Support Windows Server 2016 Storage Spaces Direct?

[J Mike Gilbert]

Hi,

Windows Server 2016 Datacenter has introduced a new virtual storage technology for clusters called Storage Spaces Direct.

HPE is fully certified for the prececessor technology, Storage Spaces, under Windows Server 2012R2, but has been silent on Storage Spaces Direct as far as I can see.

I need to replace an old HPE cluster and it looks like Storage Spaces Direct would be a much better option than a physical shared storage array or a SAN.

Here's an article in an HPE storage blog which shows some sample configurations: /t5/Transforming-IT/Microsoft-Software-Defined-Storage-with-Storage-Spaces-Direct/ba-p/6872530#.WBpkLHkzWUk

If I order one of these configurations, will they work?  Can I build a Storage Spaces Direct cluster with HP hardware?  The Microsoft web site lists some partners that support Storage Spaces Direct but HP is a glaring omission; does this mean that HPE is pushing LeftHand solutions and won't support Storage Spaces Direct any time soon?

I'm hoping that HPE is doing testing and will announce support with a configuration white paper soon but I don't know.  I realize that HPE can't pre-announce in this forum but any statement of direction would be appreciated! PM OK...

If this is posted to the wrong forum, please move it or let me know.

[newmanpapa]

This is a good question. Lenovo and Dell are already released their design reference for S2D.

[J Mike Gilbert · Accepted solution]

HPE has now released some useful information on S2D.  Here's a reply I got:

HPE is working very closely with Microsoft on this program. Here are some links to more information you may find helpful:

Technical Papers
HPE Technical White Paper "Implementing Microsoft Windows Server 2016 using HPE ProLiant Servers, Storage, and Options"
https://www.hpe.com/h20195/v2/GetPDF.aspx/4AA5-5841ENW.pdf

HPE Technical White Paper "Implementing Windows Server 2016 Software Defined Storage using HPE ProLiant Servers, Storage, and Options" (Includes Storage Spaces Direct)
http://h20195.www2.hpe.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=4aa6-8953enw

HPE Reference Architectures
http://h17007.www1.hpe.com/us/en/enterprise/converged-infrastructure/info-library/index.aspx#.V7r6dPkrJaR

Solution Briefs
HPE ProLiant Servers with Mellanox 100Gb Networking and Micron Flash storage and storage spaces direct
http://www.mellanox.com/related-docs/solutions/SB_HPE_Micron.pdf

Microsoft Demo/Blog from MS Ignite using HPE ProLiant Gen9 server with HPE Persistent Memory to demonstrate incredible performance with Storage Spaces Direct
https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/filecab/2016/10/17/storage-spaces-direct-with-persistent-memory/