"That's the potential array future; a one-two combo of speedy SSD plus cheap bulk storage SATA drives"
It's not the future - it's here now with the Sun S7000 products. The thing is, it's not just speedy SSDs you need but a file system that understands how to use them to their best potential - e.g. Hybrid Storage Pools in ZFS.
Oh and they're cheaper than EMC storage with no add on software costs too !
Every storage related post has someone commenting (advertising) how Sun have some wonderful product that is much better than the market leaders. Hint: that Sun aren't a storage leader might be an indication that customers aren't finding their solutions to be compelling. Especially since most of them are rebranded LSI/Engenio and HDS arrays.
ZFS! ZFS! ZFS! Even the mighty ZFS hasn't changed much in Sun's storage lineup. ZFS!