IBM DS6000 Series manual Where to look for updated and detailed information

14.1.2 Where to look for updated and detailed information

This section provides a list of online resources where detailed and up-to-date information about supported configurations, recommended settings, device driver versions, and so on, can be found. Due to the high innovation rate in the IT industry, the support information is updated frequently. Therefore it is advisable to visit these resources regularly and check for updates.

The DS6000 Interoperability Matrix

The DS6000 Interoperability Matrix always provides the latest information about supported platforms, operating systems, HBAs and SAN infrastructure solutions. It contains detailed specifications about models and versions. It also lists special support items, such as boot support, and exceptions. It can be found at:

http://www.ibm.com/servers/storage/disk/ds6000/pdf/ds6000-matrix.pdf

The IBM HBA Search Tool

For information about supported Fibre Channel HBAs and the recommended or required

firmware and device driver levels for all IBM storage systems, you can visit the IBM HBA Search Tool site, sometimes also referred to as the Fibre Channel host bus adapter firmware and driver level matrix:

http://knowledge.storage.ibm.com/HBA/HBASearchTool

For each query, select one storage system and one operating system only, otherwise the output of the tool will be ambiguous. You will be shown a list of all supported HBAs together with the required firmware and device driver levels for your combination. Furthermore, you can select a detailed view for each combination with more information, quick links to the HBA vendors’ Web pages and their IBM supported drivers, and a guide to the recommended HBA settings.

The DS6000 Host Systems Attachment Guide

The DS6000 Host Systems Attachment Guide, SC26-7680, guides you in detail through all the steps that are required to attach an open system host to your DS6000 storage system. It is available at:

http://www.ibm.com/servers/storage/disk/ds6000

The TotalStorage Proven program

IBM has introduced the TotalStorage Proven™ program to help clients identify storage solutions and configurations that have been pre-tested for interoperability. It builds on IBM's already extensive interoperability efforts to develop and deliver products and solutions that work together with third party products.

The TotalStorage Proven Web site provides more detail on the program, as well as the list of pre-tested configurations:

http://www.ibm.com/servers/storage/proven/index.html

HBA vendor resources

All of the Fibre Channel HBA vendors have Web sites that provide information about their products, facts and features, as well as support information. These sites will be useful when the IBM resources are not sufficient, for example, when troubleshooting an HBA driver. Please be aware that IBM cannot be held responsible for the content of these sites.

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