME environment
- OmniStack (based on VMware) or VME software virtualizes local storage to provide a logical pool of storage
- Virtual machines (VMs) operate reliably through this NFS datastore.
3) Data efficiency
- Reduce storage space through **Deduplication **+Compression technology
- Provides built-in backup and recovery functions → Self-DR (disaster recovery) possible without external storage
3. VMware-based SimpliVity vs HPE SimpliVity VME comparison table
| item | SimpliVity on VMware | HPE SimpliVity VME |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Protocol | NFS-based | NFS-based |
| How data is protected | RAID + RAIN + OmniStack Acceleration Card | RAID + RAIN (Software Defined) |
| Hardware Dependencies | OmniStack Accelerator Card required | No additional hardware required, based on standard x86 servers |
| Management Platform | VMware vCenter integration | VME Manager + Morpheus (can be managed simultaneously with VMware) |
| Scalability | Expandable by adding nodes | Equally node-based scalability |
| Backup/Restore | Built-in features provided | Provides the same built-in features |
| Cost Structure | VMware License + OmniStack Card Cost | Socket-based licensing (up to 70% savings compared to VMware) |
4. Additional advantages of VME architecture
- Hardware simplification: Reduce points of failure and ease maintenance by eliminating OmniStack cards
- Software-defined approach: Utilizes the latest OS (based on Ubuntu) and open source technology to improve flexibility and update speed
- IPv6 and modern network support: Optimized for next-generation network environments
- Management efficiency: Morpheus integration provides a hybrid operating environment that can manage VMware and VME simultaneously
- Cloud-friendliness: Enhanced on-premises + cloud scalability through HPE GreenLake integration
5. Key takeaways
- Common features: RAID + RAIN structure, NFS protocol-based datastore, built-in backup/recovery function
- Difference: VMware-based requires OmniStack card, VME is software-defined for greater simplicity and cost-effectiveness