9 Support and other resources

To learn how to contact HP, obtain software updates, submit feedback on documentation, and locate links to HP SDN websites and other related HP products, see the following topics.

9.1Gather information before contacting an authorized support representative

If you need to contact an authorized HP support representative, be sure to have the following information available:

If you have a Care Pack or other support contract, either your SAID (Service Agreement Identifier) or other proof of purchase of support for the controller and any HP SDN applications

The HP VAN SDN Controller version and installed licenses

The HP SDN application product names, versions, and installed licenses

If you use a virtual machine for the operating system, the hypervisor virtualization platform and version

Messages generated by the controller and applications

Other HP or third-party software in use

9.2How to contact HP

See the Contact HP Worldwide website to obtain contact information for any country: http://www.hp.com/go/assistance

See the contact information provided on the HP Support Center website: http://www.hp.com/go/hpsc

In the United States, call +1 800 334 5144 to contact HP by telephone. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For continuous quality improvement, conversations might be recorded or monitored.

9.3Get connected to the HP SDN online user forum

The HP SDN community forum interactive online forum enables you to share your experiences and to ask and to answer questions related to using the HP VAN SDN Controller and SDN applications.

To join the discussion, see:

http://www.hp.com/networking/sdnforum

9.4 Software technical support and software updates

HP provides 90 days of limited technical support with the purchase of a base license for the HP VAN SDN Controller.

Some HP SDN applications have a trial period, during which limited technical support is provided for 90 days. Other HP SDN applications do not have a trial period and you must purchase a base license for the application to receive 90 days of limited support. Support for the controller and each HP SDN application is purchased separately, but you must have a base license for the controller to receive support for your licensed HP SDN application.

For information about licenses for the controller, see the HP VAN SDN Controller Administrator Guide.

For information about licenses for HP SDN applications, see the information about licensing in the administrator guide for the application.

26 Support and other resources

Page 26
Image 26
HP VAN SDN Controller Software Products manual Support and other resources, How to contact HP

VAN SDN Controller Software Products specifications

HP VAN SDN Controller Software Products represent a significant advancement in network management by leveraging software-defined networking (SDN) principles. These products aim to centralize control of network resources, provide enhanced automation, and simplify network management, which can dramatically improve the overall performance and agility of data centers.

One of the main features of HP VAN SDN Controller is its ability to enable an application-centric network environment. By separating the control plane from the data plane, network administrators can gain a holistic view of the entire network. This separation allows for dynamic reconfiguration of network devices and sets the stage for the development of innovative applications that can respond to real-time network conditions.

The controller supports OpenFlow as its primary protocol, ensuring interoperability with a wide range of network devices from different vendors. This compatibility facilitates a heterogeneous network environment, allowing organizations to transition to SDN at their own pace without needing to replace all existing hardware. It also promotes vendor diversity, reducing the risk of vendor lock-in.

HP VAN SDN Controller features robust security capabilities, including support for micro-segmentation, which helps in isolating critical components within the network. This layer of security can safeguard sensitive data and protect against threats, ensuring that only authorized traffic is allowed within designated network segments.

Another key characteristic is the controller's emphasis on automation and orchestration. Through APIs and built-in tools, network policies can be defined and applied consistently across the entire network. This intelligent automation reduces the potential for human error and accelerates the implementation of networking changes, enabling organizations to adapt quickly to evolving business needs.

The HP VAN SDN Controller also incorporates advanced analytics capabilities that provide real-time visibility into network performance. These analytics can help in troubleshooting, forecasting capacity needs, and optimizing resource utilization, contributing to improved operational efficiency and reduced downtime.

Furthermore, the scalable architecture of the HP VAN SDN Controller makes it suitable for various environments, from small enterprises to large-scale data centers. The product supports multi-tenancy, allowing multiple virtual networks to coexist on the same infrastructure, which can be ideal for service providers and organizations operating within cloud environments.

In summary, HP VAN SDN Controller Software Products deliver a powerful suite of features and technologies that enhance network control, security, automation, and scalability, positioning organizations to leverage the full potential of software-defined networking.