| General |
| Q1. |
What is the primary problem solved by the SAN Access Module? |
| A1. |
Today, many IT managers are saying backup operations are a major source of frustration in providing storage and data management services to their businesses. Backup windows are shrinking, staff resources are becoming ever more scarce and costly, and the complexity of their computing environments can leave them with a variety of problems, not the least of which is the variety and number of backup systems. |
|
| Q2. |
How is this problem addressed with the SAN Access Module? |
| A2. |
Data centers having or deploying 5-10 servers with Direct Attach Storage (DAS) can implement a Storage Area Network (SAN) dedicated to the backup of all of the storage on all of those servers. An Enterprise Backup Solution (EBS) implemented with this SAN can simplify the backup process and consolidate the management of backup operations while taking advantage of the reliability of data integrity offered by a Fibre Channel SAN. |
|
| Q3. |
Can the SAN Access Module along with an Enterprise Backup Solution (EBS) be price competitive with direct attach tape? |
| A3. |
Yes. When deployed in support of 5 or more servers, the total cost of a Storage Area Network and EBS is about the same as the aggregate cost of tape for each server. When deployed in support of 10 servers, the total cost of a Storage Area Network and EBS can be as much as 40% less than the aggregate cost of tape for each server. |
|
| Q4. |
What is the advantage of combining SAN Access Technology and Smart Array? |
| A4. |
PCI slot utilization is becoming a more critical issue with servers becoming ever more dense. Combining SAN Access Technology and Smart Array allows both SCSI driven DAS and SAN access on a single PCI slot, minimizing PCI slot utilization. Additionally, host CPU utilization is minimized when backing up Direct Attach Storage to a SAN based EBS as the Smart Array 5302 Controller handles the data transfer. |
|
| Q5. |
Will the SAN Access Module fit other Smart Array controllers, including the Smart Array 5304 Controller? |
| A5. |
No. The SAN Access Module was designed specifically for the Smart Array 5302 Controller and is qualified on all ProLiant servers on which the Smart Array 5300 series Controller is qualified. |
|
| Q6. |
Is the SAN Access Module intended to replace the 64-bit, 66MHz Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter? |
| A6. |
No. The SAN Access Module is a limited citizen of the SAN, offering simple SAN functionality in conjunction with Smart Array driven Direct Attach Storage. |
|
| Q7. |
Then why offer the SAN Access Module as a limited citizen of the SAN? |
| A7. |
Many enterprise users of Direct Attach Storage driven by Compaq Smart Array controllers have had a developing interest in the benefits of Storage Area Networks but have not yet had the right opportunity to experience SAN benefits directly. The SAN Access Module for the Smart Array 5302 Controller offers a unique opportunity to experience and understand the benefits of the SAN while continuing to use Direct Attach Storage and Ultra3 SCSI performance. |
|
| Q8. |
Is the SAN Access Module compatible with the Fibre Channel Hub? |
| A8. |
Yes. The SAN Access Module is compatible with both the 7 Port and 12 Port Fibre Channel Hubs. |
|
| Q9. |
Is the SAN Access Module compatible with the Fibre Channel Loop Switch? |
| A9. |
No. For support of external drives or both internal and external drives on a single PCI array controller, the Smart Array 431 controller is a more appropriate choice. |
|
| Q10. |
Is the SAN Access Module compatible with the Fibre Channel Switch (fabric)? |
| A10. |
No. Not at this time. |
|
| Q11. |
Will the SAN Access Module support cascading of Hubs or Loop Switches? |
| A11. |
No. The SAN Access Module will not support cascading of hubs or loop switches. |
|
| Q12. |
Is the SAN Access Module qualified with Enterprise Backup Solutions? |
| A12. |
Yes. The SAN Access Module is qualified on both the ARCPaq and BackPaq Enterprise Backup Solutions on both hubs and loop switches. |
|
| Q13. |
Is the SAN Access Module qualified on SAN based primary storage? |
| A13. |
Yes. The SAN Access Module is qualified on the RAID Array 4100, subject to the following: Only when connected via the FC-AL Loop Switch; One or more volumes (LUN) of the RAID Array 4100 have been assigned to it via Selective Storage Presentation; & Only when a separate server, connected to the FC-AL Switch 8 with a standard Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter, has configured the RAID Array 4100 under Selective Storage Presentation and assigned a volume (LUN) to the SAN Access Module. |
|
| Q14. |
What Operating Systems will the SAN Access Module support? |
| A14. |
The SAN Access Module will support both Windows NT/2000 and Novell NetWare when utilizing the BackPaq EBS software and Windows NT/2000 when utilizing the ARCPaq EBS software. |
Printable version
