RealSure Software From Dot Hill

Dot Hill Systems Corp. unveiled its RealSure software built on its RealStor next generation storage OS.

This intelligent workload processing software, embedded in AssuredSAN storage arrays, guarantees consistent and predictable performance, scaling as the number of analytic queries increases. RealSure software features QoS enhancements that ensure optimized performance for big data analytics in general, as well as in vertical markets such as HPC, oil and gas, video surveillance, and network management.

RealSure enables predictive workload scheduling to ensure consistent query response times. In most storage arrays, queries are processed as they arrive at the controller, without regard to the response time that each requires. RealSure software adds autonomic, real time intelligence, with multiple dedicated agents, to optimize scheduling of queries. As the number of queries increases, RealSure performance scales to assure consistent QoS to each. The benefit for these busy workloads is that all requests to the storage system are processed in a manner that maintains the same performance as if the system was dedicated to each query.

“The analytics used in most applications share a common characteristic-multiple overlapping queries that the storage array must organize to deliver the requisite high performance,” stated Ken Day, CTO, Dot Hill. “This new innovation is a key component for optimal storage performance in big data applications where real time matters.“

The latest addition to next-generation RealStor OS, RealSure software is available in AssuredSAN storage systems such as the Ultra48 AssuredSAN ultra-density array, which is integrated into the Teradata Data Warehouse Appliance 2800, also announced. Configured with multiple Ultra48 AssuredSAN arrays and delivered ‘ready to run,’ the Warehouse Appliance 2800 is a fully-integrated system, purpose-built for integrated data warehousing.

Applications utilizing big data analytics can present performance challenges when systems get busy because their embedded workloads result in multiple and conflicting parallel operations. By making it possible to scale for workloads that have multiple processes, RealSure software overcomes performance bottlenecks created by adjacent workloads. RealSure provides intelligent organization and ordering of disk and SSD read and write activity to optimize for thousands of simultaneous queries.

Eric Burgener, research director, storage, IDC, recently outlined key requirements for high performance storage platforms in an April 2015 IDC Insight report entitled, Virtual SAN 6.0 Targets Primary Storage Workloads with All-Flash Configurations and Enterprise Data Services. Burgener notes in the report that platforms will need to support different types of storage media, including flash, and a storage tiering capability that can leverage caching and/or volume pinning to be able to intelligently use flash performance. Hybrid AssuredSAN systems with the RealStor OS meet these criteria by providing real-time tiering. RealSure goes a step further to address the unique storage performance demands of applications with massive, overlapping workloads, such as big data analytics, by providing key capabilities to address QoS considerations.

“3rd Platform computing is making significant demands on storage infrastructure to deliver consistent performance in the face of mixed and often unpredictable workloads. Effective QoS controls are required to deliver performance as needed no matter what else is going on in the system,” said Burgener. “Dot Hill RealSure gives administrators the control they need to define and meet stringent SLAs in today’s dynamic business climate.“

“Dot Hill is a preferred provider of storage system solutions to leading OEMs because our engineering team collaborates directly with our customers to develop innovations that address their primary storage pain points,” said Bill Wuertz, SVP, products and solutions, Dot Hill. “We continue to build on our RealStor OS with unique, robust features such as our RealSure software and provide OEM partners with a competitive edge that allows them to deliver consistent QoS and excel in providing seriously smart storage solutions.“