MSA1000 configuration questions

[CA1096128]

Good day. We are ready to purchase the MSA1000 however I have one question that I need help with. The unit will be connected to a Integrity server that will have HP-UX, Windows and Linux installed. This is a test box. My understanding is that the MSA1000 controller card is only compatible with Windows and Linux. It will require a firmware upgrade to be used in a HP-UX environment. Once this firmware is upgraded can it be 'downgraded' to the Windows/Linux environment or am I better off purchasing a second controller card? RC

[CA1004701 · Accepted solution]

Rick,
You can upgrade and downgrade the firmware without a problem. I do it all the time in the lab.

Glenn

[CA1096128]

Glenn,

Thanks for the response. Just what I was hoping to be able to do. I do see the firmware update for the HP-UX but I don't see it anywhere for reverting back to the original. Will that be included with the card? Any documentation available to 'downgrade'?

[Uwe Zessin]

MSA1000 Firmware Upgrades by Operating System:

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/storageworks/softwaredrivers/msa1000/msa1k_intel.html

[CA1004701]

Rick,
Uwe points you to the site. The flash is really just putting a particular version on the controller. It doesn't really know whether it is an upgrade or downgrade -- and it doesn't care.
Since this is a test environment you don't have to worry about configurations getting blown away and that makes things easier.

Glenn

[CA1096128]

Thanks Uwe and Glenn. This helps calms my fears.

[CA1096128]

Glenn, are you running all three OS'es on the server? Do you have three seperate HBA cards for each OS? I'm being quoted three but I thought I saw one card that ran both HP-UX and Linux.

[CA1004701]

Rick,
The following two HBAs will meet your requirements:
A6826A - HP-UX & Linux
AB466A - Windows 64-Bit

These are dual port. If you go here:
http://h18006.www1.hp.com/storage/saninfrastructure.html
you can see what's available. There is a single port adapter that will do Windows and Linux. Unfortunately there isn't a single HBA that will do all three at this time that is HP supported.

Glenn

[CA1096128]

I compared the AB466A against the AB232A and it looks like the 466 is a newer card. I'll go with that one. Thanks for all the help.

Rick