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Introduction
This guide provides information about deploying Dell PowerVault MD3260 storage arrays. The deployment process includes:
•Hardware installation
•Modular Disk Storage Manager (MD Storage Manager) installation
•Initial system configuration
Other information provided include system requirements, storage array organization, and utilities.
NOTE: For more information on product documentation, see support.dell.com/manuals.
MD Storage Manager enables an administrator to configure and monitor storage arrays for optimum usability. The version of MD Storage Manager included on the PowerVault MD Series resource media can be used to manage both the PowerVault MD3260 Series and other PowerVault MD Series storage arrays. MD Storage Manager is compatible with both Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems.
System Requirements
Before installing and configuring the PowerVault MD3260 Series hardware and software, ensure that the supported operating system is installed and minimum system requirements are met. For more information, see the Support Matrix at support.dell.com/manuals.
Management Station Requirements
A management station uses MD Storage Manager to configure and manage storage arrays across the network. A management station must meet the following minimum system requirements:
•Intel Pentium or an equivalent processor (1333 MHz or faster) with 512 MB RAM (1024 MB recommended).
•1 GB disk space.
•Display resolution of 1024x768 with 16 million colors (1280x1024
•Microsoft Windows, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, or SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.
NOTE: Operating system installations can be either native or hypervisor guest configurations.
NOTE: Supported hypervisors include Microsoft
•Administrator or equivalent permissions.
Introduction To Storage Arrays
An enclosure containing physical disks accessed through RAID controller modules is called a storage array. A storage array includes various hardware components, such as physical disks, RAID controller modules, fans, and power supplies.
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