VFCache accelerates Microsoft Exchange 2010?

Nikolaj,

It is really a fresh question. I never think of it before. In most configuration, SATA or NL-SAS always can satisfy requirements in Exchange sizing. So I need some time to search for similar document talking on the unusual situation.

You mean putting all the data or some specific part like logs on VFCache? I hope clearer description can help other give more recommendation.

Hi Louis,

Thanks for your reply.

I am thinking about recommending VFCache as cache only and I am serching for best practise, expected performance gains etc.

Our customer is about to deploy a brand new Exchange DAG setup consisting of 6 Exchange nodes and they are testing different scenarios.

In order to have their Exchange setup validated and supported Microsoft will have to see a Jetstress test passed, and I was thinking if the VFCache card can help.

Regards,

Nikolaj

Hi Nikolaj

As I knew, no tests results is on VFCache with Exchange now. Maybe some will be done in Q3/Q4 but have no exact schedule. Hope others with more experience can help you on ECN.  

For your Exchange sizing and validated, we also recommend free service from the link. It is good for initial Exchange sizing. 

As you know VFCache release 1.5 is due for announcement in Q3. One of 1.5 new features is VFCache Deduplication, which is expected to be useful in unstructured environments and some structured environments -- highlighting MS Exchange or email app are good candidates. Shall we look forward to more best practice, performance results on VFCache with Exchange?

Hi Louis,

Thanks for the update.

We will wait for 1.5 to be out, as the Exchange project has been delayed a while with the customer.

Thanks.

Regards,

Nikolaj

Do we have some kind of documentation on performance and best practice on this new release?

The 1.5 is released and we got the certain message that VFCache has been tested with Exchange 2010, and results looks promising. Although I got no official results yet, I will update you if I have the publication. Anyone else in community can also contribute to publish.

Hollis's Blog that contains public information regarding VFCache 1.5:

New large block algorithm benefits apps like Exchange 2010.

http://chucksblog.emc.com/chucks_blog/2012/08/more-flash-goodness-vfcache-15-update.html

Hope the delay doesn't impact much.

The latest whitepaper has standalone portion talking about VFCache with Exchange 2010.

https://community.emc.com/docs/DOC-20845

R,

Lu

A bit late, but we have it covered;

Whitepaper For Exchange 2010 - XtremSW Cache (formerly known as VFCache)

http://www.emc.com/collateral/hardware/white-papers/h8888-exch-2010-storage-best-pract-design-guid-emc-storage.pdf

Exchange Best Practices document with update to cover XtremSW Cache

http://www.emc.com/collateral/white-papers/h11473-ms-exchange-2010-xtremesw-cache-wp.pdf

Page 27

Exchange Best Practices Deck

https://community.emc.com/docs/DOC-21904

Slide 40,41

Hope this helps.

James