Learn how to integrate the VMAX All Flash with various VMware technologies
As there is a 500 page TechBook on SRDF with SRM, it might seem a bit redundant to be covering a topic like this again, and perhaps it is; but as I have worked with customers and support over many months (and years), a few issues seem to recur. It's usually at that point I figure... Continue Reading →
In a word, yes. Let me start with a basic explanation of VMware storage versus array storage. A VMAX All Flash (AFA) array is a completely thin-provisioned box. A hallmark of using a thin array with VMware invariably means what VMware reports as used storage in a datastore may not reflect what an array reports... Continue Reading →
Back in March we offered customers a way to generate the EmcSrdfSraTestFailoverConfig.xml file for the SRDF SRA test failover functionality when using the vCenter Appliance (VCSA). You can read all about that here. Recently we had a customer request to enhance the script to add the ability to create the EmcSrdfSraDeviceMaskingControl.xml file and our developer Sam went... Continue Reading →
One of the great features of VMware SRM is the ability to run a test failover without impacting either the protection or recovery site. When using the SRDF SRA this means the replication between the R1 and the R2, whether asynchronous or synchronous, will not be broken. The SRA uses TimeFinder technology to accomplish this,... Continue Reading →
Can the SRDF SRA use an older snapshot/clone/etc. rather than taking a fresh copy each time? Very occasionally I get this question from customers, particularly those who have seen the RecoverPoint functionality. For those who are not familiar with RecoverPoint (RP), it is another replication technology that we have that permits both local and remote... Continue Reading →
VMware just released Update 1 for vSphere 6.5 (ESXi, vCenter). You can search for it on the VMware website. Now normally I don't bother putting up posts about updates or patches. The way VMware certification is passed is at the base release (e.g. 6.5) so if they release an update or patch it is supported... Continue Reading →
VSI 7.2 is available today for download here. This is quite a minor release, though not unimportant because it adds support for vSphere 6.5. Now you might say, wait I thought you introduced vSphere 6.5 support In VSI 7.1. Yeah, well we did kind of, but it was only support for the 6.5 Web Client... Continue Reading →
EMC Storage Analytics 4.3 is now available for download. You can find the documentation and binary here. Probably the most important aspect of this release, putting my bias aside, is that it supports vRealize Operations version 6.6. Before I talk about that, here is the full list of changes, courtesy of an RN screenshot. If... Continue Reading →
I've just completed the latest update to the VMAX/VMware TechBook, a tome (I can be derogatory since it's mine) of some 400 plus pages that explains how best to use VMware on the various VMAX/VMAX3/VMAX AFA arrays. You can find it here. When customers ask me about best practices, a link to this doc is... Continue Reading →
