IBM TotalStorage DR550 SMB

Version 1.0 ------

27 May 2005

Page 40

Problem Determination

This section provides guidance for an entry point to perform problem determination on a DR550 SMB. Each underlying product that makes up a DR550 SMB provides problem determination information. A DR550 SMB is made up of these products:

•One POWER5 520

•One IBM Flat Panel Monitor

•One TotalStorage SAN Switches (2005-H08) – if configured for tape

•AIX V5.2 ML6

•Tivoli Storage Manager Extended Edition V5.3.1

•Tivoli Storage Manager for Data Retention V5.3.1

The first step is to establish which area of the DR550 SMB may be the cause of a particular problem and then use the Problem Determination tools and information that is provided for that product.

Gathering problem information from the user

To help isolate the source of a problem gather the following information:

1.Establish which area or product of the DR550 SMB may be the cause of a particular problem, for example, an amber LED is lit on an disk drive, or the Attention LED is lit on the P5 520. Once isolated, use the Problem Determination tools and information that is provided for that product that is indicating a problem.

2.What is the problem?

a.What is the system doing?

b.What is the system not doing?

c.Is there a specific user or system function that is not working correctly?

d.Are specific error messages or numbers associated with the problem, for example on a screen or an operators’ panel?

e.Which software or hardware component generated the error message or number?

f.To gather data from the p5 520 server, logon as dr550 user and switch to root (su- root) and run this command snap –gbc. You will need to get the dr550 and root passwords from the customer

This command is typed on the command line. A file named snap.tar.Z is generated by this command and is located in the /tmp/ibmsupt directory. This compressed file will contain the P5 520 error log, configuration information, AIX level, list of installed devices, information about the Object Data Manager, and several other files. You must have root privileges to use this command. This snap file can be sent to the support center for analysis.

3.Establish a history of the problem; request the following information:

a.How did you first notice the problem? Did the user do anything different that made them notice the problem?

b.When did it happen? Does it always happen at the same time, for example when the same application is run or a specific user accesses the system.

c.Does the same problem occur elsewhere? Is only one machine experiencing the problem or are multiple machines experiencing the same problem?

d.Have any hardware, software, or configuration changes been made recently?

e.If a change has been made recently, were all required prerequisites met before the change was made?

4.Gather information from the system. Use the following worksheet as a guide.

IBM Storage Systems

Copyright © 2005 by International Business Machines Corporation

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IBM DR550 SMB V.1 manual Problem Determination, Gathering problem information from the user
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DR550 SMB V.1 specifications

The IBM DR550 SMB V.1 is a robust data protection solution designed to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This innovative platform combines advanced technologies with user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for organizations looking to secure their data without overwhelming complexity or significant financial investments.

One of the main features of the IBM DR550 SMB V.1 is its integrated data deduplication capability. This technology significantly reduces the amount of storage space required for backups by eliminating redundant copies of data. As a result, businesses can store more information efficiently, leading to cost savings and more effective use of resources.

The platform also supports multi-tiered storage options, enabling users to easily manage data across various storage environments. This flexibility is crucial for SMBs that may have limited storage capabilities but still require scalable solutions to accommodate growth. The ability to migrate data seamlessly between different tiers enhances operational efficiency and ensures that businesses can handle their evolving data needs without frequent disruptions.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the DR550 SMB V.1 is its cloud integration support. The ability to back up data to the cloud provides additional protection and redundancy, allowing organizations to ensure data availability even in the event of hardware failures or disasters. This feature is especially important for SMBs operating with limited IT resources, as it simplifies disaster recovery processes and enhances overall business continuity.

The user interface of the IBM DR550 SMB V.1 is designed with accessibility in mind. Its intuitive dashboard allows users to monitor backup statuses easily, configure schedules, and manage recovery options without extensive technical expertise. This user-friendly approach reduces the learning curve for employees and empowers businesses to take control of their data protection strategies.

In terms of security, the DR550 SMB V.1 employs advanced encryption technologies to safeguard sensitive information both during transit and at rest. This focus on data security is vital for meeting compliance requirements and maintaining customer trust in an increasingly data-driven world.

Overall, the IBM DR550 SMB V.1 stands out as a comprehensive solution that merges advanced backup technology with essential features tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. Its combination of data deduplication, multi-tier storage support, cloud integration, and robust security measures makes it a valuable asset for organizations looking to enhance their data protection capabilities while ensuring ease of use and scalability.
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