There are two HP HWP installation executables for each HP disk array model, one installation executable for VDS and one for VSS. These installation executables are different for each HP disk array model.
The HP Hardware Providers installation executables install the HWP files in your Windows Server file system. The files installed consist of special sets of HP DLLs and executables. These components extend the array management capabilities of Windows and its applications. Because they are installed separately, you can choose to install only the VDS or VSS HWP or both.
For VSS only, HP’s Business Copy (BC) application, which installs on the disk array and is licensed in Command View, works with the VSS and the HP HWP components to enable the array to make VSS shadow copies. For functional purposes, you can think of BC as a part of the hardware providers, even though it is installed separately.
HP disk arrays
Specific HP Hardware Providers have been created to work with selected HP disk arrays. Different supporting technologies and features within the arrays result in some differences in their methods and capabilities of performing VDS/VSS tasks.
HP EVA arrays and VSS
The HP EVA VSS Hardware Provider works with EVA arrays to enable Microsoft VSS to create and manage snapclones and snapshots. During HP VSS HWP installation you specify an EVA disk group to hold the copies.
HP HWP typical applications
The following examples demonstrate typical applications of the Hardware Providers when used with the Microsoft VDS, and VSS software components. Many more scenarios are possible.
VDS typical applications
The advantage of VDS and the HP VDS HWP is that they allow you to manage the HP disk array using the Windows interface. Array management tasks that would normally require the array’s proprietary management application can be done using VDS and the third party Windows management application of your choice. When you have multiple array models, this is particularly helpful because you can manage all arrays from a single interface.
VSS typical applications
VSS shadow copies made on the disk array with the help of the HP VSS HWP can be used for many purposes:
•Consistent backups of open files and applications
•Transportable shadow copies for backup, testing and data mining
•Fast recovery of files and data
Consistent backups of open files and applications
VSS captures data files from running applications by taking a snapshot of the data at a point in time, minimizing interruption to the applications. This process may include cooperation from the applications, which notify the operating system that they are momentarily pausing. During this time, the applications make data on the disk consistent by performing actions such as flushing buffers to disk or writing data in memory to disk. The resulting backup data copies are typically temporary, maintained for some limited period of time until they are superseded by newer copies.
HP StorageWorks EVA Hardware Providers administration guide | 15 |