When considering storage options, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each solution. In our case, we had previously used Nimble but switched to IBM and Dell due to concerns about 'pre-sales guarantees' and inflated numbers. One of the main issues we faced was a less effective deduplication algorithm, which led us to question whether the new solutions would offer better performance.

To determine if the HF models use a different deduplication algorithm, let's dive deeper into the technology behind them. The 21x1TB model, in particular, is an interesting case study. While HP advertises its 'Store More Guarantee' with a data reduction ratio of up to 5 or more for all-flash models, this doesn't necessarily apply to hybrid flash models like the HF40.

We were offered the HF40, which promised better performance due to its controllers' superior processing capabilities. However, this raised questions about whether the dedupe and compression benefits would be significant enough to justify the higher cost. Additionally, we wondered if there might be a performance penalty for using the HF20 compared to the HF40 under certain workloads.

To put our concerns into perspective, let's consider our specific requirements. We have 50TB of data to store, with some capacity used and others left largely untouched. Our workload consists of smaller databases (MS SQL, Oracle, Postgres, MySQL) as well as a large Exchange server and file servers with precompressed pictures and videos.

Given Nimble's deduplication capabilities, we expected the 21x2TB model to be sufficient for our needs even with low dedupe ratios. However, when comparing the different HF series models on HPE's website, we noticed that the main difference is maximum capacity (210TB raw for HF20, 504TB raw for HF40). This makes the HF20 a more natural choice for us.

Before making a final decision, we would appreciate advice from a non-sales perspective. For our current storage project, we've been offered a Nimble HF40 with 21x4TB capacity and 6x1.92TB Cache to store our 50TB of data in the near future (currently under 30TB). Given our requirements, we're unsure if this device is correctly sized for us.

In conclusion, choosing the right storage solution requires careful consideration of each option's strengths and weaknesses. By evaluating factors such as deduplication algorithms, performance capabilities, and capacity needs, we can make an informed decision that meets our specific requirements.

Nimble hf40