Expanding the Integration Horizons: AWS Outposts Welcomes Dell and HPE Storage Solutions
In April, Amazon Web Services (AWS) introduced the second generation of AWS Outposts racks, boasting enhanced performance and scalability for on-premises cloud solutions. Building on this momentum, AWS has now broadened the scope of its third-party storage integration program by including Dell PowerStore and HPE Alletra Storage MP B10000 systems. This expansion adds to the existing integration lineup, which already features NetApp on-premises enterprise storage arrays and Pure Storage FlashArray. This initiative simplifies the process for customers to use AWS Outposts alongside third-party storage arrays with native AWS tools.
This integration is particularly beneficial for organizations transitioning VMware workloads to AWS. Such organizations often need to preserve their existing storage infrastructure during migration. Additionally, businesses bound by strict data residency requirements can now keep their data on-premises while leveraging AWS services.
Recent Milestones in Storage Integration
Over the past year, AWS achieved two major milestones in storage integration which laid the groundwork for the current expansion. In December 2024, AWS introduced the capability to directly attach block data volumes from third-party storage arrays to Amazon EC2 instances on Outposts through the AWS Management Console. This was followed by the July 2025 development, enabling the booting of Amazon EC2 instances directly from these external storage arrays. With Dell and HPE joining the program, customers now have a wider selection of options for integrating their on-premises storage investments with AWS Outposts.
Enhanced Storage Integration Capabilities
AWS’s third-party storage integration supports both data and boot volumes, offering two boot methods: iSCSI SANboot and Localboot. The iSCSI SANboot option allows for both read-only and read-write boot volumes, while Localboot facilitates read-only boot volumes using either iSCSI or NVMe-over-TCP protocols. This approach lets customers manage their storage resources centrally while maintaining the consistent hybrid experience that Outposts offers.
Through the Amazon EC2 Launch Instance Wizard available in the AWS Management Console, customers can configure their instances to utilize external storage from any supported partner. For boot volumes, AWS provides verified Amazon Machine Images (AMIs) for Windows Server 2022 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9, along with automation scripts available through AWS Samples to simplify the setup process.
Support for Various Outposts Configurations
The integration features extend to all Outposts 2U servers and both generations of Outposts racks. The support for second-generation Outposts racks means customers can combine the enhanced performance of the latest EC2 instances on Outposts—with twice the virtual CPU, memory, and network bandwidth—with their preferred storage solutions. The integration works seamlessly with AWS’s new simplified network scaling capabilities and specialized Amazon EC2 instances designed for ultra-low latency and high throughput workloads.
Things to Know
Customers can start utilizing these capabilities with their existing Outposts deployments or when ordering new Outposts through the AWS Management Console. If you’re integrating third-party storage with Outposts servers, installation can be managed by your on-site personnel or a third-party IT provider. Once the Outposts servers are connected to your network, AWS remotely provisions compute and storage resources to enable application launches. For Outposts rack deployments, the process involves AWS technicians verifying site conditions and network connectivity before rack installation and activation. Storage partners assist with implementing the third-party storage components.
It’s noteworthy that third-party storage integration for Outposts with all compatible storage vendors is available at no additional charge in all AWS Regions where Outposts is supported. To stay updated on the latest list of supported Regions, refer to the FAQs for Outposts servers and Outposts racks.
This expansion underscores AWS’s commitment to delivering flexible, enterprise-grade hybrid cloud solutions, meeting customers wherever they are in their cloud migration journey. For more information on this capability and supported storage vendors, visit the AWS Outposts partner page and explore the technical documentation for Outposts servers, second-generation Outposts racks, and first-generation Outposts racks.
Reactions and Insights
The inclusion of Dell PowerStore and HPE Alletra Storage MP B10000 in AWS’s third-party storage integration program is a significant development for organizations relying on these systems. It not only provides them with more flexibility but also strengthens their hybrid cloud strategies. Industry experts view this as a positive move, further cementing AWS’s position as a leader in cloud computing solutions.
This integration aligns with the growing trend of businesses opting for hybrid cloud solutions to balance the benefits of public cloud services with the control offered by on-premises infrastructure. As companies continue to navigate their digital transformation journeys, having more choices and flexibility in their storage solutions can be a game-changer.
For those interested in learning more about partner solutions, consider exploring Dell PowerStore’s integration with AWS Outposts or HPE Alletra Storage MP B10000’s collaboration with AWS Outposts. These resources provide additional insights into how these integrations are enhancing the capabilities and offerings of AWS Outposts.
For further details, visit the official AWS Outposts page to explore how these enhancements can benefit your organization.
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