Hitachi Vantara solutions: block, file and object storage for every application

Highly reliable data storage has always been critical, and in today's age of rapid data growth, it is even more so because it requires reliable, efficient and scalable storage solutions.

Hitachi Vantara offers advanced technologies to provide enterprise storage solutions that meet your business needs. With the VSP 5000, VSP One Block, and VSP E Series, companies can efficiently manage their storage, integrate with cloud platforms, and optimise IT infrastructure costs.

What is block, file and object storage?

Every company or institution's data storage needs are completely different, depending on the scope and scale of its business. Choosing the right type of storage depends on the nature of the data, volume, performance, and security requirements. There are three main storage models: block, file, and object.

Block storage

Block storage is a high-performance data storage technology that divides information into equal-sized blocks, each with a unique identifier. These blocks can be stored separately on different devices and even in different environments - for example, part of the data can be stored on a Windows server and the other on Linux. Upon request, the system merges the blocks, restoring the integrity of the information.

This approach provides lightning-fast access to files and blocks, as each block can exist independently of the environment in which it is stored. This makes block storage ideal for managing large volumes of data - solutions for data centres, transactional databases, ordering systems, inventory and payment services that require the highest speed and data consistency.

Key advantages of block storage include:

• Optimise storage utilisation. With the ability to place blocks in different environments and on different devices, organisations can pool storage resources to maximise the use of available capacity. This helps to avoid data centre bottlenecks and efficiently scale storage.
• Low latency and high performance. Block storage uses evenly distributed direct access blocks to deliver extremely fast reads and writes. This distributed storage is ideal for high IOPS applications, especially virtual machines (VMs) that create a workload with a large number of small operations.
• Strong data consistency model. Changes made at the block level are immediately available throughout the system, ensuring reliable and timely synchronisation. This is an important advantage over object storage, which operates on an 'eventually consistent' data model.
• Versatility and scalability. Modern block systems use traditional protocols (iSCSI, Fibre Channel, FCoE) to ensure reliable connectivity, multi-channel support and the ability to scale within large storage area networks (SANs).

Block storage has become a key component in supporting critical business applications. It is essential in environments that require maximum reliability, low latency and real-time response to data changes. In today's cloud environments, where automated virtual machine creation mechanisms are actively used, block storage can simultaneously solve capacity, performance and availability problems.

However, there are challenges to implementing block solutions:

• The need for a dedicated network infrastructure. Most block storage systems are implemented in SAN (Storage Area Network) format, which requires the creation of a dedicated network 'fabric' - complex, resource-intensive, but extremely reliable.
• Management complexity. Compared to simpler solutions such as DAS or NAS, block storage requires highly skilled personnel to set up, manage and support.

Despite these challenges, block storage technology continues to evolve, and many of its earlier shortcomings have been addressed. In particular, modern systems now support cross-platform data provisioning and flexible scaling, making them even more attractive to organisations seeking high performance, stability and flexibility in their data handling.

File storage

File storage is the optimal solution for organising unstructured data such as documents, images, videos and multimedia files. It uses a hierarchical directory structure that provides intuitive access to data through file systems.

Hitachi Vantara's file storage platforms are ideal for organisations that manage large volumes of unstructured information and need to balance performance, security and scalability:

• High performance - Hitachi solutions deliver data processing levels sufficient for the most demanding workloads, including AI, ML, HPC and big data analytics; Flexible management - a new user-friendly interface simplifies the administration, monitoring and configuration of file systems in traditional or hybrid infrastructures;
• Integrated cybersecurity - the platforms include built-in ransomware protection, immutable snapshots and secure global file services to increase threat resilience; Scalable and flexible deployment - supports a variety of scenarios, including on-premises, hybrid infrastructure and multi-cloud environments; Ideal for a range of industries - including financial services, government, media and life sciences - that require fast data processing and improved ROI.

Hitachi Vantara file storage provides a reliable and efficient foundation for today's digital workloads, combining flexibility, scalability and cyber resilience in a single solution.

Object Storage

Object storage is a modern approach to data storage that uses objects to organise and manage information rather than traditional file or block systems. It combines data, metadata and a unique object identifier into a single structure that enables the storage of vast amounts of information, easy access and scalability.

Hitachi Vantara offers powerful object storage solutions that seamlessly accelerate both new and traditional raw data workloads on local systems or object storage in the cloud using the Hitachi Content Platform. Here are the key benefits of Hitachi Vantara object storage:

1. Flexibility. Hitachi Vantara object storage offers a variety of configurations, including appliance, software-defined, virtual machine, container and cloud environments, with the ability to store data both on-premises and in the cloud. The shared architecture and support for multiple data access protocols enable independent scaling for flexibility and convenience.
2. Performance and scalability. Efficient data placement and flash storage capabilities deliver linear performance and scalability in demanding environments. Access pattern-based data placement management ensures the security of critical data, while flash storage improves access speeds.
3. Compliance. Leading financial institutions and government agencies rely on Hitachi compliance solutions to effectively manage security, risk and privacy. Intelligent data management, advanced search and automation capabilities ensure data integrity and compliance with stringent regulations.
4. Intelligence. Hitachi Vantara solutions provide unified management, accelerated analytics and compliance monitoring. This enables comprehensive analysis of all types of data for efficient deployment, transformation and management.
5. Reliability. Combat ransomware with advanced solutions to protect, detect and recover from data threats and corruption. Hitachi Vantara security features include encryption, LDAP/Active Directory integration, identity management and more.
6. Extensive ecosystem. The Hitachi ecosystem sets the standard for secure, cost-effective object storage, addressing diverse data sources such as cloud applications, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
7. Trust. With more than 15 years of object storage experience, Hitachi Vantara solutions are used by more than 2,500 customers worldwide.
8. Sustainability. Hitachi Vantara solutions reduce space requirements by 50-70% and improve energy efficiency by up to 50% compared to other leading object storage vendors.
9. Hybridity. Object storage ensures compliance and continuous access to data by integrating with cloud-based analytics platforms.

Keep your data safe with the integrated management, high performance and protection of Hitachi Vantara Object Storage.

Overview of key Hitachi Vantara models

VSP 5000 (Enterprise)

VSP 5000 (Enterprise): An enterprise-class storage system that delivers outstanding performance, scalability and reliability for mission-critical workloads.

• High performance. Delivers up to 33 million IOPS and latency from 39 microseconds, making it ideal for high-load applications in open systems and mainframes.
• Flexibility and scalability. Supports block, file and object storage. With a minimum capacity of 3.8TB and a maximum capacity of 69PB, you can consolidate multiple workloads and reduce costs.
• Reliability and continuous uptime. The system provides 100% data availability through a global active device cluster and comprehensive monitoring with Hitachi Ops Center Analyzer. The use of hot-swappable components and the ability to upgrade seamlessly ensures stable operation without downtime.
• Storage Optimisation. Adaptive Compression and Deduplication (ADR) technology significantly reduces storage space and operating costs. Use of the Compression Accelerator Module provides increased efficiency and resource savings.
• Intelligent management and security. Hitachi Ops Center Analytics AI algorithms automatically analyse telemetry to maintain optimal performance and prevent emergencies. Additional security measures help protect data from unauthorised access and ensure rapid recovery from attacks.
• Easy management and automation. The VSP 5000 integrates seamlessly into modern IT ecosystems through the REST API, management automation through Hitachi Ops Center Automator and the easy-to-use Hitachi Ops Center Administrator GUI.

This platform is an ideal choice for organisations looking to increase productivity, resource efficiency and ensure the uninterrupted operation of critical systems.

VSP One Block (Midrange)

VSP One Block (Midrange): An innovative solution for mid-sized businesses that delivers high performance, scalability and uptime for mission-critical applications.

Key benefits:

• High performance for all types of workloads. Supports databases, analytics and virtualised environments. Choose between Triple-Level Cell (TLC) for high performance and Quad-Level Cell (QLC) for cost-effective storage of large amounts of data.
• Flexible scaling. Start with a minimum configuration (2U) with the ability to expand to 64 devices and add NVMe extensions for increased performance.
• Smart management and automation. With Hitachi Ops Centre, Clear Sight provides AI-based resource monitoring and optimisation.
• Energy efficiency and sustainability compliance. Dynamic Carbon Reduction (DCR) technology automatically reduces power consumption during periods of low activity. Energy Star and Carbon Footprint of Products (CFP) certified.
• Guaranteed 100% continuous data availability. Supports Global Active Device (GAD) for continuous access to data in two remote locations, protection against failures and rapid recovery from incidents.

VSP One Block is a modern approach to data storage that enables organisations to reduce costs, simplify management and ensure uptime for mission-critical applications.

Hitachi Content Platform and VSP E-Series

The Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) E-Series, combined with the Hitachi Content Platform (HCP), provides enterprise-class object storage without a significant financial investment. This solution is suitable for organisations that require a reliable, scalable and secure environment for handling large volumes of data.

Key benefits:

• Flexible integration with cloud services and data protection. The VSP E-Series supports hybrid, multi-cloud and private cloud environments and provides seamless integration with existing backup, archive and data management systems. With support for REST APIs, Amazon S3, NFS, SMB, SMTP and WebDAV, the system can easily adapt to different business scenarios.
• Enterprise-class scalability and performance. HCP object storage combined with VSP E-Series delivers high performance and storage efficiency, reducing infrastructure costs. The symmetric active controller architecture minimises latency and improves data processing speeds, even for mission-critical business applications.
• Reduced long-term storage costs. HCP significantly reduces the cost of scalable storage through efficient storage management and automatic load balancing. Organisations can use backup, archive and auto-delete policies to optimise resource utilisation.
• Advanced management and security features. HCP automates data management, including access control, encryption and retention policies. Support for immutable storage and self-healing capabilities protects against data loss and attacks such as ransomware.
• Green and energy optimised. Thanks to innovative technologies, this Hitachi Vantara solution consumes 30-40% less energy (based on internal testing), helping organisations reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance.

The VSP E-Series combined with HCP is the ideal solution for organisations seeking high performance, security and cost effectiveness in their storage management.

Key benefits of Hitachi Vantara solutions

Hitachi Vantara solutions are renowned for their reliability, performance and advanced data management technologies. They provide organisations with a wide range of capabilities to efficiently store, analyse and act on information. Key benefits:

• Scalability and performance - Hitachi Vantara systems support business growth by easily adapting to increasing demands for data volume and speed.
• Security - solutions include built-in encryption, tamper-proofing and backup capabilities to reduce the risk of data loss or compromise.
• Cost Optimisation - efficient resource management and intelligent workload automation can significantly reduce infrastructure costs.
• Innovative technologies - use of AI and machine learning to optimise data management, predict potential failures and increase operational efficiency.
• Flexible deployment - support for hybrid and multi-cloud environments enables Hitachi Vantara solutions to integrate with your existing IT infrastructure.
• Intelligent data management - Hitachi Vantara platforms support analytics and automated analysis tools to help organisations gain valuable business insights and make informed decisions.
• Reduced downtime - predictive analytics and automated IT infrastructure monitoring help organisations minimise downtime and ensure the stable operation of critical systems.

Real use cases

Financial Services

Banks use the VSP 5000 to process millions of transactions in real-time, ensuring high levels of security and regulatory compliance. Data deduplication and compression technologies significantly reduce storage costs, and built-in machine learning algorithms help identify suspicious transactions and data in real time.

Healthcare

File and object storage is used to archive medical images and electronic patient records, providing quick access to medical history and diagnostic data. Hitachi Vantara systems also support long-term storage solutions for critical medical information that meet international security and privacy standards.

Media and entertainment 

Content production companies store large volumes of video files on the VSP E-Series, enabling efficient editing and delivery of multimedia content. The high-speed drives deliver smooth editing of 4K and 8K video and fast rendering of graphics.

Retail

VSP One Block processes analytical data about customers and transactions, enabling you to automate inventory management, personalise marketing campaigns and optimise supply chains. Built-in predictive analytics algorithms help identify trends in consumer behaviour, improving sales and the customer experience.

Case study: Hitachi VSP One Block Challenge supports La Molisana's ambitious growth plans

Challenge

La Molisana is one of Italy's largest pasta manufacturers, exporting to 100 countries. The company needed flexible, scalable and secure data storage to support its expansion plans and new product launches.

Solution

La Molisana chose Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) One Block, which offers:

• 2.5x storage performance; 
• integration with Veeam for reliable backup; 
• protection against cyber-attacks thanks to immutable data snapshots; 
• 5:1 data compression ratio, which reduces costs and power consumption.

Result

A new level of infrastructure performance, security and efficiency allows La Molisana to scale its business, improve processes and reduce its environmental footprint. By partnering with Hitachi, the company has a modern, high-performance storage platform that helps it stay competitive.

How do you choose the right model for your organisation?

To choose the right storage model, IT teams need to consider both the volume and type of data and how it is used. By comparing the key features of block, object and file storage, you can better select the solution that best meets your business objectives.

Block storage is ideal for productive transactions and real-time data processing. Data is split into separate blocks without losing context, ensuring high performance.

Object storage - effective for storing large volumes of data with flexible search. Suitable for archiving, backup and multimedia storage.

File storage is easy to use because of its hierarchical structure, but is less efficient at scaling.

Whatever the task, the Hitachi Vantara range of solutions has models to suit every need:

VSP 5000 - delivers enterprise-class high performance block storage If your business requires maximum performance and continuous availability for your mission-critical applications, the VSP 5000 is the right choice.

It's an enterprise-class block storage system that delivers up to 33 million IOPS with latency as low as 39 microseconds. The system guarantees 100% data availability thanks to the Global Active Device (GAD) cluster.

Suitable for:

• Highly loaded analytical systems and transactional databases.
• Large enterprises with a need for efficient storage consolidation.
• Infrastructures that require automated management and security.

VSP One Block - for analytics, midsize businesses and flexible scaling (block storage) It is a flexible solution for businesses that process large amounts of data, require scalability and need to balance performance and storage costs.

With support for Triple-Level Cell (TLC) and Quad-Level Cell (QLC), you can effectively combine performance and long-term storage in one system.

Suitable for:

• Organisations running analytical systems and databases.
• Organisations requiring energy efficiency and automation.
• Infrastructures with guaranteed continuous availability requirements.

VSP E Series + Hitachi Content Platform - for archiving and backup (object storage) For long-term storage, backup, archiving and protection against attack, the VSP E Series combined with the Hitachi Content Platform (HCP) is the best solution.

This solution implements a metadata-driven object storage model, providing scalability, fast retrieval and multi-platform integration (Amazon S3, NFS, SMB, etc.).

Suitable for:

• Hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
• Organisations looking to reduce storage costs.
• For attack protection, backup and high-volume archiving.

Choosing the right storage architecture is not only a matter of technical compatibility, but also an investment in your business's stability, efficiency and future. Carefully analyse your volumes, data types and objectives, and choose a solution that meets your needs now and in the future.

Conclusion

Hitachi Vantara solutions offer versatility, scalability and performance, making them the perfect choice for organisations of all sizes. Regardless of your industry, these solutions can help you optimise data storage, reduce costs and increase the efficiency of your IT infrastructure. Choose Hitachi Vantara to keep your business running smoothly!

As an official Hitachi Vantara partner, Integrity Vision has the expertise to implement these solutions and is ready to help your business realise all the benefits of modern storage technologies. Contact us and we will find the best solution for you!