Synology's latest all-flash storage systems, the FS6420 and FS3420, are a game-changer for enterprises seeking low-latency storage solutions. These rack-mounted systems are designed to handle demanding workloads, including virtualisation, databases, and video post-production, with impressive performance metrics that will leave you in awe. But what truly sets these systems apart is their ability to cater to the needs of mid-sized and large companies, as well as colocation environments, all while maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
Performance That Impresses
Synology's focus on performance is evident in the impressive IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) figures. The FS6420 delivers a staggering 929,000 read IOPS and 257,000 write IOPS, a 40% and 26% improvement over its predecessor, respectively. The FS3420, while slightly more modest, still boasts 478,000 read IOPS and 169,000 write IOPS, with a 21% and 32% increase, respectively. These numbers are a testament to Synology's commitment to delivering high-performance storage solutions.
But it's not just about raw numbers. The systems also provide more than 60% higher SMB (Server Message Block) read throughput, which is crucial for file-sharing workloads that require greater bandwidth. This is especially relevant in environments where multiple users access large files simultaneously, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience.
Future-Proofing with Connectivity Options
Synology understands the importance of future-proofing, and these systems are no exception. Both models come equipped with dual 10GbE ports as standard, providing a solid foundation for network connectivity. However, the flexibility doesn't stop there. Optional 25GbE or Fibre Channel adapters are available, allowing users to adapt to faster network environments and integrate seamlessly with existing storage infrastructure.
Resilience and Management Features
Reliability is a cornerstone of Synology's design philosophy. The systems incorporate redundant power supplies, significantly reducing the risk of downtime caused by single hardware failures. Additionally, integrated networking supports failover and load balancing, ensuring that critical operations remain uninterrupted. Out-of-band management is another standout feature, enabling administrators to troubleshoot remotely and retrieve logs even when the server is powered down, providing unparalleled control and peace of mind.
Software Stack and Data Protection
Synology's DiskStation Manager, the company's storage and management software platform, powers these systems. It seamlessly supports VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix, and OpenStack environments, making it an ideal choice for businesses with mixed virtual infrastructure. The software stack also includes Synology Tiering, a feature that intelligently manages data across performance and capacity tiers, ensuring optimal performance for frequently accessed workloads.
Data protection is another area where these systems excel. Active Backup for Business allows for the backup of unlimited virtual machines and physical servers, while Snapshot Replication provides granular recovery points at the volume, folder, and file level, ensuring that data is always protected and easily recoverable.
Meeting Enterprise Demands
The launch of these all-flash storage systems comes at a time when many organisations are choosing to keep latency-sensitive applications on-site rather than relying on public cloud infrastructure. Storage suppliers, including Synology, have responded by updating flash systems to meet the demands of workloads such as databases, virtual machines, and applications that require predictable response times.
Synology's expansion into larger enterprise deployments is a strategic move, catering to the needs of mid-sized and large companies, as well as colocation environments. Jeffrey Huang, Product Manager at Synology, highlights the demand from organisations running intensive local workloads, stating that these systems offer substantial IOPS improvements, making them strong options for a wide range of enterprises.
In conclusion, Synology's FS6420 and FS3420 all-flash storage systems are a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and performance. With their impressive performance, future-proofing, and robust management features, these systems are poised to become the go-to solution for enterprises seeking low-latency storage. As Synology continues to expand its enterprise offerings, it's clear that they are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of businesses worldwide.
