Overview

About HP SSA

HP SSA is the main tool for configuring arrays on HP Smart Array controllers. It exists in three interface formats: the HP SSA GUI, the HP SSA CLI, and HP SSA Scripting. All formats provide support for configuration tasks (on page 6). Some of the advanced tasks are available in only one format.

The diagnostic features in HP SSA are also available in the standalone software HP Smart Storage Administrator Diagnostics Utility CLI (on page 112).

Starting with HP SSA and ProLiant Gen8 servers and server blades, HP SSA is accessible both offline and online:

•Accessing HP SSA in the offline environment (on page 10)

Using one of multiple methods, you can run HP SSA before launching the host operating system. In offline mode, users can configure or maintain detected and supported ProLiant devices, such as optional Smart Array controllers and integrated Smart Array controllers. Some HP SSA features are only available in the offline environment, such as setting the boot controller and boot volume.

•Accessing HP SSA in the online environment (on page 14)

This method requires an administrator to download the HP SSA executables and install them. You can run HP SSA online after launching the host operating system.

Benefits of using HP SSA

HP Smart Storage Administrator is an advanced utility that enables you to perform many complex configuration tasks. Previously, other HP configuration utilities, including Array Configuration Utility and Option ROM Configuration for Arrays, were recommended for storage configuration.

Although ACU is still supported, HP SSA replaces it starting with HP ProLiant Gen8 servers.

There are many GUI differences between ACU and HP SSA. Some of the main differences include the following:

•The tabs in ACU are integrated into the new HP SSA Configure menu.•The 2-panel format in ACU is replaced with a 3-panel format in HP SSA.

•HP SSA includes a quick navigation menu, to access configuration or diagnostics options for a specific controller.

•With an HP Smart Array Gen8 or later controller, most options do not require an SAAP license.

•HP SSA does not include a Wizards feature.

•HP SSA includes a stand-alone CLI diagnostics utility ("HP Smart Storage Administrator Diagnostics Utility CLI" on page 112).

HP SSA provides full-range support for standard and advanced configuration tasks ("Support for configuration tasks" on page 6). Some of these advanced tasks are not available in all HP SSA interface formats (GUI, CLI, and Scripting).

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