Introducing MinIO AIStor on Supermicro: Pre-Integrated Pods for Private Cloud AI

Michaela Morgan Michaela Morgan on |
Introducing MinIO AIStor on Supermicro: Pre-Integrated Pods for Private Cloud AI

At MinIO, we believe the cloud operating model and a fully software-defined approach across every layer of the stack is the only path to enterprise agility, scalability, and operational efficiency. Building for "software-defined everything" has guided us from the start, with the goal of keeping modern IT environments as flexible and dynamic as the businesses they serve.

But even the best technology doesn't create value unless it's easy to adopt, expand, and manage. To deliver on the full promise of software-defined infrastructure, object storage has to be simple to procure, seamless to deploy, and straightforward to run at scale. True operational value happens when advanced solutions are pre-integrated, validated, and ready for rapid, low-risk adoption.

That’s why we’re excited to announce MinIO AIStor Pods on Supermicro: fully pre-integrated, pre-configured, ready-to-deploy object storage. Taking a page out of the "Hyperscaler Economics" playbook, MinIO and Supermicro are combining standardized, certified hardware with highly optimized object store software into hardened, single-node SKUs, streamlining the procurement of storage pods for organizations that prefer an integrated solution. Each AIStor on Supermicro pod consists of multiple hardened, certified nodes, engineered for performance and reliability. Starter 4-node pods provide ~1.1 PiB of usable capacity.

Validated by MinIO engineers and delivered exclusively via Arrow Electronics, AIStor Pods bring hardened hardware and true software-defined storage together, enabling our customers to move quickly from purchase to production. MinIO is the leading exascale object store for AI data, and these new pods make it easier than ever to adopt the architecture trusted by more than half of the Fortune 500.

Why Choose MinIO AIStor on Supermicro Pods?

  • Fast Deployment: Each pod arrives pre-integrated, pre-configured, and ready to deploy. Go from delivery to deployment in hours, without manual setup or multi-vendor coordination.
  • Simple Procurement: One standardized pod SKU, fulfilled through Arrow. Starting pod deployment is four nodes (~1.1 PiB usable). Expansion is easy: add additional hardened nodes as your needs grow, eliminating the need for separate hardware and software negotiations.
  • Operational Consistency: Each pre-tested, production-validated pod configuration reduces deployment risk and guarantees trouble-free day-one operations. MinIO provides unified support and connects to the hardware vendor’s support organization as needed.
  • Scalable by Design: AIStor’s software-defined architecture enables seamless horizontal scaling. Begin with a starting four-node pod and expand by adding nodes as your demand grows. Enterprises can confidently purchase, quickly deploy, and scale AIStor pods effortlessly, avoiding lock-in and reducing operational risk.

What Sets AIStor Pods Apart

Software-Defined Deployment Flexibility

Unlike traditional appliances that lock hardware and software together, AIStor Pods deliver appliance-level simplicity while preserving full software-defined control. This flexibility enables organizations to future-proof their investments and reduce operational costs, while allowing for greater innovation in the analytics and AI stack. Scale, refresh hardware, or adapt on your terms, no forced refresh cycles or vendor lock-in.

Enterprise-Grade S3 Compatibility

Fully S3-compatible, including advanced features like S3 Express, enabling seamless integration with existing applications, AI pipelines, and modern data platforms. Whether you’re running Spark, Presto, PyTorch, or TensorFlow, AIStor Pods plug right in.

Hyperscale Economics

Following the hyperscaler playbook of combining standardized hardware with optimized software, AIStor Pods leverage standard off-the-shelf x86 servers, avoiding the markup associated with proprietary storage appliances and lowering Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). No per-operation, access, or egress fees. No unpredictable billing. AIStor Pods offer transparent, all-in pricing based on usable capacity.

Built-In Resilience and Support

Each pod ships production-ready with enterprise security, regulatory compliance, and high availability features. Every pod includes first-call 24/7/365 direct-to-engineer AIStor support through MinIO SUBNET to connect customers to the hardware vendor’s support organization. This clear support model delivers confidence and simplicity for enterprises at scale.

How to Acquire & What to Expect

  1. Assess capacity requirements. Estimate your total usable capacity needs.
  2. Calculate the required pod configuration. Starting pod size is ~1.1 PiB usable capacity (four nodes), scale by adding nodes as needed.
  3. Purchase through Arrow. Submit a single purchase order to Arrow Electronics; Arrow manages sourcing, integration, and delivery.
  4. Deploy and scale. Install, connect, and get started in hours. Expand by purchasing and adding nodes to your pod as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I purchase a MinIO AIStor Pods? All purchases are through Arrow Electronics. Contact MinIO, Arrow, or your preferred MinIO reseller to begin sizing and place your order.

What information do I need to get started? Share your capacity requirements and any performance or compliance goals with our team. MinIO provides cluster rightsizing assistance to match your pod configuration to your workload requirements.

Are there standard configurations, or can I customize? AIStor Pods are delivered in validated configurations with a starting deployment of four nodes (~1.1 PiB usable). As your needs grow, add extra nodes to expand your pod. If you have unique requirements, speak with MinIO or Arrow for guidance.

How long does delivery take? Most standard pod deployments are delivered within a few weeks. Your MinIO and Arrow teams will keep you informed every step of the way.

Who handles installation? Arrow manages pod delivery and can coordinate on-site setup if required. Each pod arrives fully integrated and ready to run.

What support is included? Enterprise-grade, 24/7/365 support is included, with MinIO serving as your primary point of contact and providing direct escalation to Supermicro’s support organization as needed.

Who can I talk to if I have questions? Your MinIO representative is available to provide guidance, check your status, and offer technical support.

Whether you’re scaling up AI, modernizing analytics, or future-proofing your private cloud infrastructure, MinIO AIStor Pods on Supermicro deliver the simplicity, speed, and scalability today’s enterprises demand. MinIO is the only pure-play exascale object store for AI data, and now it’s easier than ever to deploy.

Supermicro and Arrow Electronics are registered trademarks of their respective owners. MinIO AIStor solutions are available exclusively through Arrow Electronics.