IBM DS4700 manual Web pages, Hardware responsibilities

Save the storage subsystem profile before performing any controller or ESM firmware upgrades. Save the storage subsystem profile and all *.cfg files to a server disk that will remain accessible in the event of a DS4000 storage configuration failure.

Note: When you upgrade firmware, you must upgrade all client package components to the same release level. For example, if you are upgrading your controller firmware from version 6.x to version 7.x, you must also upgrade your Storage Manager client to version 10.x or higher. If your host system uses RDAC, upgrading controller firmware from version 6.x to version 7.x might also require host software updates, such as RDAC updates and HBA driver updates. Refer to the IBM DS4000 Web site for detailed instructions.

4.Use the Storage Subsystem Profile or DS4000 Profile to verify that the following functions are enabled:

vFor all DS4000 models, Media Scan should be enabled both at the controller level and at the LUN level.

vFor all DS4000 models, the read/write cache should be enabled. In addition, use the Storage Subsystem Profile to verify that cache is matched between the controllers.

Web pages

IBM maintains pages on the World Wide Web where you can get the latest technical information and download device drivers and updates.

For DS4000 information, go to the following Web site:

www.ibm.com/systems/support/storage/disk

For the latest information about operating system and HBA support, clustering support, SAN fabric support, and Storage Manager feature support, see the System Storage DS4000 Interoperability Matrix at the following Web site:

www-1.ibm.com/servers/storage/disk/ds4000/interop-matrix.html

Hardware responsibilities

In addition to the Health Check steps described above, regular hardware inspection and maintenance helps to support the optimal performance of your DS4000 storage configuration. You should periodically inspect the fibre channel components of your DS4000 storage configuration.

The following guidelines are suggested:

vMaintain an up-to-date storage subsystem profile for your DS4000 storage configuration. Save the profile to a server disk that will remain accessible in case of a DS4000 storage configuration failure. Do not save the profile only to a LUN in the DS4000 Storage Subsystem.

vDevelop a Change Management plan. The plan should include schedules for updating subsystem firmware and server host software.

Note: Some updates might require storage subsystem downtime.

vUse IBM-approved fibre channel cables for all situations. Note in your configuration documentation whether any cables are not IBM-approved.

118IBM System Storage DS4700 Express Storage Subsystem: Installation, User’s and Maintenance Guide