In this IBM® Redbooks® publication, we describe recommendations based on an IBM b-type storage area network (SAN) environment that is utilizing VMware vSphere ESXi. We describe the hardware and software and the unique features that they bring to the marketplace. We then highlight those features and how they apply to the SAN environment, and the best practices for ensuring that you get the best out of your SAN. For background reading, we recommend the following Redbooks publications: - Introduction to Storage Area Networks and System Networking, SG24-5470 - IBM System Storage SAN Volume Controller Best Practices and Performance Guidelines, SG24-7521 - IBM System Storage SAN Volume Controller and Storwize V7000 Replication Family Services, SG24-7574 - Implementing the IBM System Storage SAN Volume Controller V6.3, SG24-7933 - IBM SAN Volume Controller Stretched Cluster with PowerVM and PowerHA, SG24-8142 - Implementing the IBM SAN Volume Controller and FlashSystem 820, SG24-8172 - IBM System Storage DS8000 Copy Services for Open Systems, SG24-6788 - IBM System Storage DS8000: Host Attachment and Interoperability, SG24-8887 This book is aimed at pre- and post-sales support, system administrators, and storage administrators.

In today's 24 x 7 world, there is likely not a business on this planet, IBM® Smarter Planet® or not, that finds that their storage requirements are growing too fast and demand is starting to outpace supply. Not only this, but in this cost-conscious environment of today, the costs of managing this growth are likely to be eating into the IT budget. One way to make better use of existing storage without adding more complexity to the infrastructure is the IBM System Storage® SAN Volume Controller (SVC). For many years now this has helped business become more flexible, agile, and introduced an extremely efficient storage environment. SAN Volume Controller is designed to deliver the benefits of storage virtualization in environments from large enterprises to small businesses and midmarket companies. Virtualizing storage with SAN Volume Controller helps make new and existing storage more effective. SAN Volume Controller includes many functions that are traditionally deployed separately in disk systems. By including these in a virtualization system, SAN Volume Controller standardizes functions across virtualized storage for greater flexibility and potentially lower costs. Now, with IBM FlashSystem™ storage, SAN Volume Controller is enabled to extend its reach and benefit all virtualized storage. For example, IBM Easy Tier® optimizes use of flash storage. And IBM Real-time Compression™ enhances efficiency even further by enabling the storage of up to five times as much active primary data in the same physical disk space. In this IBM Redbooks® publication, we show how to integrate the IBM FlashSystem 820 to provide storage to the SAN Volume Controller, and show how they are designed to operate seamlessly together, reducing management effort. In this book, which is aimed at pre- and post-sales support, storage administrators, and people that want to get an overview of this new and exciting technology, we show the steps required to implement the IBM FlashSystem 820 in an existing SAN Volume Controller environment. We also highlight some of the new features in SAN Volume Controller that increase performance. If you are not already familiar with the SAN Volume Controller, it is beneficial to read the following IBM Redbooks publications: - Implementing the IBM System Storage SAN Volume Controller V6.3, SG24-7933 - Implementing the IBM Storwize V7000 V6.3, SG24-7938 - Real-time Compression in SAN Volume Controller and Storwize V7000, REDP-4859 - IBM SAN Volume Controller and IBM FlashSystem 820: Best Practices and Performance Capabilities, REDP-5027 - IBM FlashSystem 710 and IBM FlashSystem 810, TIPS1002 - IBM FlashSystem 720 and IBM FlashSystem 820, TIPS1003 - Flash or SSD: Why and When to Use IBM FlashSystem, REDP-5020

To meet today's complex and ever-changing business demands, you need a solid foundation of server, storage, networking, and software resources. It must be simple to deploy and able to quickly and automatically adapt to changing conditions. You also need access to, and the ability to take advantage of, broad expertise and proven best practices in systems management, applications, hardware maintenance, and more. IBM® PureFlex™ System is part of the IBM PureSystems™ family of expert integrated systems. It combines advanced IBM hardware and software along with patterns of expertise and integrates them into three optimized configurations that are simple to acquire and deploy. With the PureFlex System, you can achieve faster time to value. If you want a pre-configured, pre-integrated infrastructure with integrated management and cloud capabilities, factory tuned from IBM with x86 and Power hybrid solution, IBM PureFlex System is the answer. In this IBM Redbooks® publication, the examples use a Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Switch, although any configurations should also apply to the Cisco Nexus 7000 Series Switch too. However, it is wise to check as there might be minor differences. This book also covers the different variations for the implementation of these use cases when you use Cisco Catalyst Series Switches.

This IBM® Redbooks® publication describes the IBM Storage Area Network and IBM SAN Volume Controller Stretched Cluster solution when combined with PowerVM® and PowerHA®. We describe guidelines, settings, and the implementation steps that are necessary to achieve a successful implementation. This book is for administrators who are familiar with the SAN, IBM SAN Volume Controller, and IBM PowerVM and PowerHA Systems.

This IBM® Redbooks® publication is an IBM and Cisco collaboration that articulates how IBM and Cisco can bring the benefits of their respective companies to the modern data center. It documents the architectures, solutions, and benefits that can be achieved by implementing a data center based on IBM server, storage, and integrated systems, with the broader Cisco network. We describe how to design a state-of-the art data center and networking infrastructure combining Cisco and IBM solutions. The objective is to provide a reference guide for customers looking to build an infrastructure that is optimized for virtualization, is highly available, is interoperable, and is efficient in terms of power and space consumption. It will explain the technologies used to build the infrastructure, provide use cases, and give guidance on deployments.

To meet today's complex and ever-changing business demands, you need a solid foundation of server, storage, networking, and software resources that are simple to deploy and can quickly and automatically adapt to changing conditions. You also need access to, and the ability to take advantage of, broad expertise and proven best practices in systems management, applications, hardware maintenance, and more. IBM® PureFlex™ System, which is a part of the IBM PureSystems™ family of expert integrated systems, combines advanced IBM hardware and software along with patterns of expertise and integrates them into three optimized configurations that are simple to acquire and deploy so that you can achieve faster time to value. If you want a preconfigured, preintegrated infrastructure with integrated management and cloud capabilities, factory tuned from IBM with x86 and Power Systems™ hybrid solution, IBM PureFlex System is the answer. In this IBM Redbooks® publication, which is aimed at system and network administrators, we show the design and architecture, how to configure hosts and switches, maintain, and troubleshoot using the IBM Flex System™ Ethernet I/O modules (EN2091 1Gb Ethernet Scalable Switch and EN4093R 10Gb Scalable Switch).

To meet today's complex and ever-changing business demands, you need a solid foundation of server, storage, networking and software resources that is simple to deploy and can quickly and automatically adapt to changing conditions. You also need access to, and the ability to take advantage of, broad expertise and proven best practices in systems management, applications, hardware maintenance and more. IBM® PureFlex™ System, which is a part of the IBM PureSystems™ family of expert integrated systems, combines advanced IBM hardware and software along with patterns of expertise and integrates them into three optimized configurations that are simple to acquire and deploy so you can achieve faster time to value. If you want a pre-configured, pre-integrated infrastructure with integrated management and cloud capabilities, factory tuned from IBM with x86 and Power hybrid solution, IBM PureFlex System is the answer. In this IBM Redbooks® publication, we use EX4500 core switches to demonstrate interoperability with the System Networking switches (RackSwitch™ G8264 top of rack switch and the Flex system fabric EN4093 10Gb scalable switch). We also describe a redundant environment using QFX3500 switches running IBM Virtual-Link Aggregation Group (MC-LAG/vLAG) and Juniper Multi- Chassis-Link Aggregation Group.

In this IBM® Redbooks® publication we introduce a new product, the IBM Storwize® V7000 Unified (V7000U). Storwize V7000 Unified is a virtualized storage system designed to consolidate block and file workloads into a single storage system. Advantages include simplicity of management, reduced cost, highly scalable capacity, performance, and high availability. Storwize V7000 Unified storage also offers improved efficiency and flexibility through built-in solid-state drive (SSD) optimization, thin provisioning, IBM Real-time Compression™, and nondisruptive migration of data from existing storage. The system can virtualize and reuse existing disk systems offering a greater potential return on investment. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the following books to get the most from this publication: Implementing the IBM Storwize V7000 V6.3, SG24-7938

Businesses of all sizes are faced with the challenge of managing huge volumes of data that are becoming increasingly valuable. But storing this data can be costly, and extracting value from the data is becoming more and more difficult. IT organizations have limited resources and cannot afford to make investment mistakes. The IBM® Storwize® V3500 system provides a smarter solution that is affordable, simple, and efficient, which enables businesses to overcome their storage challenges. IBM Storwize V3500 is the most recent addition to the IBM Storwize family of disk systems. It delivers easy-to-use, entry-level configurations that are specifically designed to meet the modest budgets of small and medium-sized businesses. IBM Storwize V3500 features the following highlights: - Consolidate and share data with low cost iSCSI storage networking.

This IBM® Redbooks® publication describes the IBM Storage Area Network and IBM SAN Volume Controller Stretched Cluster solution when combined with VMware. We describe guidelines, settings, and implementation steps necessary to achieve a satisfactory implementation. Business continuity and continuous application availability are among the top requirements for many organizations today. Advances in virtualization, storage, and networking have made enhanced business continuity possible. Information technology solutions can now be designed to manage both planned and unplanned outages, and the flexibility and cost efficiencies available from cloud computing models. IBM has designed a solution that offers significant functionality for maintaining business continuity in a VMware environment. This functionality provides the capability to dynamically move applications across data centers without interruption to those applications. The live application mobility across data centers relies on these products and technology: The industry-proven VMware Metro vMotion IBM System Storage® SAN Volume Controller Stretched Cluster solution A Layer 2 IP Network and storage networking infrastructure for high performance traffic management

This IBM® Redbooks® publication describes the new features that have been added with the release of the IBM System Storage® SAN Volume Controller (SVC) and IBM System Storage Storwize® V7000 6.4.0 code, including Replication Family Services. Replication Family Services refers to the various copy services available on the SVC and Storwize V7000 including IBM FlashCopy®, Metro Mirror and Global Mirror, Global Mirror with Change Volumes, Volume Mirroring, and Stretched Cluster Volume Mirroring. The details behind the theory and practice of these services are examined, and SAN design suggestions and troubleshooting tips are provided. Planning requirements, automating copy services processed, and fabric design are explained. Multiple examples including implementation and server integration are included, along with a discussion of software solutions and services that are based on Replication Family Services. This book is intended for use by pre-sales and post-sales support, and storage administrators. Readers are expected to have an advanced knowledge of the SVC, Storwize V7000, and the SAN environment. The following publications are useful resources that provide background information: Implementing the IBM System Storage SAN Volume Controller V6.3, SG24-7933 Implementing the IBM Storwize V7000 V6.3, SG24-7938 IBM SAN Volume Controller and Brocade Disaster Recovery Solutions for VMware, REDP-4626[ IBM System Storage SAN Volume Controller Upgrade Path from Version 4.3.1 to 6.1, REDP-4716[ Real-time Compression in SAN Volume Controller and Storwize V7000, REDP-4859 SAN Volume Controller: Best Practices and Performance Guidelines, SG24-7521 Implementing the Storwize V7000 and the IBM System Storage SAN32B-E4 Encryption Switch, SG24-7977

This IBM® Redbooks® publication is a detailed technical guide to the IBM System Storage® SAN Volume Controller (SVC) Version 6.3.0. SAN Volume Controller is a virtualization appliance solution, which maps virtualized volumes that are visible to hosts and applications, to physical volumes on storage devices. Each server within the storage area network (SAN) has its own set of virtual storage addresses that are mapped to physical addresses. If the physical addresses change, the server continues running using the same virtual addresses that it had before. Therefore, volumes or storage can be added or moved while the server is still running. The IBM virtualization technology improves the management of information at the "block" level in a network, thus enabling applications and servers to share storage devices on a network. This book is intended for readers who need to implement the SVC at a 6.3.0 release level with a minimum of effort.

In this IBM® Redbooks® publication, we describe how these products can be combined to provide an encryption and virtualization solution: IBM System Storage® SAN32B-E4 Encryption Switch IBM Storwize® V7000 IBM Tivoli® Key Lifecycle Manager This book is intended for anyone who needs to understand and implement the IBM System Storage SAN32B-E4 Encryption Switch, IBM Storwize V7000, IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager, and encryption.

Continuing its commitment to developing and delivering industry-leading storage technologies, IBM® introduces the IBM Storwize® V7000 solution, an innovative new storage offering that delivers essential storage efficiency technologies and exceptional ease of use and performance, all integrated into a compact, modular design that is offered at a competitive, midrange price. The IBM Storwize V7000 solution incorporates some of the top IBM technologies typically found only in enterprise-class storage systems, raising the standard for storage efficiency in midrange disk systems. This cutting-edge storage system extends the comprehensive storage portfolio from IBM and can help change the way organizations address the ongoing information explosion. This IBM Redbooks® publication introduces the features and functions of the IBM Storwize V7000 system through several examples. This book is aimed at pre- and post-sales technical support and marketing, storage administrators, and will help you understand the architecture of the Storwize V7000, how to implement it, and take advantage of the industry leading functions and features.

Continuing its commitment to developing and delivering industry-leading storage technologies, IBM® introduces the IBM Storwize® V7000, an innovative new storage offering that delivers essential storage efficiency technologies and exceptional ease of use and performance, all integrated into a compact, modular design that is offered at a competitive, midrange price. IBM Storwize V7000 incorporates some of the top IBM technologies typically found only in enterprise-class storage systems, raising the standard for storage efficiency in midrange disk systems. This cutting-edge storage system extends the comprehensive storage portfolio from IBM and can help change the way organizations address the ongoing information explosion. This IBM Redbooks® publication introduces the features and functions of the IBM Storwize V7000 through several examples. This book is aimed at pre- and post-sales technical support and marketing, storage administrators, and will help you understand the architecture of the Storwize V7000, how to implement it, and take advantage of the industry leading functions and features.

This IBM® Redbooks® publication is a detailed technical guide to the IBM System Storage® SAN Volume Controller (SVC) Version 6.1.0. SAN Volume Controller is a virtualization appliance solution which maps virtualized volumes that are visible to hosts and applications to physical volumes on storage devices. Each server within the storage area network (SAN) has its own set of virtual storage addresses that are mapped to physical addresses. If the physical addresses change, the server continues running using the same virtual addresses that it had before. Therefore, volumes or storage can be added or moved while the server is still running. The IBM virtualization technology improves the management of information at the “block” level in a network, thus enabling applications and servers to share storage devices on a network. This book is intended for readers who need to implement the SVC at a 6.1.0 release level with a minimum of effort.

This IBM® Redbooks® document introduces the IBM Converged Switch B32. This switch supports Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), Fibre Channel, Converged Enhanced Ethernet (CEE), and traditional Ethernet protocol connectivity for servers and storage. FCoE is a new protocol that can expand Fibre Channel into the Ethernet environment, and it helps to combine and leverage the advantages of two technologies, Fibre Channel protocol and Ethernet. Features of the IBM Converged Switch B32 include: A 32-port multiprotocol switch for server I/O consolidation Enterprise-class availability for business continuance Improved return on investment and investment protection Fabric security for mission-critical information

"Do everything that is necessary and absolutely nothing that is not." This IBM® Redbooks® publication, written at a Data Center Fabric Manager v10.1.4 and Fabric Operating System v6.4 level, consolidates critical information while also covering procedures and tasks that you are likely to encounter on a daily basis when implementing an IBM b-type SAN. The products that we describe in this book have more functionality than we can possibly cover in a single book. A storage area network (SAN) is a powerful infrastructure for consolidation, distance solutions, and data sharing. The quality applications that the IBM SAN portfolio provides can help you take full advantage of the benefits of the SAN. In this book, we cover the latest additions to the IBM b-type SAN family and show how you can implement them in an open systems environment. In particular, we focus on the Fibre Channel Protocol (FCP) environment. We address the key concepts that these products bring to the market and, in each case, we provide an overview of the functions that are essential to building a robust SAN environment.

The rapid spread and adoption of production storage area networks (SANs) has fueled the need for multiprotocol routers. The routers provide improved scalability, security, and manageability by enabling devices in separate SAN fabrics to communicate without merging fabrics into a single, large SAN fabric. This capability enables clients to initially deploy separate SAN solutions at the departmental and data center levels. Then, clients can consolidate these separate solutions into large enterprise SAN solutions as their experience and requirements grow and change. Alternatively, multiprotocol routers can help to connect existing enterprise SANs for a variety of reasons. For instance, the introduction of Small Computer System Interface over IP (iSCSI) provides for the connection of low-end, low-cost hosts to enterprise SANs. The use of an Internet Protocol (IP) in the Fibre Channel (FC) environment provides for resource consolidation and disaster recovery planning over long distances. And the use of FC-FC routing services provides connectivity between two or more fabrics without having to merge them into a single SAN. This IBM® Redbooks® publication targets storage network administrators, system designers, architects, and IT professionals who sell, design, or administer SANs. It introduces you to products, concepts, and technology in the IBM System Storage™ SAN Routing portfolio, which is based on Brocade products and technology. This book shows the features of these products and examples of how you can deploy and use them.

This IBM® Redbooks® publication is a detailed technical guide to the IBM System Storage™ SAN Volume Controller (SVC), a virtualization appliance solution that maps virtualized volumes that are visible to hosts and applications to physical volumes on storage devices. Each server within the SAN has its own set of virtual storage addresses, which are mapped to physical addresses. If the physical addresses change, the server continues running using the same virtual addresses that it had before. This capability means that volumes or storage can be added or moved while the server is still running. The IBM virtualization technology improves the management of information at the "block" level in a network, enabling applications and servers to share storage devices on a network. This book is intended to allow you to implement the SVC at a 5.1.0 release level with a minimum of effort.