HPE updates block storage services

Hewlett Packard Enterprise has announced a pair of changes to its GreenLake Alletra MP block storage services, with a new program for on-premises users as well as support for Amazon Web Services.

HPE launched Alletra Storage MP last year, delivering file or block storage using a controller that can be configured for either performance or capacity; enterprise customers can choose scale-out block storage with a 100% data-availability guarantee or high-throughput file storage for scale up computing, depending on their requirements.

Now, HPE has added the Timeless Program for GreenLake Alletra MP block storage users with non-disruptive controller upgrades. A “non-disruptive” controller means seamless operation and the ability to execute tasks in a way that doesn’t interfere with users’ activities or cause downtime.

HPE says that GreenLake customers that choose to participate in the block storage program on HPE Alletra MP will qualify for an upgrade to a next-generation controller when they renew their subscription. Since it’s under the GreenLake lease program, HPE handles the hardware and software upgrades rather than the customer having to do it. HPE says customers can achieve an average savings of 30% of TCO for storage by avoiding a significant hardware upgrade.

The new program includes HPE’s data availability guarantee and HPE StoreMore data efficiency guarantees. HPE’s Timeless Program will be available in Q3 2024.

Along with Timeless, HPE is now allowing customers to manage block storage across hybrid cloud environments, between GreenLake Alletra on-prem and in AWS. The GreenLake block storage on Alletra MP service can now scale its NVMe SSD capacity up to 5.6 PB, twice as much as before, with up to 16 JBOF (Just a Bunch Of Flash) shelves.

The Alletra enclosure supports from eight to 24 SSDs, with the ability to upgrade drives in two-drive increments and controller nodes in increments of one.

Alletra MP also gains three-site replication for better data protection. It’s supported by Zerto Cyber Resilience Vault, which is now integrated with HPE Alletra Storage MP to provide customers with the ability to protect, audit and securely vault their most critical applications while providing the availability to rapidly restore services in the event of service disruption or breach.

HPE GreenLake Block Storage for AWS will be available to order at the end of May 2024.