Limitations and Known Issues

Volume Group Is the Minimum Unit of Replication

The data for a given logical volume can be located on any or all of the physical disks in a volume group. As a result, a hardware level replication of the logical volume (like that performed by EVM) must copy all of the physical volumes in the volume group in order to capture all of the data. This limitation also applies to logical volumes that have been extended to specific disks.

Current Mapfile Requirement

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 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, associating a source volume with a replicated copy is difficult.

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 then deactivates the volume group before creating the mapfile. After creating the mapfile, the script reactivates the volume group and reopens the logical volumes. This process completes within two minutes for most volume groups. During this time period, the volume group and all logical volumes contained within the group are unavailable. This mapping process should be scheduled, as needed, to minimize any impact to normal operations.

A mapfile must be created for each volume group that will be replicated using EVM. If the logical volume configuration for a given volume group changes through the addition or deletion of a logical volume, an updated mapfile must be generated using this 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 a volume group on this page, the mapfile for this volume group must be created or updated. Refer to the EVM Network Administration Guide for the procedure that makes selected HP-UX volume groups display on this page.

StorageWorks Storage System Requirement

All physical volumes that comprise a volume group must be located exclusively on either HSG80 or HSV110 storage volumes. EVM cannot replicate a volume group that does not reside entirely on one of these two types of storage systems.

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Release Notes – Enterprise Volume Manager (Multi-OS) Host Agent Version 2.0D

for HP-UX

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HP Enterprise Volume Manager Software manual Volume Group Is the Minimum Unit of Replication, Current Mapfile Requirement
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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.
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