Quantum QXS Block Storage Maintenance
side by side.
TechCare TPM vs. Quantum Hardware Support. Cost range, EOSL advantages, migration path and DACH compliance at a glance — for IT leadership and procurement.
Cost comparison
Example Quantum Scalar i6 tape library with 4-year Hardware Support: TechCare TPM roughly 34–54% below the OEM price.
Active EOSL lines
- QXS-312 / QXS-412 (legacy Block-Storage) · EOSL 2023-06-30
- QXS-624 / QXS-G484 (Mid-Range Hybrid) · EOSL 2026-12-31
- QXS-D484 / QXS-D848 (aktuelle Dense-Storage) · EOSL 2029-06-30
Which QXS models we service
- QXS Entry
- QXS-312 (12-bay 2.5") · QXS-412 (12-bay 3.5")
- QXS mid-range
- QXS-424 (24-bay 2.5") · QXS-424-D (deep archive)
- QXS high-capacity
- QXS-484 (84-bay high density)
- Components & connectivity
- SAS disks 600 GB / 1.2 TB / 1.8 TB · NL-SAS 4/6/8/10 TB · controller boards · 8/16G FC · 10 GbE iSCSI · 12G SAS
EOSL status of QXS platforms
| Generation | Released | End of vendor support | TechCare TPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| QXS-312 / QXS-412 (Entry) | 2014–2016 | 2021–2023 | Recommended |
| QXS-424 / QXS-424-D (Mid-Range) | 2015–2017 | 2022–2024 | Recommended |
| QXS-484 (High-Capacity) | 2016–2018 | 2023–2025 | Recommended |
Why TPM maintenance is the only path for QXS
QXS is now a Quantum niche. After the Dot-Hill acquisition in 2015, Quantum consolidated its focus on backup, archive and workflow — block storage as a category is no longer strategic. Result: QXS renewals are no longer available in most configurations, or only at rates designed to economically force a refresh. For DACH QXS fleets — typically mid-market IT sites with small block storage needs — TPM is the only economic path.
We service QXS with OEM SAS and NL-SAS disks of all sizes, controller boards and FC/iSCSI connectivity. Advantage: QXS is technically very similar to the HPE StorageWorks-MSA family (common Dot-Hill OEM design) — many components have high availability. For very rare QXS-specific components we work with certified refurbishing partners.
OEM vs. TechCare — where the switch pays off
The full OEM-vs-TPM matrix (spare parts, SLA tiers, language, sub-outsourcing, compliance docs, reporting) is the same for every Quantum line — see the Quantum battle card.
Stays with Quantum
- Quantum StorNext / DXi software licenses
- Quantum cloud-based analytics subscriptions
- Quantum TAC software tickets
Moves to TechCare
- Hardware defects (memory, disk, PSU, mainboard, modules)
- 24×7×4 on-site SLA with German-speaking field service
- Spare-parts logistics DACH + global hub network
- Fixed-price contract in 48 h, one inventory — one contract
DACH compliance by design.
BAIT/MaRisk documentation package, DORA Art. 28 contract template, ISO 27001 and GDPR-compliant media handling apply identically to every Quantum line — details on the Quantum battle card.
Migration path from first contact to hand-over.
Same four steps for every Quantum line: inventory → fixed-price quote in 48 h → contract (BAIT/MaRisk/DORA hooks) → hand-over with spare-parts provisioning. Details on the Quantum battle card.
FAQ on QXS maintenance
- Which QXS models do you service?
- Complete QXS family: QXS-312 (12-bay 2.5" entry), QXS-412 (12-bay 3.5" entry), QXS-424 (24-bay 2.5" mid-range), QXS-424-D (deep archive variant with large NL-SAS disks) and QXS-484 (84-bay high capacity). Including all disk configurations, controller boards and connectivity options (8/16G FC, 10 GbE iSCSI, 12G SAS).
- How high is the saving on EOSL QXS?
- For EOSL QXS we typically see 60 to 70 percent savings — Quantum often no longer offers regular renewal. For a QXS-424 with 24×7×4, TechCare is roughly 65% below the last Quantum price (with refresh markup). QXS-484 with the same spread.
- Can you still get disks for QXS?
- Yes. SAS disks (600 GB, 1.2 TB, 1.8 TB) and NL-SAS disks (4 TB, 6 TB, 8 TB, 10 TB) for QXS are in our warehouse. Advantage: QXS and HPE StorageWorks-MSA are based on the same Dot-Hill OEM design — many disk modules are cross-compatible, which increases availability. For very rare controller components we work with refurbishing partners.
- Does the QXS management interface continue to work without a Quantum contract?
- Yes. The QXS Storage Management Console (web GUI) and CLI are part of the controller firmware and continue without licensing. All block storage functions — RAID configuration, LUN provisioning, snapshots, replication, volume copy — also stay active. Code updates to newer firmware versions require an active Quantum contract.
- Which SLA levels do you recommend for QXS?
- QXS are typically mid-market tier-2 block storage — VMware clusters for mid-size workloads, database storage for standard apps. 5×9 NBD is economically appropriate and our recommendation. For QXS in productive tier-1 roles, 24×7×4 may make sense but is rare given today's niche position.
- What about refresh recommendations — QXS or something else?
- TechCare position is neutral: we service what's there. Quantum typically no longer positions QXS refresh — refresh paths go either to HPE/Dell/Pure (block storage mainstream) or to ActiveScale (object) depending on use case. We can advise on refresh strategy, but our core business is servicing what you have today.