TL;DR
- Dell EMC VxRail E660 remains supported but is no longer Dell’s strategic focus in 2025.
- Dell prioritizes its storage and APEX-based hybrid cloud offerings post-Broadcom–VMware acquisition.
- Existing VxRail users can continue stable VMware operations with extended lifecycle support.
- New buyers should evaluate Dell APEX Cloud Platform for VMware or PowerFlex as future-proof alternatives.
- Performance, manageability, and VMware integration continue to make E660 viable for smaller data centers.
- Licensing changes could impact long-term TCO—plan VMware subscription costs carefully.
What’s New or Important Now
As of 2025, the Dell EMC VxRail E660 continues to serve existing VMware-centric hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) environments but is no longer at the center of Dell’s roadmap. The transition follows Broadcom’s 2023 acquisition of VMware, which reshaped licensing, support, and partner relationships.
Dell has confirmed ongoing support and lifecycle services for current VxRail deployments, but new portfolio emphasis lies in Dell APEX Cloud Platform for VMware and the software-defined PowerFlex infrastructure line.
For organizations heavily invested in VMware technologies, VxRail E660 remains a dependable solution aligned with vSAN and vCenter management architectures. However, new investments should acknowledge future integration trends and possible migration to Dell APEX or PowerFlex solutions.
Architect & Buyer Guidance
Best Use Cases
- Mid-sized enterprises running VMware virtualized workloads.
- ROBO (remote office/branch office) consolidation or edge data centers.
- Private cloud infrastructure aligned with vSAN and vSphere environments.
Sizing Considerations
Typical E660 clusters start with 3–4 nodes. Each node supports up to two Intel Xeon Scalable processors and scalable NVMe/SAS SSD storage. Plan capacity for data growth of 30–40% above projected workloads to minimize mid-cycle expansion costs.
Trade-offs
- Pros: Tight VMware integration, unified life-cycle management, predictable performance.
- Cons: Diminishing Dell roadmap emphasis; potential VMware licensing uncertainties post-Broadcom.
Comparison: Dell HCI and Cloud Options (2025)
| Feature | VxRail E660 | PowerFlex | APEX Cloud Platform for VMware | Nutanix Clusters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target Environment | VMware vSAN-based HCI | Software-defined storage & compute | Hybrid cloud VMware-as-a-Service | Multi-hypervisor hybrid cloud |
| Hardware Flexibility | Fixed appliance (Dell PowerEdge) | Flexible server choices | As-a-service model via APEX | Certified on Dell, HPE, AWS |
| Lifecycle Management | Automated via VxRail Manager | PowerFlex Manager orchestration | Cloud-based updates | Prism Central management |
| VMware Integration | Native & deep | vSphere optional | Full VMware Cloud Foundation integration | Optional VMware support |
| Future Roadmap | Support only | Active development | Primary VMware strategy | Multi-cloud focus |
Mini Implementation Guide
Prerequisites
- Supported Dell EMC VxRail E660 hardware SKU with valid support contracts.
- VMware vCenter and vSAN licenses compatible with Broadcom updates.
- Network configuration: minimum 10 GbE, preferably redundant switches.
- DNS and NTP infrastructure configured for stable cluster operations.
Deployment Steps
- Rack, cable, and power all VxRail nodes according to Dell reference architecture.
- Access the VxRail Manager GUI via a temporary IP or Service Laptop.
- Run the automated install wizard to set hostnames, IPs, and vCenter credentials.
- Validate vSAN health checks and baseline performance benchmarks.
- Integrate cluster with existing monitoring (OpenManage Enterprise or vRealize).
- Patch nodes through validated bundles provided by Dell Support.
Common Pitfalls
- Neglecting firmware alignment prior to deployment can cause cluster drift.
- Overlooking NTP synchronization leads to vSAN or witness communication issues.
- Failing to update licensing terms post-Broadcom migration may impact API integrations.
Cost and ROI Notes
While VxRail E660 offers low operational overhead and automated lifecycle management, its capital cost remains higher than equivalent server clusters. ROI typically materializes through simplified management and VMware-native optimization. However, with the Broadcom licensing reshuffle, budget for incremental vSphere/vSAN subscription costs that could influence total cost of ownership. For greenfield projects in 2025, organizations may achieve better ROI via APEX Cloud Platform deployments that scale consumption-based.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Dell discontinuing VxRail E660?
No. The model is still supported but no longer the cornerstone of Dell’s HCI roadmap. Focus is shifting to APEX and PowerFlex alternatives.
2. Can existing E660 clusters run future VMware updates?
Yes, subject to compatibility validation and Dell firmware certification. Always cross-check compatibility matrices before upgrading.
3. What’s the migration path from VxRail to APEX Cloud Platform?
Dell provides assessment and migration services enabling customers to integrate existing clusters into hybrid APEX environments with minimal disruption.
4. How does the Broadcom–VMware deal affect support?
Licensing now routes through Broadcom, but Dell maintains hardware and integration support for valid contracts (Broadcom press center).
5. Is the E660 still recommended for new deployments?
It can be, particularly for organizations requiring tight VMware integration on-prem. For long-term strategy, consider Dell PowerFlex or APEX instead.
6. What operating efficiencies does VxRail Manager offer?
It automates firmware compliance, vSAN management, and node expansion—reducing operational time by up to 60% compared with manual VMware cluster administration.
Conclusion
The Dell EMC VxRail E660 remains a robust, VMware-native HCI platform ideal for maintaining operational stability in mid-sized enterprise environments. Yet as Dell’s strategic focus moves toward APEX and PowerFlex for hybrid and multicloud flexibility, architects should approach new VxRail deployments with lifecycle and licensing foresight. For in-depth technical enablement, deployment labs, and roadmap guidance, visit LearnDell.online.