Space and energy have become the new currency for data centers. The growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI), real-time analytics, and hybrid architectures have made efficiency a survival condition for the data center. In this context, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has introduced the next evolution of its flagship storage line: HPE Alletra Storage MP B10000 in “switchless” 4-node configuration, available with the Release 10.5.50.
What’s new is not just a product revision: HPE proposes a high-density, AI-ready building block designed to do more with less — fewer rack units, less kilowatts, less complexity — without sacrificing performance, cyber resilience, or cloud experience. The message is clear: the company aims to address the two major constraints of the decade — energy and space— with a design that combines efficiency, modularity, and AI-driven automation.
Advancing density and efficiency: 4 nodes, switchless, with an eye on AI
The new “switchless” 4-node configuration expands the options for the B10000 with an approach prioritizing density, total cost, and power consumption. This format, which eliminates internal switching within the cabinet in favor of direct node-to-node interconnection, targets clients preferring incremental expansion — rather than large monolithic clusters — to limit failure blast radius and reduce impact on users and applications.
HPE claims this option delivers the best SAP HANA performance with the smallest footprint and lowest power consumption on the market¹. The company estimates up to 6× capacity density and 65% less consumption compared to high-end competitors with similar performance¹. When compared with switched configurations within the B10000 family, the “switchless” 4-node version promises up to 73% space savings in rack units and up to 47% energy savings².
For a market caught between electrical limitations and space restrictions, the performance/density/energy ratio becomes just as critical as raw benchmark numbers. HPE emphasizes that the new configuration inherits the operational simplicity of its 2-node solution and extends it to scale, with density and power consumption adjustments without compromising throughput or latency.
Two paths, one portfolio: switched scale-out or switchless 4-node
The company does not replace its disaggregated scale-out architecture — based on switched configurations — but rather complements it. The B10000 line now has two avenues:
- Switched configurations ( switched): the route for maximum flexibility, with disaggregated scale-out allowing independent scaling of performance and capacity and growth without friction.
- Switchless 4-node configuration: the choice to maximize space and optimize power consumption in deployments with explicit goals for energy efficiency and sustainability. Designed, according to HPE, for financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, and cloud operations that prefer modular increments.
Modularity is another key element HPE emphasizes: the B10000 “switchless” positions itself as a building block to consolidate applications and expand data centers with a higher ROI and lower operational overhead. In other words, it’s about growing piece by piece instead of undertaking forklift upgrades.
Cloud experience, powered by AI: less downtime, fewer risks
The promise of efficiency goes beyond hardware. The B10000 “switchless” leverages the Data Services Cloud Console (DSCC) from HPE GreenLake, providing a “cloud-like” operational layer with predictive analytics and AI-driven automation. According to HPE:
- Provisioning and operational tasks can **reduce their time by up to 99 %**³, thanks to smart playbooks and cross-stack visibility (from application to storage).
- Predictive analytics help to prevent 86 % of disruptions³ before they escalate into incidents, resulting in less L2/L3 support, fewer tickets, and less operational noise.
This operational intelligence aligns with reality: IT teams that do more with less and need to automate daily operations to focus on projects instead of firefighting.
Cyber resiliency by design: native ransomware detection and NIST flow with Zerto
On cybersecurity, HPE goes beyond third-party integration. The native ransomware detection in the storage layer — based on adaptive AI — is tested by the HPE Cybersecurity Center of Excellence against more than 25 ransomware families, according to the company. The approach focuses on IO anomalies and encryption patterns in real time, with alerts and blocks that limit damage and buy response time.
When combined with HPE Zerto, the B10000 can orchestrate a layered protection —snapshots, journaling, continuous replication, failover orchestration— aligned with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. This integration is backed by the HPE Cyber Resiliency Guarantee, a warranty that supports the company’s cyber resilience proposition for storage.
The message is clear: cybersecurity is not optional. With the average cost of a breach exceeding reasonable limits⁴, storage can no longer be “blind” to encrypted malware.
Virus-proof virtualization with Morpheus VM Essentials as a backup (or first choice)
The rising costs of virtualization licenses have led many IT teams to rethink. HPE proposes Morpheus VM Essentials Software as an enterprise-level alternative that, compared internally to VMware vSphere Foundation, can **reduce licensing costs by up to 90 %**⁵ (excluding discounts and subject to change). The value isn’t just economical: it manages VMware environments while also preparing the way for future virtualization strategies, avoiding lock-in in the short term.
For those seeking to contain OPEX without sacrificing functionality, the combination of Morpheus + B10000 offers a pragmatic approach: continue operating today and preserve flexibility for tomorrow.
Scalable efficiency: from entry cabinet to multi-rack
HPE emphasizes that efficiency is not just a benchmark number, but the possibility to grow under real constraints. With the B10000 switchless as the building block, the Alletra Storage MP line enables:
- Scaling capacity and performance independently (thanks to coexistence with switched configurations within the portfolio).
- Adjusting the energy profile and footprint to meet sustainability goals: fewer rack units, less kWh, less heat, and more efficiency per euro.
- Maintaining top-tier performance for critical platforms (such as SAP HANA¹), without “bloating” the data center.
The emphasis on numbers responds to tangible pressures: power limits per room, cooling capacity constraints, and surface area limits. In this equation, density and power weigh as heavily as latency.
Where it fits: sectors and use cases
HPE highlights four sectors where it expects immediate traction for the B10000 “switchless”:
- Financial services: latency-sensitive, regulated workloads, appetite for continuity, and modular blocks to limit failure impact.
- Manufacturing: plant data, MES, historians, and analytics with consolidation requirements.
- Telecom: large-scale platforms requiring efficient storage and automated operation.
- Cloud operations: providers and hyperscale adjacents with stepwise growth and capex control.
The common denominator: AI-readiness, governance (resilience, security, compliance), and unit economy — kWh per TB and TB per rack unit— as decisive factors.
Behind the scenes: Release, roadmap, and “future-ready”
The B10000 switchless 4-node is delivered with Release 10.5.50 and is part of the HPE Storage Future-Ready program, which consolidates roadmaps for evolution, compatibility, and investment protection. For clients, this means clarity: what’s coming next, how updates happen, and how far the hardware can be pushed before a major replacement.
Quick key facts
- New configuration: HPE Alletra Storage MP B10000 “switchless” 4-node, Release 10.5.50.
- Efficiency: up to 6× higher capacity density and up to 65% less power consumption compared to high-end rivals with similar performance¹.
- Savings against switched: up to 73% less rack space and up to 47% less energy².
- Smart operation: up to 99% less downtime³; 86% disruptions avoided³ thanks to DSCC on HPE GreenLake.
- Security: native ransomware detection (tested against 25+ families); with HPE Zerto, NIST flow, and Cyber Resiliency Guarantee.
- Virtualization: with Morpheus VM Essentials, up to 90% license savings vs vSphere Foundation⁵ (based on internal comparison).
- Sectors: finance, manufacturing, telecom, cloud operations; modular and incremental approach.
FAQs
What exactly is the 4-node switchless configuration, and when does it make sense over switched options?
The “switchless” version removes internal switching: the 4 nodes connect directly, maximizing density and efficiency (energy and rack units) with top-tier performance. It makes sense when prioritizing space/energy savings and modular growth. The switched configuration remains the choice for flexible scaling with independent growth in capacity and performance.
What figures support the efficiency improvements against market alternatives?
HPE cites an internal study¹: compared to high-end competitors, the B10000 “switchless” achieves up to 6× more capacity density and up to 65% less power consumption at similar performance. When compared to its own switched configuration, it promises up to 73% space savings and up to 47% energy savings².
How does HPE protect the B10000 from ransomware, and why is it significant that detection is “native”?
The system incorporates real-time detection at the storage layer based on adaptive AI, tested by HPE against 25+ ransomware strains. Being native, it does not depend on agents or overlays, which reduces response times and complexity. Coupled with HPE Zerto, it enables orchestrated continuity aligned with the NIST framework, supported by the HPE Cyber Resiliency Guarantee.
Can I reduce virtualization licensing costs without losing control over VMware?
Yes. HPE Morpheus VM Essentials allows managing VMware environments while diversifying future strategies. HPE estimates up to 90% license cost savings compared to vSphere Foundation⁵ (internal comparison), excluding discounts. The key is to maintain control today and avoid lock-ins tomorrow.