Earlier this week, EMC's Sam Marraccini wrote a guest blog on Microsoft's SQL Server team site highlighting the benefits of Flash technology with Microsoft SQL Server. In short, flash continues to be a game changer and with the introduction of EMC Xtrem products including XtremSF (PCIe server flash), XtremSW Cache (server side caching) and XtremIO (all Flash array) is helping to improve performance for key application workloads.
via vwin.typepad.com
Thanks for spreading the Xtrem word!!
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Welcome to Inside the Partnership (EMC/MSFT) Episode #34, November 29, 2012.
Keeping EMC field resources up to date on the latest EMC/MSFT integration and road maps is key to joint continued success. Staying hands on is even more important. After all, using the infrastructure is the best way to provide proper positioning and gaining maximum value for our customers.
This year the annual EMC Microsoft Technical Summit was conducted at one of the many EMC facilities in Santa Clara, California. Looking back at an outstanding 2012, including our involvement in the Systems Center Launch, SQL2012 Launch, Windows Server 2012 Launch and support of many Microsoft conferences, but that was just the beginning. The heart of the summit was looking ahead to the next Wave. In this case, Wave 15. New version of SharePoint
and Exchange are just the beginning.
The event also gave the global resources on hand the opportunity to drive EMC software in a Microsoft environment. From EMC BRS products and analyzing customer environments and
determining the best comprehensive solutions, this was the place to be. I hear there was even a Cache Gordon appearance!
Just like last year, I took a few minutes to speak with Adrian Simays, who once again organized this event. The content from the event will be available at www.emc.com/EverythingMicrosoft
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Welcome to Inside the Partnership (EMC/MSFT) Episode #33, August 19, 2012.
I spent a good portion of my early career here at EMC configuring and designing Microsoft Exchange storage solutions. Granted, most of those conversations included Exchange 2003 and EMC replication technologies, new concepts in 2004-2006.
Storage design, then and now, is key to a successful messaging platform. It is so important that Microsoft has dedicated an “Exchange 2010 Exchange Storage Calculator”, which is a handy spreadsheet that allows user input to drive a potential server design. The tool, currently in version 19.9, has been instrumental in many storage designs.
The tool, designed by Microsoft to support the design of Microsoft Exchange, overlooks some fundamental considerations when deploying Exchange on an EMC Enterprise Architecture.
Jim Cordes is part of the EMC Commercial Solutions Advisory Team and has been designing messaging solutions since the early days of MS Mail. He has been hard at work developing the “EMC Extensions” for the Microsoft Exchange 2010 Storage Calculator. I spent some time with Jim at Microsoft Teched this past year.
You can find the Microsoft Exchange 2010 Storage Calculator with EMC Extensions here and everything Microsoft at EMC at www.emc.com/EverythingMicrosoft.
Thanks for watching. To be notified of the latest Inside the Partnership videos, follow me on Twitter @EMCMSFT and check out www.InsideThePartnership.com. You can subscribe to the RSS Feeds for the Blog, the Pod Cast and the Video Cast respectively at www.InsideThePartnership.com and be sure to check out my latest Video cast at www.InsideFlash.com
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Welcome to Inside the Partnership (EMC/MSFT) Episode #32, June 14, 2012.
Once again EMC is a Platinum Sponsor of Microsoft TechEd. In the last episode of Inside the Partnership I covered the TechEd Keynote and EMCs guest appearance. The keynote featured an EMC VNX with ODX (Offloaded Data Transfer), Microsoft demonstrated a 1GB per second file copy. If you haven’t watched it, take a look.
This episode is a high level overview of EMCs presence at Microsoft TechEd 2012. Including: Avamar 6.1, a Best of TechEd Finalist. I spent some time with Alex Almedia to get a high level overview of Avamar 6.1. Then I visited Txomin Barturen with his “Toys” The EMC Microsoft Fast Track Private Cloud. The customer interest was overwhelming. Txomin spent most of the conference demonstrating ODX and SMB 3.0 support.
VFCache, Server side PCIe Flash IO accelerator, is a key component of EMCs Fully Automated Storage Tiering, extending FAST to the server. I spent some time reviewing VFCache Hardware and Software, for more VFCache info visit www.InsideFlash.com.
Mike Mcghee was EMCs breakout presenter. I spent some time reviewing his session and spent some time with Neil Salamack talking about EMCs latest data protection product, AppSync. More details on AppSync and Mikes presentation on future episodes of Inside the partnership.
Just like last year, the EMC prize patrol was in action, and the EMC grand prize giveaway was HUGE!!! Check out all that EMC Blue… Congratulations to our $1000 winner.
Thanks for watching. To be notified of the latest Inside the Partnership videos, follow me on Twitter @EMCMSFT and check out www.InsideThePartnership.com. You can subscribe to the RSS Feeds for the Blog, the Pod Cast and the Video Cast respectively at www.InsideThePartnership.com and be sure to check out my latest Video cast at www.InsideFlash.com
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Welcome to Inside the Partnership the Video Series Episode #31.
The Conference Tour continues, this time in Orlando. Microsoft Teched 2012, this time it’s all about Windows Server 2012! - This Episode recorded, edited, and uploaded the same day!!!! (WOW!!!), on to the next one. Look for me in the EMC Booth here at TechEd 2012!
Yesterday’s EMC Press Release highlighted EMCs support of Windows Server 2012 including new functionality like Offloaded Data Transfer or ODX.
EMCs integration is so deep it was featured as part of the opening Keynote. That keynote demo is included in this episode of Inside the Partnership. I also spent some time with Adrian Simays to
review what is happing during day 1 of the conference.
If your attending this week, make sure you get your EMC T-Shirt and attend the EMC Technical Breakout session of Wednesday… Then head back to the EMC booth, wearing you T-Shirt for a chance to win $1000!!!
Thanks for watching. To be notified of the latest Inside the Partnership videos, follow me on Twitter @EMCMSFT and check out www.InsideThePartnership.com.
You can subscribe to the RSS Feeds for the Blog, the Pod Cast and the Video
Cast respectively at http://www.InsideThePartnership.com
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Live from Microsoft Teched 2012 the 7th edition of Inside the Partnership: This live update from Microsoft Teched Highlights all of the day one happenings, what to expect at the EMC sessions and sponsor theater. Follow me on twitter @EMCMSFT
Inside the Partnership is your link to happenings, events and news between the EMC and Microsoft Partnership. The Inside the Partnership Podcast is designed to complement the Inside the Partnership Video series and take a deeper look at current topics and happenings.
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Microsoft Teched 2012... SOLD OUT!!!
EMC is a Platinum Sponsor of Microsoft TechEd, stop by the EMC how EMC can help simplify Microsoft Cloud and Data Center Management. This is an opportunity for you to talk to EMC Microsoft Application, Cloud and Management experts to understand how to: Simplify management, increase IT productivity and lower infrastructure costs
Don't miss the EMC Breakout Session "Accelerating the Power of the Cloud with Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track and EMC Infrastructure" (WSV211) Wednesday, June 13 at 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
The EMC Microsoft TechEd pavilion will cover every aspect of EMC's solutions, and services capabilities around Microsoft applications. Including:
Simplify Management
Mission Critical Data Management
Automate Data Management
Secure Your Cloud
Accelerate Backup Transformation
Disaster Recovery in the Cloud
Transformation to the ClouD
Ask me about EMC VFCache and get a Cache Gordon 4GB USB Drive... follow me on twitter @EMCMSFT if you can't find me!
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It's the Conference shuffle. #MMS2012 seems like yesterday, well maybe a few weeks ago, back to Las Vegas and the Venetian Conference Center for #EMCWorld 2012. Bigger and better than
ever... that's really the only way to describe EMC World 2012. From the Keynote
to the closing concert (Maroon-5) just Bigger and Better!!
There is just so much to cover, and Microsoft Teched 2012 is NEXT WEEK!!!. EMC MEGA Launch II introducing 42 new or updated products!! Most of which touch Microsoft application in some
way; AppSync for Microsoft Application Protection, VFCache, the PCIe and soon Cisco UCS Blade based IO Accelerator card providing Performance, Protection and Intelligence.
I ran into Adrian Simays and Brian Henderson, both friends of the show, in the EMC Bloggers Lounge. I couldn't let an opportunity like that slip buy without firing up the webcam. I was able to track down Adrian on the second day as well; you can find the podcast here. On day one of the conference I also visited the Leveraging EMC VFCache with Enterprise Applications breakout session. In true Inside the Partnership fashion I was able to get an interview with Radha Manga and a quick introduction to EMC VFCache.
EMCs Microsoft Solutions team had over 50 demos running in the solutions pavilion showcasing EMC products and technologies enabling Microsoft Applications. As always Adrian and his team where all over the show!
A press release during EMC world highlighted the latest VFCache form factor and Cisco UCS Blade
support. I spent some time with Brian Sorby of the EMC Flash Business Unit to review that announcement.
Then I took a sneak peak at Microsoft TechEd, after all... It's NEXT WEEK!!! Wow what a turnaround. Look for me at Teched!! Ask me about VFCache and get a Cache Gordon USB Drive!!!
Inside the Partnership Episode #30 had just about nothing
to do with EMC and any partnership.... As promised it's additional footage from
the EMCWorld 2012 Customer Appreciation event and Maroon 5 concert. Hope you like it!!!
Oh ya, and Adrian Simays and I squeezed a podcast into the mix!
Thanks for watching. To be notified of the latest Inside the Partnership videos, follow me on Twitter @EMCMSFT and check out www.InsideThePartnership.com.
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Live from #EMCWorld 2012 the 6th edition of Inside the Partnership: The Podcast touched everything Microsoft at EMC World and a preview of Micorosft Teched 2012. Follow me on twitter @EMCMSFT
Inside the Partnership is your link to happenings, events and news between the EMC and Microsoft Partnership. The Inside the Partnership Podcast is designed to complement the Inside the Partnership Video series and take a deeper look at current topics and happenings.
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There is no better way to describe EMC World than “Bigger and Better”, 13,000+ record attendees, WOW!!! In my now annual ritual, I do some research going into the conference. Just like last year, I wondered what session I should attend to get the latest information on EMC/Microsoft Integration. For EMC world 2011, I found 17 sessions dedicated to, or referencing, Microsoft Applications. This year is even bigger. A quick search of the EMC World 2012 agenda yields 25 sessions with Microsoft related content. Fortunately, most of the sessions are repeated. Adrian Simays recently posted a great recap of the Microsoft related sessions on his blog at Virtual Winfrastructure. There’s no need for me to relist them here.
It’s also interesting to note that Microsoft is a Premier Sponsor of EMC World 2012, just like last year. You can expect to find more details of the Private Cloud Fast Track Reference Architecture as introduced at the Microsoft Management Summit and reviewed here at Inside the Partnership.
One of the big keynote announcements last year at EMC World was VFCache, the PCIe server based cache solution designed to dramatically increase application IO while maintaining protection. Performance AND Protection! I blogged about the SQL Server performance increases back in February.
A year later, the customer adoption has been outstanding. So, what’s all the fuss about? Find out at EMC World. There are 4 Sessions and a Keynote dedicated to EMCs VFCache, and Flash strategy… I would expect some announcements at the conference. Stay tuned for more details.
Introduction to VFCache (Monday 8:30-9:30 and Wednesday 4:15-5:15)
This session provides an introduction to different ways in which Flash technology can be used inside the server, specifically PCIe-based EMC VFCache. It covers the performance considerations and best practices which should be followed to get optimum performance from server-based Flash technology. This session also covers the different ways in which EMC storage systems like Symmetrix VMAX and VNX interact with these Flash-based solutions in the server.
Leveraging EMC VFCache with Enterprise Applications (Monday 4:00-5:00 and Thursday 10:00-11:00)
This session describes how EMC VFCache can be leveraged with enterprise applications like Oracle, SQL Server, and Microsoft Exchange. This presentation introduces various VFCache deployment scenarios for enterprise applications and also provides some best practices to maximize performance benefits. This session also shares the results from various benchmark tests done at EMC Application Performance labs in both physical and virtual environments.
Leverage VNX for Your High-Performance and High-Bandwidth Microsoft SQL Server Applications
This session discusses how you can leverage the VNX platform to deliver predictable and sustained performance with the VNX unified storage platform for your high-bandwidth SQL Data Warehouse / Business Intelligence requirements. Solutions including VNX all Flash array and VFCache are discussed. Best practices around deploying SQL data warehouse on VNX are also discussed as well as how you can leverage VNX with the Microsoft SQL Fast Track program to get a balanced repeatable deployment design.
Birds-of-a-Feather: Implementing Flash Technologies and Cisco UCS in Mission-Critical Application Environments
This BoF session explores the ways customers implement Flash technology to improve performance in mission-critical application environments. The session will also discuss how customers are implementing Cisco UCS to deliver higher performance computing needed in a virtualized data center environment. Customers will have the ability to review how EMC’s new VFCache and EMC Flash-enabled storage systems dramatically improve application performance.
KEYNOTE: Flash Deconstructed: Understanding The What, Where, Why, and When of This Mega-Hyped Movement. (Thursday 8:30-9:30)
Keynote with Steve Duplessie In this session, Steve will overview the various Flash technologies - those available now and those on the horizon - and the potential each technology offers. Steve will drill into implementation and technology options and what users can expect from each - where they work, and where they don't. Users will leave the session with a better understanding of how Flash will evolve and gain insight on what to expect from the industry - along with what questions to ask prospective vendors.
Even more interesting is “Area 51” (Tuesday 5/22 at 2:45) Check your agenda. Even as an internal EMC Blogger, I can’t find any details! What could that be about? You’ll get them after, that’s for sure!
Look for me at EMC World. Follow-me on Twitter @EMCMSFT for all the latest updates, and check back for Videos and Podcasts from EMC World.
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The Microsoft Management Summit 2012 is history, and surprise Systems Center 2012 is now Generally Available. In what could be considered bigger news, Microsoft officially changed the name of Windows Server 8 to Windows Server 2012. You can expect much more on that topic at Microsoft Teched 2012 (See you there).
Back at the Microsoft Management Summit 2011 EMC featured some early Systems Center 2012 operations Manager integration, that was covered all the way back in Inside The Partnership Episode #2. The integration hasn’t slowed since, and in fact Windows Server 2012 has been back in the engineering labs for some time now, lots more on that at Microsoft Teched 2012.
I spent quite a few episode of the video series gearing up for MMS, and as advertised EMC delivered! It really is amazing to see the amount of effort that goes into every trade show.
Inside the Partnership: The Video Series: Episode 25: featured a quick look at the overall EMC presence, in addition I spent some time with Txomin Barturen to review the EMC/Microsoft Private Cloud reference architecture, more specifically how to accelerate application deployment leveraging Systems Center Virtual Machine Manager and Systems Center Application Controller.
Inside the Partnership: The Video Series: Episode #26: As part of the EMC Gold Sponsorship EMC had multiple presentations in the Microsoft Sponsor Theater. Txomin took his opportunity to review the details of the EMC/Cisco/Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track reference architecture. And of course I had my camera ready...
Not only did EMC participated in Theater Sessions, the Partner Sponsor pavilion and conduct multiple product and integration demonstrations in and around the EMC exhibit pavilion, EMC also hosted a breakout session. EMCs breakout session for 2012 was “Microsoft Private Cloud, Amplified with EMC” That session, hosted by Adrian Simays and Txomion Barturen features highlights of EMC management tools and EMC/Microsoft Systems Center integration. The Session was packed with Demos included:
ESI (EMC Storage Integrator) t0 Create and add a Cluster Shared Volume (CSV) to a Microsoft Cluster
PowerShell (EMC Powershell cmdlets): to implement Boot from SAN via Cisco UCS
Deploy Hyper-V Virtual Machine template into Environment (Using Systems Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 with EMC array via SMI-S)
The breakout session was over on hour long and the content was great! I did my best to keep the highlights, the video is a little long but all of the demos are in their entirity.
Three episodes of the Video Series and I almost forgot to mention we recored a podcast at the event too!! Check it out here!
Thanks for watching. To be notified of the latest Inside the Partnership videos, follow me on Twitter @EMCMSFT and check out www.InsideThePartnership.com. You can subscribe to the RSS Feeds for the Blog, the Pod Cast and the Video Cast respectively at http://www.InsideThePartnership.com
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Visit EMC (Booth #315) at MMS2012 to learn how you can simplify Microsoft Cloud and Data Center Management. Talk to our Microsoft Cloud and Management experts to understand how to simplify management, increase IT productivity and lower inftastructure costs. Learn how you can leverage your investment and expertise with Microsoft Systems Center to Simplify storage infrastructure management. EMC Solution Experts are looking forward to meeting with you to discuss:
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EMC Booth #315 Visit EMC’s booth and enter to win $50 three times an hour! Grand Prize: $500 per day! EMC Session Microsoft Private Cloud Amplified with EMC Thursday, April 19: 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM |
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Once again EMC is a gold sponsor of the Microsoft Management Summit #MMS (April 16th–20th 2012, Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas) In case you missed it, MMS is Microsoft’s Premier Cloud and Data Center Management show. This year all the buzz is around Systems Center 2012, and managing IT environments across traditional datacenters, private clouds, client computers and remote devices.
That said, when I talk to customers, that statement is typically followed by… Cool, so why is EMC there again?
Where do I start? Well, seeing is believing! If you are attending MMS, be sure to stop by the EMC booth (#315). Leveraging Systems Center to manage the datacenter is based on managing datacenter infrastructure. EMC technologies extending and supporting that initiative is the focus!! I will be at the conference along with EMC solution experts showcasing EMCs industry leading integration with Microsoft Management tools. The EMC technology showcased will include but not be limited to:
Cloud and Datacenter Management – EMC Integration with Systems Center 2012 Operations Manager, Virtual Machine Manager and Orchestrator will allow you to simply manage and dynamically provision and scale your cloud infrastructure.
Simplified Cloud Management – With technologies like ProSphere, EMC Storage Integrator (ESI), Microsoft PowerShell and Unisphere learn how you can simplify and automate your IT infrastructure.
Accelerate Backup Transformation – Enabling fast online backup with deduplication and advanced recovery with EMCs advanced Backup portfolio including: DataDomain, Avamar, Networker and EMC RecoverPoint.
Accelerate to the Cloud - Accelerating your journey to the cloud with “Purpose Built” configurations focused on Microsoft Hyper-V including Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track and…. additional Microsoft Hyper-V based purpose built configuration that, well…. I can’t talk about until the conference….
In addition to the EMC Theater, we are involved in numerous sessions including:
The latest Episode of the Inside the Partnership: ThePodCast Episode #4 is all about MMS and EMCs involvement. Follow me on Twitter @EMCMSFT for in conference updates!!!
Inside the Partnership (EMC-MSFT) Podcast #04 - #MMS2012 Preview with Adrian Simays
You can find it and all of the Podcasts here: www.InsideThePartnership.com\ThePodcast
In addition, the last 3 Episodes of Inside The Partnership: The Video Series have been dedicated to technologies we will be focusing on at MMS:
What's after MMS???
EMC World Baby. Back to Vegas!!!
Transform IT, Transform Business, Transform Yourself!!! It’s going to be Epic!!!
Don’t forget about the Everything Microsoft Community site at EMC.com/EverythingMicrosoft You’ll find much more on MMS at the new MMS landing page.
Thanks for watching. To be notified of the latest Inside the Partnership videos, follow me on Twitter @EMCMSFT and check out www.InsideThePartnership.com.
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Hard to believe that it's been a year. April 1, 2012, marks the one year anniversary of the Inside the Partnership video series. Looking back, I've come a LONG way both in delivery and video editing skills. I’ll let you find that first episode on your own. Let’s just say, I looked a little stiff ;-) The subject matter, however, is still very relevant, maybe even more so now. Not only do they continue to deliver customer demonstrations focused on EMC technology solving customer business problems with the Microsoft software stack, but Ryan has been first in line for any new software the center can display. So obviously, he will be at the Microsoft Management Summit demonstrating Systems Center 2012 with EMC technologies but also dabbling in Windows 8 and lots of SQL 2012.
Not only do they continue to deliver customer demonstrations focused on EMC technology solving customer business problems with the Microsoft software stack, but Ryan has been first in line for any new software the center can display. So obviously, he will be at the Microsoft Management Summit demonstrating Systems Center 2012 with EMC technologies but also dabbling in Windows 8 and lots of SQL 2012.
Inside the Partnership; The Podcast: Episode #3 is below. I’m currently working on the official RSS feeds for both the Podcast and the Video Series. Stay tuned for more information. As always, follow me on Twitter @EMCMSFT. Drop me an e-mail Sam.Marraccini@EMC.com and Introducing www.insidethepartnership.com
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Introducing your new shortcut to everything Microsoft at EMC, www.emc.com/everythingmicrosoft.
Back in Inside the Partnership: The Video Series: Episode #18 (That’s a mouthful), I spent some time with Adrian Simays. We reviewed the newly introduced mSpecialist program. In this second episode of the ITP: Podcast Series, I wanted to find out what has happened since that November 2011 launch.
Roberto Mendizabal has been one of the many people behind all of the efforts that have taken place since then. I sat down with Roberto to get the latest details on the Everything Microsoft at EMC Community, the community newsletter and what we can expect in the near future.
Inside the Partnership; The Podcast: Episode #2 is below. I’m currently working on the official RSS feeds for both the Podcast and the Video Series. Stay tuned for more information, and as always, follow me on Twitter @EMCMSFT. Drop me an e-mail Sam.Marraccini@EMC.com and Introducing www.insidethepartnership.com
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