MSA1000 snapshots

[Berend Schotanus]

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?

[Steven Clementi]

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

[The Spartan]

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

[Berend Schotanus]

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?

[Steven Clementi]

"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