Refer to the exhibit.

Based on the exhibit (referenced via the link), the customer should discussadding a second shelf of NVMe DirectFlash moduleswith their SE. This recommendation is based on the assumption that the exhibit indicates the array is nearing its capacity limits or requires additional storage to accommodate future growth.

Why This Matters:

Capacity Planning:

FlashArray usesDirectFlash Modulesto provide high-performance, low-latency storage. If the array is approaching its physical capacity, adding a second shelf of NVMe modules is the most effective way to expand storage without requiring a full hardware upgrade.

This approach ensures the array can continue to meet the customer's growing storage needs while maintaining performance and reliability.

Scalability:

Pure Storage arrays are designed to scale seamlessly by adding expansion shelves. This allows customers to increase capacity without disrupting operations or replacing existing hardware.

Why Not the Other Options?

A. Upgrading the controller to the //X90R3 model:

Upgrading the controller is only necessary if the current controller is nearing its performance limits. The exhibit does not indicate performance bottlenecks, so this step is likely unnecessary.

C. Adding more network ports:

Adding network ports is relevant for improving connectivity or bandwidth but does not address capacity concerns. If the array is running out of storage space, adding network ports will not resolve the issue.

Key Points:

Capacity Expansion:Adding a second shelf of NVMe modules provides additional storage capacity to support future growth.

Non-Disruptive Scaling:Expansion shelves can be added without downtime, ensuring continuous availability.

Cost Efficiency:Avoids unnecessary upgrades or replacements, optimizing costs while meeting capacity requirements.

References:

Pure Storage FlashArray Documentation: "Expanding FlashArray Capacity with DirectFlash Modules"

Pure Storage Whitepaper: "Scaling Storage with FlashArray Expansion Shelves"

Pure Storage Knowledge Base: "Best Practices for Capacity Planning and Expansion"