| General |
| Q1. |
Why is HP offering the Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure? |
| A1. |
HP realizes the importance of common platforms in the enterprise and is simplifying our product offerings for our customers. Commonality, reduced complexity, and reduced risk help to form the basic building blocks of the HP vision of storage as a utility. HP is committed to providing the latest technology to improve enterprise performance: the new Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure provides the latest serial-ATA drive technology with U320 host connectivity. |
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| Q2. |
Why should customers purchase the Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure? |
| A2. |
For lowest cost per MB and low-IO storage applications such as disk-to-disk backup and host based replication. At HP, we realize the storage enclosure is a key storage building block for your current and future data center. That is why the Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure undergoes extensive testing and qualification to ensure the highest level of reliability, compatibility, and interoperability. |
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| Q3. |
Can I achieve Ultra320 data transfer rates using the Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure and an Ultra320 controller or adapter? |
| A3. |
No. The data transfer rates are determined by the drive media in the enclosure. Since the MSA20 only utilizes S-ATA 1.5 Gb/s the data transfer rates are limited to less than 150 MB/s. |
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| Q4. |
I am considering implementing a SAN environment. Will I be able to move my Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure to the SAN? |
| A4. |
Yes, the Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure utilizes a common storage platform allowing for storage consolidation to the SAN when used with the MSA1500. However, the migration of data to the MSA1500 requires the MSA20 to be reconfigured. Before moving the MSA20 to the SAN you must backup and restore your data. |
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| Q5. |
Is it safe to hot-plug the power cord of the power supply on the Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure? |
| A5. |
Yes. Power can be turned on or off by plugging or unplugging the power cord directly from the power supply of the enclosure. The power cord uses an IEC (International Electromechanical Commission) connector at the power supply to ensure safe removal. The IEC connector has a plastic shield that prevents any physical access to the contacts. This provides maximum safety when powering up or powering down the enclosure. |
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| Q6. |
What procedures does HP recommend to remove power from the Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure? |
| A6. |
Although not required, HP strongly recommends using a HP UPS (Uninterruptible Power System) in conjunction with any server or storage products. This allows for a graceful shutdown of the server or enclosure. It is also recommended to plug the Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosures into one load segment and servers into a different load segment on the UPS. This allows for the enclosures to be powered off while maintaining power to the servers and other equipment within the environment. Learn more about HP UPS's and load segment control. |
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| Q7. |
Will HP continue to offer the Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure Family? |
| A7. |
Yes. HP currently plans to offer the Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure Family into the year 2006. |
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| Q8. |
Are drives included in the Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosures? |
| A8. |
No, drives must be ordered separately. |
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| Q9. |
In which rack cabinets can I install the Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure? |
| A9. |
The Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure can be mounted in the current generation of HP rack cabinets including: the Rack 10000 Series and Rack System/E. |
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| Q10. |
Is it necessary to have comparable amounts of GB in each drive slot of the Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure? |
| A10. |
Controllers read the lowest common GB amount on each drive. If you have 160GB, and 250GB drives in a stripe set the controller reads all disk drives as 160GB. |
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| Q11. |
Are SATA disk drives covered by the MSA20 enclosure warranty? |
| A11. |
HP Universal SATA disk drives carry their own warranty and are separate from the warranty covering the MSA20 enclosure. However, HP Care Pack services provide a range of life cycle support options that let you customize your service level. This includes supporting drives within the MSA20 for longer than the stated 1 year warranty for HP Universal SATA disk drives. |
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| Q12. |
Is the MSA20 an Array or a JBOD? |
| A12. |
Regardless of what the MSA20 is attached to, it is an Array. When attached to a 6402 or 642, all of the Array features are available. When attached to a MSA1500, the MSA1500 presents the MSA20 to the user as a JBOD by using a sub-set of it's features. |
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| Q13. |
Can an MSA20 be stripped across enclosures? |
| A13. |
When the MSA20 is connected to a 6402 or 642, the user cannot create a single volume spanning MSA20 enclosures. When the MSA20 is connected to a MSA1500 the user can create a single volume spanning multiple MSA20 enclosures. |
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| Ideal Environment Questions |
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| Q1. |
Who are the target customers for the Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure Family? |
| A1. |
The Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure is targeted toward medium or large corporations with their own IT department and either a single large data center or numerous remote data centers looking for low-cost storage for tiered storage and disaster recovery. |
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| Q2. |
What key applications is the Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure Family intended for? |
| A2. |
The Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure is intended to deliver low-cost storage for disk-to-disk backup, remote replication, and fixed content applications. The MSA20 enclosure delivers high availability features such as redundant components, hot-pluggable replacement of critical elements, excellent serviceability and large storage capacity. |
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| HP Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosures |
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| Q1. |
What array controllers and SCSI adapters will work with the Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure? |
| A1. |
The following controllers and SCSI adapters will work with the Modular Smart Array 20 Enclosure:
- SA-6402A/04A
- SA-642
- SA-6i
- MSA1500
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