AI Anywhere with APEX File Storage for Microsoft Azure
Introducing Dell APEX File Storage for Microsoft Azure: high-performance, multicloud storage purpose-built for AI.
In the world of transportation, race cars and semi-trucks seem like they belong to different
universes. Yet, beneath their disparate exteriors lies a common thread: the pursuit of peak
performance. Similarly, in cloud computing, the fusion of cutting-edge technology with diverse
applications such as artificial intelligence (AI) requires solutions that deliver both storage scalability
and performance. And customers need the ability to access their data wherever its stored to drive
the next innovation. In fact, 87% of companies are adopting a multicloud strategy today.[1] We’re
excited to continue helping customers on their multicloud journey with our new Dell APEX File Storage for Public Cloud offering.
Enter Dell APEX File Storage for Microsoft Azure, a game-changing innovation that bridges the gap
between cloud storage and AI-driven insights. At the heart of Dell APEX File Storage for Azure lies
PowerScale OneFS—a proven, high-performance scale-out file storage solution trusted by over
16,000 customers worldwide. By bringing the power of PowerScale OneFS to the Azure cloud, Dell
enables customers to consolidate and manage data more effectively, reduce storage costs and
enhance data protection and security—all while leveraging native cloud AI tools to arrive at insights
faster. And Dell APEX File Storage for Microsoft Azure delivers the most advanced file storage capabilities in Azure.[2]
“APEX File Storage in Azure provides the exact same experience as PowerScale OneFS
on-premises. This streamlines our storage environment and makes our team more
efficient. Dell has done a great job with this offer.” – Multinational Telecommunications Company
In a landscape where multicloud is a reality is a reality, Dell APEX File Storage for Azure combines
efficiency and versatility, empowering your business to harness the full potential of distributed cloud
ecosystems for your AI workflows. Traditionally, AI implementation has been marked by siloed
solutions and fragmented infrastructure. However, Dell’s APEX File Storage for Azure offers a new
path with seamless integration of high-performance storage capabilities to deploy on Microsoft’s
Azure infrastructure. Easily move data from on-premises to the cloud using advanced native
replication without having to refactor your storage architecture. And once in the cloud, you can use
all enterprise-grade PowerScale OneFS features. With scale-out architecture to support up to 18
nodes and 5.6PiB in a single namespace, APEX File Storage for Azure offers scalability and flexibility
without sacrificing ease of management. In fact, compared to Azure NetApp Files, Dell APEX File
Storage for Microsoft Azure enables[3]:
- 6x greater cluster performance
- Up to 11x larger namespace
- Up to 23x more snapshots per volume
- 2x higher cluster resiliency
- Easier and more robust cluster expansion
What further sets APEX File Storage for Azure apart is its commitment to customer needs. With
proactive support and a 97% customer satisfaction rate[4], Dell Support Services provides highly
trained experts around the clock and around the globe to address your OneFS needs, minimize
disruptions, and help you maintain a high level of productivity and outcomes. Gone are the days of
compromise between performance and utility – this solution delivers both, on your terms. Designed
for hybrid cloud and cloud burst use cases whether it’s traditional IT workloads or cutting-edge
GenAI applications, Dell APEX File Storage for Azure has the highest performance at scale for AI[5],
propelling AI workloads to new heights of innovation and efficiency.
The key benefits of APEX File Storage for Azure are:
- Simplicity with “multicloud by design”: Accelerate multicloud deployment with a consistent user
- experience across on-premises and cloud environments. Take advantage of automatereplication tools without having to make any changes to the underlying storage in the cloud.
- Extreme flexibility: Seamlessly manage changing workload demands and rapidly growing datasets with advanced OneFS data services and scalable capacity of up to 5.6PiB.
- Data control: Leverage native AI tools to power the most demanding workloads.
In a period dominated by the rapid evolution of digital technologies, the need for multicloud
strategies has never been more apparent. Dell’s strategic collaboration with Microsoft represents a
significant milestone in this journey, offering customers the freedom to store and process data in the
most optimal location for their AI use cases. With APEX File Storage for Azure, Dell continues to
uphold our commitment to empowering businesses to innovate faster and achieve transformative outcomes with AI.
To take the next step, reach out to your dedicated Dell or partner representative or join us at Dell Technologies World to learn m