The scenario specifies the deployment on "hundreds of internally supported third-party nodes." The PowerFlex software-only consumption model is designed for this exact purpose. It allows an enterprise to install and run the PowerFlex software-defined storage platform on its own choice of qualified, third-party server hardware and operating systems. This provides maximum flexibility for environments that have standardized on specific server vendors or want to leverage existing hardware investments. The other options are pre-integrated Dell hardware solutions.

1. Dell PowerFlex Family Spec Sheet. (Page 2

"Flexible consumption options" section). This document explicitly lists "Software-only" as a deployment option and describes it as: "Deploy on a broad range of qualified servers and operating systems

providing maximum flexibility." This directly aligns with the use of "third-party nodes."

2. Dell Technologies White Paper: Introduction to the PowerFlex Family. (Section 3.3

"PowerFlex software"). This paper details the software-only model

stating

"PowerFlex software is for customers who want to download the software and deploy it on their own hardware and operating system of choice... This option provides customers with the most flexibility and choice."

3. Dell PowerFlex: Architecture and Design Best Practices Guide. (Section 2.1

"PowerFlex consumption options"). This guide outlines the three primary consumption methods (rack

appliance

software-only) and clarifies that the software-only option is for deployments on customer-provided infrastructure

which matches the "third-party nodes" requirement in the question.