topic Re: MSA1000 snapshots in Disk Enclosures

MSA1000 snapshots

Berend Schotanus — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 12:49:50 GMT

There are some SAN manufactures, like Netapp, who support hardware snapshots, is the MSA1000 of HP supporting some kind of hardware snapshots? Or must I recommend another MSA to the customer?

Re: MSA1000 snapshots

Steven Clementi — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 14:01:30 GMT

The MSA, all models, does not support hardware snapshots. HP has software that they usually bundle with the MSA's called Storageworks Virtual Replicator. Aside from allowing you to pool your disk resources and allocate on an as needed basis, you can also take local snapshots using the software.

Steven

Re: MSA1000 snapshots

The Spartan — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 21:43:52 GMT

Snapshot from VRM is NOT as efficient or in the same league as a h/w snapshot

Re: MSA1000 snapshots

Berend Schotanus — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:47:43 GMT

I read about the virtual replicator software, but is says it needs vdisks?

Can I use it even if I want to format my lun's using vmwares vmfs?

Is there a HP solution which uses hardware snapshot functionality?

Re: MSA1000 snapshots

Steven Clementi — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 01:20:41 GMT

"I read about the virtual replicator software, but is says it needs vdisks?"

SWVR is Windows Based software. It odes not run under any other OS that I know of. It utilized any raw disk device you may have. Logical Drives from an MSA, Virtual Disks fro man EVA, etc.

"Can I use it even if I want to format my lun's using vmwares vmfs?"

Are you running ESX? If yes, then no since the software is Windows based.

"Is there a HP solution which uses hardware snapshot functionality?"

The EVA class Storage Array has hardware based snapshot functionality.

Of course Software based Snapshot'ing is NOT as efficient as hardware based. I never said software was superior.

Steven