Dell PowerVault ME5012 Storage Array

The Dell PowerVault ME5012 is a high-performance, entry-level SAN storage array designed for small to medium businesses seeking enterprise-grade storage capabilities at an affordable price point. This 2U rack-mounted system delivers up to 1.8 million IOPS and supports both SAS and NL-SAS drives with capacities up to 504TB raw storage.

**Key Features:**
– Dual-controller architecture with active-active failover for 99.9999% availability
– Support for up to 84 drives across multiple enclosures
– 16Gb Fibre Channel and 10Gb iSCSI connectivity options
– Advanced data services including snapshots, thin provisioning, and automated tiering
– VMware vSphere integration with VAAI support

**Primary Benefits:**
– Simplified management through intuitive web-based interface
– Scalable performance that grows with business needs
– Enterprise reliability with comprehensive data protection
– Reduced total cost of ownership through efficient space utilization
– Seamless virtualization integration for modern IT environments

**Unique Selling Points:**
The ME5012 stands out by offering enterprise-class features typically found in higher-end systems while maintaining an entry-level price structure. Its compact footprint, combined with impressive performance density and Dell’s proven reliability, makes it ideal for organizations transitioning from direct-attached storage to centralized SAN infrastructure without requiring extensive IT expertise or budget.