Storage Management

Applies To: Windows Server 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Storage management is a very complex area and is implemented by different vendors differently. This can be done on a piecemeal basis (each component managed differently) or as a whole (one management solution for the entire storage infrastructure). The later is still not commercially available and as such, most implementations are of the former kind. Some issues that one should take note of are:

SAN Management- Most vendors supply their own tools/applications to manage the SAN. This may or may not include all the components (like switches) that are required to keep the SAN up and running as well. Users need to make sure that no matter which tool they use, they get a consistent view of the SAN from a configuration and operational perspective. Management stations (the nodes that the management software runs on) could be a node connected to the SAN or could be talking to SAN components through a network (using TCP/IP). Each of the above methods have their advantages and disadvantages and users must make sure that management is tightly bound by operational procedures.

Storage Controller Management- Some controllers allow for in-band and/or out-of-band management. Users need to makes sure that management procedures at the controller level are in synch with SAN level and node level (application) management procedures. This is especially relevant in clustered environment where disconnected events could trigger failovers or application shut downs.

Switch Management- A switch is a central component in a SAN and controls all access from nodes to storage. In addition to what has been mentioned earlier, users also need to make sure that switch state changes are propagated to both the nodes and the storage controllers. These are highly specialized configurations and are normally owned by a single vendor. Users need to make sure the complete operational system is implemented by the vendor before signing off on the installation. Any configuration changes, like firmware or driver updates, need to be validated by the vendor and Microsoft.

Node Management- Nodes can be used to manage the SAN or just have a few management components installed to react to specific state changes sent from a SAN. Needless to say, the functionality of the agents needs to be validated in order to make sure that they do not interfere with the operating system or clustering functionality.