EMC Symmetrix DMX-4 and DMX-4 950 Reach EOSL

We’ll call it a wrap. Dell EMC will soon be out of the Symmetrix support business. The last product models in this pre-VMAX flagship series—the EMC Symmetrix DMX-4 and DMX-4 950—will lose OEM backing on September 30, 2017.

The DMX-4’s 2007 release date makes this EOSL one that has been a long time coming, and many customers have already upgraded. Both the DMX-4 and the 950 variant may, however, retain value in many data centers as repositories for archival data, for non-production uses, in disaster recovery settings—or for the purpose for which they were originally installed.

Regardless of the current use case, for those interested in squeezing more value from these high-end storage systems, the question becomes support.

Third Party Maintenance Beats DIY

One thing customers should generally avoid is relying solely on in-house support for remaining Symmetrix equipment. This late in the game, doing so can pose significant challenges, including:

• Expertise. A stable system requiring relatively little intervention can be a blessing—until a complex problem arises or a reconfiguration is necessary to repurpose the box. Many organizations find that in-house staff hasn’t had to deal with the intricacies of Symmetrix lately and they can struggle when such issues come up. This is when outside engineering assistance from individuals with deep knowledge of the DMX systems becomes invaluable.
• Spare parts. Most aging storage arrays will eventually require spares. Some IT shops strive to keep an assortment on site, but it can be difficult and costly. Third party maintenance providers offer a welcome alternative: fully outsourced spare parts management, delivery, and installation. It couldn’t be easier. And with Park Place’s four-hour turnaround time, it couldn’t be faster, either.
• Staffing. In the best case scenario, an IT organization has the knowledge and the parts to repair the DMX-4 or DMX-4 950 themselves. But do they have the time? When you consider how much is already on systems administrators’ plates, it may make sense to have them remain focused on the mission critical while a third party maintenance provider handles the occasional hardware-related fire drill.

Third party maintenance offers a seamless and affordable option for troubleshooting, on-site component replacement, and even alternative upgrade possibilities. And premium providers will still save customers about 60% off what they had been paying EMC for support, putting these contracts in the right ballpark for the EMC DMX series.

The Advantages of Park Place Technologies

If you’re on board with the idea of Symmetrix DMX-4 support from an OEM-alternative provider, the question becomes “which one?” Here are three ways Park Place Technologies stands out:

• 100% support-focused. Companies that devote themselves exclusively to support tend to have the expertise and processes to do it better. When it comes to third party maintenance, it’s also important that they remain impartial. Providers that also engage in equipment sales may not be, so buyer beware.
• Responsive service. 96% of Park Place customers report being satisfied with our service. Why? Things like talented engineers, immediate escalation to Level 3 support, and a host of flexible contract features have a lot to do with it.
• The results that matter. We have a lower DOA rate for spare parts and higher first-time fix success than the OEMs. This makes switching to Park Place a move up in support quality.

Sound good? Then why not get started on the transition to post-EOSL Symmetrix support today? Simply contact us for a free quote.