Volume Shadow-Copy Service

The Microsoft Volume Shadow-copy Service (VSS) is a storage management interface for Microsoft Windows Server® 2003. VSS enables your storage array to interact with third-party applications that use the VSS Application Programming Interface. Microsoft VSS is included in the Windows Server 2003 installation.

NOTE: A volume is another term for virtual disk.

VSS attaches to the service and uses it to coordinate the creation of snapshot virtual disks on the storage array. VSS-initiated snapshot virtual disks can be triggered through backup tools, known as requestors. The VSS Provider Configuration Tool makes available the following configuration options:

Snapshot Repository Virtual Disk Properties — This section contains a drop-down list for the RAID level and a field for entering source virtual disk capacity percentage for snapshot repositories.

Snapshot Repository Virtual Disk Location — This section contains a list of preferences for the location of the snapshot repository virtual disk. These preferences are honored whenever conditions permit.

The Microsoft VSS installer service for storage provisioning is available on the MD3000 Resource CD in the \windows\VDS_VSS directory.

Storage Management VSS Hardware Provider Tips:

The number of snapshot virtual disks that can be created using a single snapshot set varies with the I/O load on the RAID controller modules. Under little or no I/O load, the number of virtual disks in a snapshot set should be limited to eight. Under high I/O loads, the limit should be three.

The snapshot virtual disks created in the storage management software are differential snapshots. Plex snapshots are not supported.

Virtual disks to be used as source virtual disks for VSS snapshots should have names no longer than 16 characters. The VSS hardware provider uses the base virtual disk name as a prefix for the snapshot and repository virtual disk names. The resulting snapshot and repository names will be too long if the source virtual disk name exceeds 16 characters.

Virtual Disk Copy

Virtual Disk Copy is a premium feature you can use to back up data, copy data from disk groups that use smaller-capacity physical disks to disk groups using greater capacity physical disks, or restore snapshot virtual disk data to the source virtual disk. Virtual Disk Copy generates a full copy of data from the source virtual disk to the target virtual disk in a storage array.

Source Virtual Disk — When you create a virtual disk copy, a copy pair consisting of a source virtual disk and a target virtual disk is created on the same storage array. When a virtual disk copy is started, data from the source virtual disk is copied completely to the target virtual disk.

Using Your RAID Enclosure

47

Page 47
Image 47
Dell MD3000 owner manual Volume Shadow-Copy Service, Virtual Disk Copy

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.