Dell adds PowerStore support to Nutanix Cloud Platform

Dell has integrated its PowerStore storage platform with Nutanix Cloud Platform through Dell Private Cloud. The setup is available with Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure 7.6.

The addition expands Dell's Nutanix-related storage options beyond PowerFlex, which was the first external storage platform supported and integrated with Nutanix Cloud Platform.

The integration provides customers with a validated Nutanix environment on PowerStore, including automated deployment of the AHV hypervisor, lifecycle management, and Dell system-level hardware support. It is also designed to let IT teams manage infrastructure through Nutanix Prism without extra tools.

PowerStore is Dell's flagship all-flash storage platform. In this configuration, Dell is positioning it for organisations that want external storage in Nutanix environments while keeping compute and storage on separate scaling paths.

How it works

Dell Private Cloud automates AHV deployment through validated blueprints and manages full-stack lifecycle operations through Dell Automation Platform. The setup includes Day 0 to Day 2 support, non-disruptive upgrades, and the ability to scale storage one drive at a time.

The platform also includes always-on deduplication and compression, backed by Dell's 6:1 data reduction guarantee. Dell said this could help customers consolidate more workloads while reducing storage costs.

The companies also highlighted resilience features managed through Prism, including asynchronous replication and Metro synchronous replication with zero RPO and zero RTO. For longer-term retention, remote backups can be managed through Dell PowerProtect Data Manager, including cloud archival and retention locks.

Broader push

The announcement reflects a wider effort by infrastructure suppliers to offer alternatives for organisations reviewing virtualisation and private cloud designs. Nutanix has been expanding support for external storage and positioning its AHV hypervisor and Prism management software as part of a broader cloud operating model for datacentre environments.

Dell described the latest integration as giving it the broadest infrastructure support in the Nutanix ecosystem. It also framed the launch as part of its 14-year partnership with Nutanix.

Dell cited industry analyst firm Omdia as saying the automated approach could reduce administrative effort while keeping deployments aligned with tested configurations. In a technical assessment referenced by Dell, Omdia said the integration could also help close security gaps that may arise in less tightly managed deployments.

"reduces operational overhead while maintaining compliance with Dell's tested and supported configurations, closing potential security gaps left open by solutions without this level of integration and lifecycle management support."

Dell also pointed to Omdia's view on the combination of storage and lifecycle management in Nutanix environments.

"the combination of enterprise-grade storage capabilities, automated lifecycle management and flexible deployment options of Dell Private Cloud on PowerStore with Nutanix positions IT teams to support current workloads while preparing for AI-driven transformation."

A channel partner also commented on the integration's appeal for customers considering infrastructure changes.

"From a partner perspective, PowerStore and Nutanix is one of those combinations that demonstrates its value quickly. Customers get streamlined infrastructure management through Nutanix, backed by the performance, efficiency, and scalability of PowerStore, making it an attractive option for modernization initiatives."

Raj Patel, manager of project services and HCI lead at Winslow Technology Group, said.