Storage

Figure 4. Dell Modular Disk Storage Manager GUI

connected to a host using Ethernet, or a combination of the two

•Display configuration information, add and remove storage arrays, and manage Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) alert notifications

file from the CLI, administrators would enter the following command (where ipaddress is the IP address of the storage enclosure):

smcli ipaddress -f sample.scr;

Advanced features of the Dell

PowerVault MD3000

storage partitions. Virtual disk snapshot creation and virtual disk copy creation are premium fea- tures that must be purchased and enabled separately.

Virtual disk snapshots

Snapshots are persistent point-in-time images of a specific virtual disk that help eliminate the application downtime traditionally required to create system backups. They typically use less disk space and take less time to create than a physical copy.

Snapshots are implemented using the copy-on-first-write method: when virtual disk data needs to be modified, the original data is copied to the virtual disk snapshot cache before it is modified. The virtual disk on which the snapshot is based—the source virtual disk— must be a standard virtual disk in the storage array. Snapshots are typically created so that software such as a backup application can access them while the source virtual disk remains accessible to hosts.

Modular Disk Storage Manager supports application-aware snapshots, which are recom- mended for transaction-based applications where all transaction operations must be com- pleted for transactions to be valid. Application- aware snapshots coordinate with the application using the virtual disk to help ensure the consis- tency of snapshot data with application data. Once the snapshot has been created, the snap-

Figure 5 shows a script file called sample.scr

Administrators can use the PowerVault MD3000

that creates a 2 GB RAID-5 virtual disk called

and Dell Modular Disk Storage Manager to create

“Test” and sets its parameters. To run this script

virtual disk snapshots, virtual disk copies, and

//sample.scr

create virtualDisk diskGroup=1 RAIDLevel=5 userLabel="Test" owner=0 segmentSize=16 capacity=2GB;

set virtualDisk["Test"] mediaScanEnabled=false;

set virtualDisk["Test"] consistencyCheckEnabled=false; set virtualDisk["Test"] modificationPriority

=high;

Figure 5. Sample script for the Dell Modular Disk Storage Manager CLI

shot engine signals the application to resume normal processing. Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) enables the creation of these snapshots.

Administrators can use the virtual disk snapshot feature to perform the following tasks:

•Create a complete image of data on a virtual disk at a particular point in time

•Provide quick, frequent, nondisruptive backups

•Test new versions of a database system with- out affecting actual data

•Enable snapshot virtual disks to be read, written, and copied

 

DELL POWER SOLUTIONS

May 2007

Reprinted from Dell Power Solutions, May 2007. Copyright © 2007 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Rev. 2.

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Dell manual Advanced features of the Dell PowerVault MD3000, Virtual disk snapshots
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MD3000 specifications

The Dell MD3000 is a renowned storage area network (SAN) solution recognized for its flexibility, scalability, and high performance. Designed to meet the demands of small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprise environments, the MD3000 offers a plethora of features that enhance data management and storage capabilities.

One of the standout features of the MD3000 is its modular design. This allows users to start with a basic configuration and expand their storage capacity as their needs grow. The system can support up to 30 drives, including both SATA and SAS drives, giving users the ability to optimize cost and performance based on their specific requirements. With support for a diverse range of drive types, the MD3000 ensures that businesses can implement a storage solution that aligns perfectly with their performance and budgetary needs.

The MD3000 leverages advanced technologies to deliver exceptional performance and reliability. It is equipped with Intelligent Disk Pools that optimize the allocation of data across drives, ensuring improved access speeds and overall system efficiency. This dynamic management of data not only enhances performance but also extends the lifespan of the storage devices.

Data protection is another critical component of the MD3000. The system features various RAID configurations, allowing users to choose the level of redundancy that suits their operational requirements. Additionally, robust snapshot capabilities help businesses create point-in-time copies of their data, enabling quick recovery in case of data loss or corruption.

Connectivity options are abundant with the MD3000. It supports both iSCSI and Fibre Channel, providing users the flexibility to integrate it seamlessly into existing network infrastructures. This adaptability makes it an attractive option for organizations looking to modernize their storage systems without overhauling their entire architecture.

Furthermore, the MD3000 is equipped with a user-friendly management interface. The GUI enables quick provisioning and monitoring of storage resources while providing insightful analytics and alerts, allowing IT teams to maintain optimal performance with ease.

In summary, the Dell MD3000 is a highly versatile and efficient storage solution that meets diverse organizational needs. Its scalable architecture, advanced features, and strong support for data protection and management make it an ideal choice for businesses aiming to enhance their storage capabilities while ensuring reliability and performance. Whether for virtualization, database management, or general storage needs, the MD3000 stands out as an excellent investment in enterprise storage technology.
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