HP Enterprise Volume Manager Software manual

EVM Support for Volume Groups and HP Tru64 UNIX AdvFS Domains

Some important considerations for using volume groups in EVM:

•For multiple hosts in the EVM network, use the basic configuration for each host.

•Each volume group name on source hosts must be unique.

NOTE: HP recommends using a volume group name that identifies the host on which the group resides; for example Host1VG1.

•Before running an EVM job, make sure that sufficient resources exist on each HSG-based or HSV-based storage system to simultaneously replicate all of the physical volumes that comprise a volume group.

Current Mapfile Requirement for HP-UX Volume Groups

EVM uses a mapfile to import a replicated HP-UX volume group. The mapfile defines the logical volume name-to-number association for all of the logical volumes in a volume group. Without this information, the operating system assigns default names to all of the logical volumes in the replicated volume group and the original names are lost. Without the original name it is difficult to associate a source volume with its replicated copy.

EVM includes a script named Generate_Mapfiles.ksh, which generates a mapfile for each volume group. This script closes all the logical volumes (unmounts the filesystems) and deactivates the volume group before creating the mapfile. After creating the mapfile, EVM reactivates the volume group and reopens the logical volumes. This process completes within two minutes for most volume groups. The volume group and all logical volumes in it are unavailable during this period. Schedule this process on an as needed basis to minimize its effect on normal operations.

You must create a mapfile for each volume group that will be replicated using EVM. If the logical volume configuration for a volume group changes through the addition or deletion of a logical volume, you must generate an updated mapfile using the same process. Volume groups with invalid mapfiles are not displayed on the EVM Resource page and cannot be used in EVM jobs.

EVM does not automatically display HP-UX volume groups on the EVM Resources page. To display an HP-UX volume group on the Resources page, you must create the mapfile for the volume group after installing the EVM V2.0D host agent for HP-UX, or you must update the mapfile after changing the volume group.

Creating and Updating a Mapfile for HP-UX Volume Groups

This section shows you how to create and update a mapfile after you have installed the EVM V2.0D host agent for HP-UX, or after you have changed the volume group.

8–4	Enterprise Volume Manager (Multi-OS) Network Administration Guide

Enterprise Volume Manager Software specifications

HP Enterprise Volume Manager (EVM) Software is a robust solution designed to optimize storage management for enterprise environments. This innovative software addresses the complexities of managing data across diverse storage systems while enhancing performance, scalability, and efficiency.

One of the key features of HP EVM is its ability to centralize storage management. By providing a unified interface, it streamlines administrative tasks, enabling IT teams to manage storage resources from a single console. This centralization not only simplifies operations but also reduces the potential for human error, leading to more reliable data management.

Another significant feature is the software's powerful automation capabilities. HP EVM automates routine tasks such as data provisioning, monitoring, and reporting. This functionality empowers organizations to allocate resources efficiently, respond to changes in demand swiftly, and ensure optimal performance without extensive manual intervention. Automated alerting and reporting mechanisms provide visibility into storage utilization and performance metrics, allowing for proactive management of storage resources.

HP EVM also supports advanced storage technologies like thin provisioning and deduplication, which help maximize storage efficiency. Thin provisioning allows organizations to allocate storage on an as-needed basis, minimizing wastage and ensuring cost-effective utilization. Deduplication, on the other hand, reduces redundant data, freeing up valuable storage space and improving backup and recovery times.

Scalability is another hallmark of HP EVM. The software is designed to grow with an organization's needs, supporting a wide array of storage devices, from traditional disk systems to flash storage. This flexibility ensures that enterprises can adapt to evolving data demands and technological advancements without overhauling existing infrastructure.

Security features integrated into HP EVM are essential for protecting sensitive data. The software supports robust encryption protocols and access controls, ensuring that data remains secure during transitions and while stored across multiple locations. Compliance with industry regulations is facilitated through comprehensive logging and reporting features, enhancing an organization’s ability to maintain regulatory standards.

In conclusion, HP Enterprise Volume Manager Software is a pivotal tool for organizations seeking efficient and effective storage management. With its centralized management capabilities, automation features, support for advanced storage technologies, scalability, and strong security measures, HP EVM stands out as a vital asset that drives operational efficiency and data integrity in today's data-centric enterprises. Investing in HP EVM not only simplifies storage management but also empowers organizations to proactively meet their data challenges.