MSA1000 connected to L-Class HP9000 running HP-UX 11.00?

[spex]

Hello,

I'm in the process of specing out a disk array which will be initially connected to an L3000 running HP-UX 11.00 (I'm hesistant to upgrade as this server will be decommissioned soon). This array will be moved to a yet-to-be-purchased HP9000 next year. I like what I'm reading about the MSA1000, but have a few concerns:

1) QuickSpecs for the MSA1000 says only HP-UX 11.11 & 11.23 are supported. However, a few documents hint at support for 11.00. Does anyone know for sure whether or not this configuration is possible?

2) I was planning to buy dual HBAs for the L3000. Specifically, A5158A - 1Gbps Tachyon TL PCI single channel FC adapters. Does anyone know if the MSA1000 can be connected to a pair of this HBA?

3) Any idea if/when redundant controller support will be added for HP-UX?

4) If it turns out this configuration won't work, could you suggest some alternatives? The array must work with an L3000 under HP-UX 11.00 initially, be modestly priced, and be something you'd want to attach to a new, entry-level HP9000 or Integrity server.

Thanks in advance,

PCS

[rick jones]

Well, there is a timing issue involved here. The L3000 is sufficiently old that any arrays which were "supported" with that are likely long off the HP CPL. (eg the VA series) Those old arrays may not be "supported" on the newer systems (not really sure).

The newer arrays are very likely not qual tested on the L3000 and/or 11.0 as you've already noticed. IIRC the A5858A HBA isn't supported in 11.23 and I'm not sure if it was dropped as part of 11.0.

Still, if one assumes that "fibre channel is fibre channel" it could very well be that an MSA1000 would "work" with an 11.0 L3000 and the A5158A HBA, but it certainly would not be "supported" and I doubt you would have any of the host-based tools available.

Any particular reason the purchase of the array has to be separate in time from the purchase of the new server?

[spex]

Rick,

I appreciate your response. I did receive confirmation from HP storage that this configuration will work, but would rather go with a "supported" configuration. I've decided to buy an MSA30 for the L3000. As it's JBoD, there should be little difficulty in setting it up. Then I'll order an MSA1500 along with the new HP9000, and move the MSA30 over to it (and decommission the L3000 at the same time).

To answer your question, there is pressing need for additional storage for this old server right now. But since the arrival of a new HP9000 is not too far off, it seems an awful waste not to be able to move the storage over once the time is right.

Thank you,

PCS

[spex]

Thread closed, but if anyone has additional comments, I'd be interested to read them.