Business continuity solution

environment for the same reasons in an effort to help maintain access to data. Each server is conﬁgured with redun- dant Host Bus Adapters. Each Host Bus Adapter is connected to a different SAN switch, and each switch is con- nected to a different controller in a disk system. Every effort is made to maintain application access to data.

The SAN32M-2 is an excellent switch to use in a clustered server environ- ment. Separate SAN switches enable two separate SAN fabrics, which are desirable as a means to help minimize or eliminate single points of failure. The yellow and green clusters shown above provide redundant components at every level and are designed to help minimize application outages.

Many small- and medium-sized compa- nies want to implement a business con- tinuity or remote backup capability to help address strict new regulatory requirements. The SAN32M-2 fabric switch can help provide the SAN con- nectivity required for these environ- ments. The diagram on the following page is intended to represent two dif- ferent sites. The blue side represents the production site and the green side represents the remote or backup site.

Many disk subsystems, including the IBM TotalStorage DS6000 and DS4000 series, are capable of copying data to a remote location. The data path for the remote copy operation is represented by the red links in the diagram.

Two SAN32M-2 fabric switches can be connected over metro distances (up to 10 km) using longwave SFP optical transceivers. Longer distances can be supported with SAN routers, such as the IBM TotalStorage SAN04M-R and SAN16M-R, which transport Fibre Channel Protocol (FCP) over Internet Protocol (IP) networks without merging the local and remote fabrics.

SAN32M-2 fabric switches can also be used to connect two locations to enable remote data backup. An Information Lifecycle Management (ILM) application such as IBM Tivoli® Storage Manager (TSM), which runs on a server in the production site, can write data to a tape system at a remote location. The same distance capabilities are available for the business continuity solution described above.

First time SAN users characteristics

Easy to install and maintain

The SAN32M-2 includes capabilities designed to make it easy to install and easy to maintain for system administra- tors who have minimal experience with SAN components. EFCM Basic pro- vides intuitive graphic switch manage- ment capabilities. Installation and backup/restore wizards are included for novice users which are designed to help guide them through switch setup and operation.

EFMC Basic (formerly SANpilot) is designed for ﬁrst-time SAN users with minimum SAN expertise. EFCM Basic can help simplify monitoring and conﬁg- uration management. Functions include Web browser access, fabric and switch conﬁguration management, port activity monitoring and reset, ﬁrmware updat- ing, event logging, diagnostics and

SAN32M-2 specifications

The IBM SAN32M-2 is a high-performance, versatile storage area network (SAN) switch designed to provide enterprise-class connectivity and scalability for data center environments. It is part of IBM's extensive portfolio of storage networking solutions, and it excels in meeting the demands of modern storage infrastructures, ensuring seamless data flow, and providing robust management capabilities.

One of the standout features of the IBM SAN32M-2 is its impressive 32 Gbps Fibre Channel ports, which offer high bandwidth for data-intensive applications. This speed ensures that organizations can efficiently manage large volumes of data, accelerating application performance and improving overall system responsiveness. The switch can support up to 128 ports, allowing for a high degree of scalability, which is essential for growing data centers that require flexible expansion.

In addition to its high-speed capabilities, the IBM SAN32M-2 incorporates intelligent caching technologies that enhance data access times and reduce latency. The switch's advanced routing capabilities optimize the path for data packets, ensuring efficient communication among connected devices. The inclusion of features like dedicated management ports further enhances the ease of network management, allowing administrators to monitor and configure the switch without affecting data traffic.

Furthermore, the IBM SAN32M-2 features comprehensive security protocols, protecting critical data against unauthorized access. This is particularly important in environments that require strict compliance with regulations and industry standards. The switch also supports virtualization technologies, enabling organizations to maximize their existing resources and streamline workflows by integrating multiple virtual machines and storage devices seamlessly.

The ease of integration is another defining characteristic of the IBM SAN32M-2. It is designed to work with a wide array of storage solutions, ensuring compatibility with both IBM and third-party products. This flexibility allows businesses to customize their storage networks according to unique requirements without being locked into a specific vendor.

With robust support for advanced features such as SFP and SFP+ transceivers, the IBM SAN32M-2 is equipped to handle various bandwidth requirements. Its built-in diagnostics and monitoring tools simplify problem identification, reducing downtime and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

In conclusion, the IBM SAN32M-2 is a powerful SAN switch that combines high-speed performance, scalability, and advanced management features, making it an ideal choice for enterprises seeking to optimize their storage solutions while ensuring future-proof infrastructure. Its commitment to security, compatibility, and ease of management positions it as a critical component in the data centers of today and tomorrow.