SteelFusion Edge Installation and Configuration Guide
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CHAPTER 1
Introducing the SteelFusion Edge
Appliance
This chapter provides an overview of SteelFusion Edge appliance (Edge appliance), including an overview
of the Edge hardware platform, new features, hardware and software dependencies, and migrating data
from the SteelHead EX appliance. It includes these sections:
“Introducing SteelFusion” on page 5
“Hardware and Software Dependencies” on page 9
“Migrating Data from the SteelHead EX Appliance” on page 13
Introducing SteelFusion
SteelFusion is a converged infrastructure solution, encompassing all branch services such as server, storage,
networking, and WAN optimization. SteelFusion is a dual-ended system comprised of two logical
components: SteelFusion Edge and SteelFusion Core.
SteelFusion Core is a physical or virtual appliance in the data center that mounts all LUNs that need to be
made available to applications and servers at a the branch from the centralized storage array. SteelFusion
Core appliances communicate across the WAN with the SteelFusion Edge appliances at the branch.
SteelFusion Edge (Edge appliance) is a physical appliance that is located at the branch. The Edge appliance
provides a virtualized environment that hosts the branch application servers. The Edge appliance also
provides RiOS WAN optimization (depending on your order), and BlockStream enabled storage.
SteelFusion delivers local user performance to applications and data, while enabling the centralization of
these applications and data, instant recovery, and lower total operating costs. You can access applications
that run locally in your branch while the data is maintained and protected in your data center.
