Dell APEX Cloud Services

Basic information

Dell APEX Cloud Services represents a comprehensive portfolio of "Everything-as-a-Service" (XaaS) offerings, designed to provide a consistent cloud experience across on-premises, edge, and public cloud environments. It is not a single product but a suite of services that integrate Dell infrastructure with various cloud operating systems and platforms.

• Model/Version: The portfolio includes several key offerings such as APEX Cloud Services with VMware Cloud, APEX Hybrid Cloud, APEX Private Cloud, APEX Cloud Platform for Microsoft Azure, APEX Cloud Platform for Red Hat OpenShift, and APEX Cloud Platform for VMware.
• Release Date: The broader Dell APEX initiative launched in October 2020. Specific APEX Cloud Services, like the APEX Cloud Platform for Microsoft Azure, were introduced later, for example, in September 2023.
• Minimum Requirements: Requirements vary significantly by the specific service within the portfolio. Generally, services leverage Dell infrastructure, such as MC nodes for APEX Cloud Platforms, and integrate with specific cloud operating systems.
• Supported Operating Systems: Support extends to VMware Cloud, Microsoft Azure Stack HCI, and Red Hat OpenShift (running on Red Hat Core OS).
• Latest Stable Version: As a continuously evolving portfolio of services and platforms, a single "latest stable version" is not applicable. Updates and enhancements are ongoing.
• End of Support Date: Not applicable as a fixed date. The as-a-Service model provides continuous support, maintenance, and upgrades as long as the subscription remains active.
• End of Life Date: Not applicable. The service model implies ongoing availability and evolution.
• License Type: Dell APEX Cloud Services operate on a subscription-based, consumption-based, or pay-per-use model. For instance, APEX Cloud Platform for OpenShift requires OpenShift Platform Plus subscriptions for physical compute nodes, utilizing bare metal subscriptions.
• Deployment Model: Services can be deployed in hybrid cloud, private cloud, on-premises data centers, edge locations, and public cloud environments, with Dell managing the underlying infrastructure.

Technical Requirements

Technical requirements for Dell APEX Cloud Services are dynamic and depend on the specific service and customer needs, as Dell provides and manages the underlying infrastructure. The focus is on delivering a cloud operating experience rather than requiring specific component purchases.

• RAM, Processor, Storage: These resources are provisioned as part of the service, based on workload demands. For APEX Data Storage Services, capacity starts at 50 TB. APEX Cloud Platforms utilize Dell MC nodes, which include integrated compute, storage, and networking resources.
• Display: Not a direct requirement for the service itself, as management is typically console-based.
• Ports: Network connectivity is a fundamental requirement, with specific port configurations managed by Dell for the integrated infrastructure.
• Operating System: The underlying operating systems for the platforms include Microsoft Azure Stack HCI, Red Hat Core OS (for OpenShift), and VMware Cloud Foundation.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The technical requirements are abstracted through the as-a-Service model. Customers consume resources rather than owning and managing individual components. Dell designs, deploys, and maintains the infrastructure, ensuring that the necessary RAM, processors, storage, and networking are in place to meet service level agreements. This approach simplifies IT operations by offloading hardware and software management to Dell.

Support & Compatibility

Dell APEX Cloud Services offer extensive support and compatibility, inherent in their as-a-Service delivery model.

• Latest Version: Services are continuously updated and managed by Dell, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches.
• OS Support: Comprehensive support for major cloud operating environments, including VMware, Microsoft Azure, and Red Hat OpenShift.
• End of Support Date: Continuous support is provided as part of the ongoing subscription, with Dell responsible for maintaining, upgrading, and servicing the hardware and software.
• Localization: Initial availability for APEX Cloud Services included the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany in May 2021. APEX Custom Solutions were available in over 30 countries. Dell expanded APEX Data Storage Services to 13 new countries in Europe and Asia-Pacific by January 2022.
• Available Drivers: Dell manages all underlying infrastructure, including firmware and driver updates, as part of the managed service.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

The overall support and compatibility status is robust, driven by Dell's comprehensive managed service approach. Dell APEX Cloud Services are designed for broad compatibility with leading cloud platforms, offering full-stack lifecycle management. This model significantly reduces the operational burden on customers, providing a streamlined and continuously supported IT environment.

Security Status

Security is a fundamental aspect of Dell APEX Cloud Services, with Dell managing the underlying infrastructure and incorporating various protective measures.

• Security Features: The APEX Console provides centralized management for user authentication, helping to prevent identity-based attacks. Certain services, such as APEX Backup Services, include built-in ransomware protection. The overall design aims for secure operations.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Dell, as the service provider, is responsible for monitoring and mitigating known vulnerabilities within the managed infrastructure.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable to the service itself.
• Certifications: While specific certifications for the entire portfolio are not detailed, enterprise-grade cloud services typically adhere to relevant industry security and compliance standards.
• Encryption Support: Encryption for data at rest and in transit is an expected feature for enterprise data services, managed by Dell.
• Authentication Methods: User authentication is managed through the APEX Console.
• General Recommendations: Dell APEX aims to simplify IT operations, including security, by providing a managed infrastructure that incorporates security best practices and features.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Dell APEX Cloud Services maintain a strong security posture by integrating security features directly into the managed infrastructure. Dell's responsibility for the underlying hardware and software includes continuous monitoring, patching, and vulnerability management. This approach helps ensure a secure environment, allowing customers to focus on their applications and data rather than infrastructure security.

Performance & Benchmarks

Dell APEX Cloud Services emphasize operational efficiency, rapid deployment, and predictable performance, with Dell managing the underlying infrastructure to optimize these aspects.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific, consolidated benchmark scores for the entire portfolio are not publicly available due to its diverse nature. However, individual service components highlight performance gains. APEX Block Storage for Public Cloud offers extreme performance and linear scalability.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • Deployment of new capacity can occur in as little as 14 days, with expansions in five days.
  • Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Microsoft Azure reduces deployment steps by 88%.
  • Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Red Hat OpenShift can reduce OpenShift deployment time by up to 90%.
  • Customers have reported a 9% lower 3-year cost of operations and a 15% reduction in unplanned outages.
  • For certain workloads, Dell APEX can be up to 50% less expensive than public cloud alternatives.
• Power Consumption: Not directly specified for the service, but Dell's managed infrastructure aims for optimized resource utilization and efficiency.
• Carbon Footprint: Not directly specified, but efficient resource management in a managed service model can contribute to a reduced environmental impact.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Dell APEX competes with other as-a-Service offerings like HPE GreenLake, NetApp Keystone, Pure Storage's Pure as-a-Service, Cisco Plus, and Lenovo TruScale. Dell asserts its portfolio's comprehensiveness, offering more storage protocols and systems than some competitors.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Dell APEX Cloud Services deliver strong performance through optimized, managed infrastructure, focusing on operational agility and cost predictability. The services demonstrate significant improvements in deployment speed, operational efficiency, and reliability. The ability to potentially reduce costs compared to public cloud for specific workloads positions Dell APEX as a competitive solution for enterprises seeking a hybrid or multi-cloud strategy.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback on Dell APEX Cloud Services generally highlights the benefits of its as-a-Service model and its impact on IT operations.

• Strengths: Customers appreciate the simplified IT operations, flexible consumption-based models, and enhanced agility and scalability. The consistent multi-cloud experience, reduced complexity, and predictable costs are frequently cited advantages. The ability to offload the burden of IT infrastructure management to Dell is a significant benefit.
• Weaknesses: While not explicitly detailed as weaknesses in available public information, the broad nature of the portfolio means that specific service offerings might have particular limitations or require detailed understanding for optimal integration. Initial geographic availability was also a limiting factor for some services.
• Recommended Use Cases: Dell APEX Cloud Services are recommended for organizations looking to optimize cloud instances, adopt a multi-cloud approach, and manage data analytics, AI/ML, containers, and databases. They are well-suited for hybrid cloud environments, scaling storage capacity dynamically, and handling fluctuating workloads.

Summary

Dell APEX Cloud Services represent a strategic portfolio of as-a-Service offerings designed to simplify and optimize IT infrastructure management across diverse environments. Launched in October 2020, this suite of services provides a consistent cloud experience whether on-premises, at the edge, or in public clouds. Key offerings include APEX Cloud Services with VMware Cloud, APEX Hybrid Cloud, APEX Private Cloud, and APEX Cloud Platforms for Microsoft Azure, Red Hat OpenShift, and VMware. The model is entirely subscription-based, offering consumption-based pricing that allows organizations to pay only for the resources they use, thereby transforming capital expenditures into operational expenses.

Strengths of Dell APEX Cloud Services lie in their unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and the comprehensive managed service provided by Dell. Customers benefit from simplified IT operations, predictable costs, and a unified management experience through the APEX Console. The portfolio's deep integration with major cloud platforms like Azure, VMware, and Red Hat OpenShift ensures broad compatibility and consistent multi-cloud operations. Performance metrics highlight significant improvements in deployment speed, operational efficiency, and reliability, with reported reductions in operational costs and unplanned outages. Security is also a core focus, with Dell managing the underlying infrastructure and incorporating features like ransomware protection.

Weaknesses are less about inherent flaws in the services themselves and more about the need for customers to understand the specific nuances of each offering within the broad portfolio. While Dell aims for a unified experience, the diverse nature of the services means that detailed planning is still crucial for optimal utilization. Initial geographic availability for some services was limited, though Dell has expanded its reach.

Recommendations: Dell APEX Cloud Services are ideal for enterprises seeking to modernize their IT infrastructure, embrace hybrid or multi-cloud strategies, and transition to a consumption-based IT model. They are particularly beneficial for organizations looking to offload the complexities of infrastructure management, accelerate application deployment, and achieve greater cost predictability and operational agility. Use cases span data analytics, AI/ML, containerization, database management, and robust data protection.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.