PowerStoreOS 4.2 brings new features for greater automation, security and insight into your storage environment. It is a systematic step toward smarter storage management.
With PowerStoreOS 4.2, Dell Technologies is continuing to pursue its vision of consistently modernizing enterprise storage with a clear focus on simplicity, security and operational efficiency. For Swiss companies, this means less effort in day-to-day operations, better control over data and systems, and more flexibility in the further development of their infrastructure.
This release brings intelligent features, deeper automation and robust security mechanisms, helping IT teams to better manage the balancing act between growth, security and cost efficiency.
Complexity in the data center: when growth becomes a challenge
In many data centers, complexity is increasing faster than the available resources.
- Different storage protocols, hybrid infrastructures and mounting security requirements are presenting IT teams with new challenges.
- Manual monitoring and troubleshooting take time and increase the risk of human error.
- At the same time, departments expect smooth availability and predictable performance.
This is where PowerStoreOS 4.2 comes in: with more intelligence, automation and security, and without compromising on flexibility.
PowerStoreOS 4.2 is more than a technical update. It is a step toward autonomous storage management.
Key innovations at a glance
1. New platform: PowerStore 5200Q
The QLC-based 5200Q model adds a particularly economical option to the existing product family.
- From 19x 15.36 TB NVMe QLC SSDs
- 1,055 TB effective capacity (TBe) with 5:1 data reduction guaranteed
- Fully integrated into existing PowerStore clusters
This gives companies more capacity per CHF with the same performance and enterprise functionality as the T models.
2. Intelligent management with PowerStore Manager
The redesigned user interface makes everyday tasks even easier.
- Direct customer feedback form in the GUI
- AIOps link for system health and forecasts
- Advanced port metrics for more in-depth performance analysis
- Persistent filters, extended breadcrumbs and new security prompts for migrations
The result: more efficient processes and clearer insights, even for larger storage environments.
3. Data protection & replication via Fibre Channel
The first step has finally been taken: with PowerStoreOS 4.2, asynchronous block replication can be performed via Fibre Channel in addition to Ethernet (TCP/IP). This allows companies to use their existing FC infrastructure environments.
With PowerStoreOS 4.2, SCSI 3 persistent reservations are supported for virtual machines within a Metro Volume configuration. This has been extended for the following systems:
- Windows Server Failover Cluster (WSFC) with ESXi vSphere Raw Device Mappings and Clustered VMFS VMDK
- Linux Cluster with ESXi vSphere Raw Device Mappings and Clustered VMFS VMDK
Prerequisite: PowerStoreOS 4.2 or higher on both clusters.
4. Auto-repair and REST API for cluster shutdowns
PowerStoreOS 4.2 automatically detects known system problems and can resolve them independently, either in warning mode or fully automatically.
The new REST API also allows shutdown processes to be performed via script, which is a plus for automation and remote maintenance.
5. More security with Entra ID, TLS 1.3 and secure SMTP
- Single sign-on (SSO) with Microsoft Entra ID for centralized authentication
- TLS 1.3 support for state-of-the-art encryption
- Secure SMTP dispatch with StartTLS
PowerStore thus meets current compliance and security requirements, including in regulated industries.
6. Smart analyses & anomaly detection
The new anomaly detection visualizes unusual performance deviations and helps to detect bottlenecks or misconfigurations at an early stage. Easily visible in the GUI, with intuitive control and without external tools.
Benefits for companies
- Greater operational efficiency: less manual intervention, more automation.
- Improved security: the latest encryption, SSO integration, secure communication.
- Flexible data protection: choose between TCP and Fibre Channel replication.
- Intelligent analyses: early error detection and deeper insights into system performance.
- Cost efficiency: QLC technology for high capacity at lower costs.
- Seamless integration: unified management across all PowerStore models.
Would you like to learn how PowerStoreOS 4.2 can make your storage environment smarter, safer and more efficient? Arrange a personal consultation with our DataStore experts now.
PowerStore Manager:
next-level user-friendliness
PowerStore has won multiple awards as one of the most user-friendly storage platforms, and version 4.2 makes work even easier:
- Direct feedback: new button in the GUI allows feedback to be sent directly to Dell.
- AIOps link: quick access to system condition analyses via support connectivity.
- More port metrics: ten additional readings for more accurate diagnosis, e.g. signal or CRC errors.
- Secure migrations: new referral ID prevents accidental deletion of sessions.
- Optimized interface: deeper breadcrumbs and persistent filters for more efficient work.
FAQs
Does PowerStoreOS 4.2 support existing T models?
Yes. All new features are compatible with existing PowerStore T and Q appliances.
How will the upgrade take place?
The upgrade can be performed via the PowerStore Manager or automatically via REST API.
Is Entra ID mandatory?
No. Entra ID is optional, but provides secure and centralized authentication for larger organizations.
Will synchronous and metro replication be available via Fibre Channel?
Yes, this will also be available in the near future.