Creating the Snapshot Using the Advanced Path, 156

If you want to use a snapshot regularly, such as for backups, use the Disable Snapshot and Re-create Snapshot options to reuse the snapshot. Disabling and re-creating snapshots preserves the existing virtual disk-to-host mappings to the snapshot virtual disk.

Creating the Snapshot Using the Advanced Path

NOTE: Removing the drive letter of the associated virtual disk in Windows or unmounting the virtual drive in Linux helps to guarantee a stable copy of the drive for the Snapshot.

After first preparing the host server(s) as specified in the preceding procedure, complete the following steps to create a virtual disk snapshot using the advanced path:

1Stop the host application accessing the source virtual disk, and unmount the source virtual disk.

2In the AMW, select the Logical tab, select a valid source virtual disk.

3Select Virtual Disk→ Snapshot→ Create. or

4Right-click the source virtual disk and select Create Snapshot Virtual Disk from the pop-up menu.

The Create Snapshot Virtual Disk Wizard - Introduction dialog is displayed.

5Select Advanced, and click Next.

The Specify Names window is displayed.

6Enter the Snapshot visual disk name and the Snapshot repository virtual disk name and click Next.

The Allocate Capacity window is displayed.

7In the Capacity allocation area, select:

•Free capacity on same disk group as base (recommended)

•Free capacity on different disk group

•Unconfigured capacity (create new disk group)

8Enter the snapshot repository virtual disks capacity as a percentage of the source virtual disks capacity and click Next.

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Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual Disks

MD3620F, MD3600f specifications

Dell's MD3620F and MD3600F storage arrays are designed for businesses seeking dependable, high-performance storage solutions tailored to meet the demands of modern data management. These models offer a blend of scalability, efficiency, and advanced features, making them well-suited for a range of applications, from virtual environments to critical database operations.

One of the primary features of the MD3620F and MD3600F is their support for a hybrid storage architecture. This approach allows organizations to combine flash storage with traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) to optimize performance and cost. The MD3620F focuses heavily on all-flash configurations, delivering exceptional speed and lower latency, ideal for I/O-intensive workloads.

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In terms of data management, both systems integrate with Dell’s proprietary software, which enhances operational efficiency through features like automated tiering. This technology optimizes data placement between different storage types based on access frequency, ensuring that hot data is readily available while reducing costs associated with less critical data.

Reliability is crucial for businesses that depend on their storage systems. The MD3620F and MD3600F come equipped with advanced data protection mechanisms, such as RAID support, which safeguards against data loss, and snapshot capabilities that provide point-in-time copies of data. Moreover, these solutions include hot-swappable components, ensuring minimal downtime for maintenance and repairs.

Connectivity is also a strong suit of these storage arrays. They support multiple connectivity options, including SAS and iSCSI, allowing for flexible integration into existing IT infrastructures. This adaptability enhances their appeal to a wide range of enterprise environments.

In summary, the Dell MD3620F and MD3600F stand out as robust storage solutions with a combination of hybrid and all-flash configurations, scalability, advanced data management tools, and enhanced reliability features. These characteristics make them ideal for organizations looking to enhance their data storage capabilities while maintaining high performance and efficiency.