I use HPE Nimble Storage for Hyper-V clusters. I'm using the latest OS and the latest firmware. I keep them updated.
Infrastructure Administrator at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Great deduplication, very stable, and keeps my machines up and running
Pros and Cons
- "It's very easy to set up. It's very stable, and it has got great deduplication, especially for hypervisor users."
- "There should be faster interfaces."
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
It keeps my machines up and running. For deduplications, it's a pretty good machine.
What is most valuable?
Deduplication is probably the most valuable feature. It's very easy to set up. It's very stable, and it has got great deduplication, especially for hypervisor users.
What needs improvement?
There should be faster interfaces.
It would be nice if you could use something other than the proprietary rights on it.
Buyer's Guide
HPE Nimble Storage
November 2023

Learn what your peers think about HPE Nimble Storage. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2023.
746,635 professionals have used our research since 2012.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using HPE Nimble Storage for about a year and a half.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I'd rate it a ten out of ten in terms of stability. I haven't had any issues.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I'd rate it a ten out of ten in terms of scalability.
How are customer service and support?
I'd rate them an eight out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
It was easy, but I've been doing it for twenty years. I'm not worried about that.
What was our ROI?
We have absolutely seen an ROI.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Its price is a little higher.
What other advice do I have?
I'd rate HPE Nimble Storage a ten out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Last updated: Mar 19, 2023
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Network Security Specialist with 10,001+ employees
Compatible and user-friendly with an easy initial setup
Pros and Cons
- "The initial setup is straightforward."
- "It was a bit expensive."
What is our primary use case?
I primarily use the solution for storage.
How has it helped my organization?
It has a dual power supply. Whenever I want to upgrade, it's got a pack of power with the network and everything. It's got zero downtime.
What is most valuable?
It's very easy, very compatible, and user-friendly.
You don't have to do anything. When you power up, it'll ask you a couple of questions. For example, what IP address is required, the name, and how many partitions or, if you don't do the partition, just go for the IP addresses.
It has a power backup network card and everything.
You don't have to go directly to the storage to create anything. It's automatically from the VM or any other software. Whatever you are using, you just create storage over there or in space, and it automatically creates it in the Nimble.
It has SSD cache and it has a physical drive as well. It is fast. It'll automatically sense your data. Whatever data you are pulling frequently, it'll store in that cache instead of storing directly on the hard drive to pull or store that. It is a very good feature.
The initial setup is straightforward.
It is scalable.
It's stable.
What needs improvement?
I don't find anything that is needed in terms of improvement. They are now gradually upgrading everything and are more powerful than we have.
It was a bit expensive.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used the solution for a year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability has been good. I would rate it eight out of ten. There are no bugs or glitches, and it doesn't crash or freeze.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We do not have plans to increase usage at this time.
It can scale, however. I'd rate the scalability eight out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support is good. Nimble talks directly with the HB, the heartbeat. Nimble sends its heartbeat to the support team every day, every hour, whatever the schedule is. If anything happens, it automatically will open a ticket without calling me. They call you back and will fix the issue for you.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We've also used Dell storage solutions. They were not pure storage, however.
How was the initial setup?
It is a straightforward solution to set up.
What about the implementation team?
HPE came and racked the solution for us. That's all we needed.
What was our ROI?
We have witnessed an ROI while using this solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is a bit expensive. I would rat the pricing six out of ten in terms of affordability.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We did evaluate a few other options. However, we found HPE to be the best.
What other advice do I have?
I'd advise other potential users not to go anywhere else and just use Nimble.
I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Buyer's Guide
HPE Nimble Storage
November 2023

Learn what your peers think about HPE Nimble Storage. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2023.
746,635 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Head Of Information Technology at Zambia National Building Society
Easy to set up, minimal failure rates, and great support
Pros and Cons
- "They have really thought through their solution. They've covered everything."
- "When we’re setting up the solution, making options available regarding the replication tool mechanism would be ideal."
What is most valuable?
It’s an excellent solution. The failure rates are minimal.
It’s easy to set up.
It's a very easy solution. Whenever I have a question, I find they have already provided a solution for it. For example, I want to sort out backups so that I offload some data off the Nimble since I don't want online to be clogged. They'll tell you we've got storage which is where you write your backup, which one is a partner where you can back up this information, get Veeam to store the backup, and then you can configure and send it to the storage if I want to run high availability.
They have really thought through their solution. They've covered everything.
Even their support is great. We have a support contract, so when there's an escalation on the system, you even see an email from them telling you that you have this issue. They do respond quickly and help you resolve your daily from the log. They’ll say: “This is the issue. Do this.” It's so easy to work with.
What needs improvement?
When we’re setting up the solution, making options available regarding the replication tool mechanism would be ideal. There's a Nimble storage-based replication. They need to ensure that a customer beforehand understands what they want to do. When I joined, and I'm only about a year and four months in my new role here, I found that there was a gap in understanding of the type of replication they wanted and what they got. This is why right now, we're trying to change. Instead of having storage level replication, we're going to now buy Veeam so that we can run the applications active. That's how they want it set up. They didn't understand they could do that. They need to give options.
In terms of the setup, when someone is buying it, they should actually maybe ensure that they cover the admin portion. They should sit the user down to discuss and say, "If you want to deploy a solution like this, do it like that. If you want it like that, you need to buy this extra, maybe it's Veeam, and ensure you do it like this." That way, they don't just buy Nimble to set it up, and then it's not doing what it's doing. Then they'll think the solution doesn't work. Meanwhile, it's how they implemented it.
For how long have I used the solution?
I’ve been using the solution since 2019.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have about 350 users on the solution currently. It's sitting in a data center.
How was the initial setup?
It’s pretty simple to set up. It’s not overly complex or difficult. I’m still earning it. However, it looks simple.
The Nimble deployment took maybe two to three weeks. I'm sure there was even education from the team. It was new to the team. Obviously, to get that sorted, it took a while as it's like a new greenfield. You start from zero, and then with time, it comes together. Now, they’d likely do it in a quicker time as they know the solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing is okay. However, it can be cheaper. Performance wise it is okay. If the price was better, it would mean there’s no reason for anyone to think of changing if they bought Nimble.
The cost depends on what components you want to include.
What other advice do I have?
We are just a user.
I'm learning to understand it. I originally was not a support administrator, however, over time, found that it's actually straightforward. I'm looking forward to getting certified or trained in Nimble.
I would advise people to go for it. They just need to make sure that they understand the support around Nimble, in terms of them knowing how to support solutions. Obviously, you don't want every call that comes to you to have to phone Nimble to do it for you. You want to support everyone quickly and escalate issues only.
Also, ensure that you look out for the configuration or proposed architecture from Nimble in terms of the best implementation approach where you have the store ones and the other supporting components to get it right. Sometimes people rush to make it cheaper, however, then you eliminate certain key components that backup mechanisms.
So far, that solution is great. I'd rate it nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Product Manager at Nuxiba
Stable, easy installation, with good compression
Pros and Cons
- "The capacity for data storage and compression is good."
- "I have problems with the next servicer. For example, I have a new device and it needs to connect to Nimble."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use it for storage.
What is most valuable?
The capacity for data storage and compression is good.
What needs improvement?
I would like to see some additional features included in the next release.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using HPE Nimble Storage for the past eight months.
How was the initial setup?
It was on track, but I have problems with the next servicer. For example, I have a new device and it needs to connect to Nimble.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I do not pay for it.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate HPE Nimble Storage a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
IT Contractor at a financial services firm with 51-200 employees
Stable and user-friendly but lacking active clusters
Pros and Cons
- "HPE Nimble Storage is very stable and performs well."
- "HPE Nimble Storage could be improved with some critical application or servers."
What is most valuable?
HPE Nimble Storage's best features are that it's stable and user-friendly.
What needs improvement?
HPE Nimble Storage could be improved with some critical application or servers. Currently, we have to compensate for this by using flash storage. In the next release, HPE Nimble Storage should include active clusters and a hybrid file service.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using HPE Nimble Storage for two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
HPE Nimble Storage is very stable and performs well.
How are customer service and support?
HPE's technical support could be improved, but their response time is quite good, and their remote troubleshooting is quite helpful.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Previously, we used Compellent, but HPE Nimble Storage's performance is far better and faster. We also use Pure Storage in addition to HPE Nimble Storage as it provides more stable, faster performance and active storage on two different sides.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward and took about two weeks to complete.
What about the implementation team?
We used an SI to implement HPE Nimble Storage.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
HPE Nimble Storage's price is moderate - I would rate it at three out of five.
What other advice do I have?
I would give HPE Nimble Storage a rating of seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Private Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
System Administrator at Sun Resorts
Is stable, fast, and saves a lot of storage space
Pros and Cons
- "It's very stable and fast, and I am very happy with the deduplication. It saves a lot of space, which is great."
- "We are doing a hybrid and are moving some machines to Microsoft Azure to run in hybrid mode. We are checking the availability of extra software-defined storage so that we can configure it."
What is our primary use case?
We are using it for our high availability cluster.
What is most valuable?
It's very stable and fast, and I am very happy with the deduplication. It saves a lot of space, which is great.
What needs improvement?
We are doing a hybrid and are moving some machines to Microsoft Azure to run in hybrid mode. We are checking the availability of extra software-defined storage so that we can configure it.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using this solution for four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is scalable, and we have 600 active users.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have Lenovo SAN Storage, but it's very slow and is not recommended. The deduplication is not smooth as well. Nimble is the best solution.
How was the initial setup?
The set up is very straightforward, and everything was smooth. Our cluster was managed, and we didn't have any issues.
We have never done any maintenance for the last four years, and even the power supply has been working fine. Everything has been in good condition for four years.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We don't require a license. If we used HPE InfoSight, then we would require a license, but for our needs, we don't need one.
What other advice do I have?
If you want deduplication storage, HPE Nimble Storage is the solution for you, and if you want to run a unit for storage, then Nimble is the best. For deduplication, it is very nice because it dedupes every file you create. You will save storage space. I would give this solution an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
IT Manager at Epson Precision (Philippines), Inc.
High availability, good backup functionality, and it's easy to set up
Pros and Cons
- "The most useful features are high availability and the storage snapshot backup functionality."
- "In the future, I would like to see a lower-end model that has Peer Persistence functionality."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use Nimble Storage for our production system.
We have a three-tier infrastructure.
What is most valuable?
The most useful features are high availability and the storage snapshot backup functionality.
What needs improvement?
The cost of this storage solution should be lower.
In the future, I would like to see a lower-end model that has Peer Persistence functionality.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using HPE Nimble Storage for approximately three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Nimble is a stable storage solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
This is a highly scalable product.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support is very good. I can get expert support from an HPE engineer or instead, receive support online.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is easy.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing is expensive, although we do not pay anything in addition to the standard licensing fees.
What other advice do I have?
My advice to anybody who is interested in HPE Nimble Storage is that I recommend it for high availability applications. I also suggest that they purchase spare parts for it.
Overall, this product is okay, and my only real complaint is about the cost.
I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner
Assistant Circuit Executive for Information Technology at a government with 1,001-5,000 employees
Competitive, integrates well with VMware, functional, and has good technical support
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable features are its cost-effectiveness, performance, and its deduplication deficiencies."
- "You could argue that it would be preferable if everything were cheaper in order to save taxpayer money."
What is our primary use case?
It's a fairly standard nimble storage array.
We use HPE Nimble Storage as our typical SAN for virtual environment storage and shared storage.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features are its cost-effectiveness, performance, and its deduplication deficiencies.
What needs improvement?
You could argue that it would be preferable if everything were cheaper in order to save taxpayer money. While that would be nice, they are comparable to what else is available on the market and they are competitive.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been working with HPE Nimble Storage for 18 months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
HPE Nimble Storage is a stable product.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
HPE Nimble Storage is a scalable solution.
We currently serve up to 375 users. There is also one primary administrator and two secondary administrators.
How are customer service and support?
My recollection is that there was a question in the beginning, and we contacted technical support; everything was fine. Excellent.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Previously, we were using Dell EqualLogic's PS series. We have since removed that from our environment and moved to another storage platform. We switched to the other platform in late 2020. We switched to HPE Nimble Storage.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup wasn't particularly difficult.
We simply migrated storage volumes from the EqualLogic's, had new ones built in the nimble array, and shifted everything over. There was nothing out of the ordinary.
It does not require a lot of maintenance.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I believe the array, maintenance, and everything totaled around $140,000 dollars.
Certainly, in comparison to what we would have had to consider in order to achieve an equivalent storage capacity with the EqualLogic's end of life, we would have had to migrate to EMC or another platform. It was going to be at least $200,000, and most likely closer to $300,000.
What other advice do I have?
We don't have any extraordinary requirements. We simply require a large amount of shared storage. It's perfectly functional.
It integrates well with VMware, as do the majority of the products. We are not doing anything exceptional.
I would rate HPE Nimble Storage a ten out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.

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Updated: November 2023
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