| Q1. |
What is the Modular Smart Array 500? |
| A1. |
The Modular Smart Array 500 (formerly named Smart Array Cluster Storage) is a storage enclosure specifically designed and tested for use as a two-node SCSI cluster or shared storage with qualified ProLiant servers. It has advanced high availability features such as Redundant Controllers, Multipath IO, battery backed cache, redundant fans, power supplies and selective storage presentation (LUN Masking) allowing for storage sharing. |
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| Q2. |
Why did the name change to Modular Smart Array 500 from Smart Array Cluster Storage? |
| A2. |
The name changed to demonstrate the commonality of the Smart Array Cluster Storage and the Modular SAN Array 1000. Both storage systems are built upon the same Smart Array architecture function similarly with the key difference in the host interface and the scalability of the two solutions. Customers deploying Smart Array solutions today inside ProLiant servers should feel comfortable the new Modular Smart Array systems (MSA500 & MSA1000) will function similarly but provide added benefits of external storage like higher availability, greater capacity utilization and management consolidation. |
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| Q3. |
Is the Modular Smart Array 500 the same as the Smart Array Cluster Storage? |
| A3. |
Yes. Only the Smart Array Cluster Storage name has changed to Modular Smart Array 500. In addition, we have introduced new offerings the MSA500 Starter Kit and the MSA500 High Availability Kit to simplify the purchasing and deployment of external storage. |
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| Q4. |
What are the new Modular Smart Array 500 products? |
| A4. |
HP has introduced a simplified way to purchase shared storage for ProLiant server with two new MSA500 SKUs. These new products reduce the number of components that need to be sourced to build 2 & 4 Node clustering and storage sharing solutions.
HP now offers an MSA500 Starter Kit which includes everything the MSA500 (formerly named Smart Array Cluster Storage) offers plus 2 MSA500 Ultra160 HBAs for host connectivity. The MSA500 Starter Kit provides everything ProLiant customers needs to add shared storage or clustering for 2 ProLiant servers.
The second new product is the MSA500 High Availability Kit which includes an MSA500 Controller, 4-port IO module, Smart Array Multipath Software, and 2 MSA500 Ultra160 HBAs. The MSA500 High Availability Kit provides everything needed to deploy a fully redundant 2-node cluster or shared storage solution for up to 4 ProLiant servers. |
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| Q5. |
Is the Modular Smart Array 500 used only for Clustering? |
| A5. |
No, it is not only used for clustering. The Modular Smart Array 500 may be configured as a shared storage solution offering up to 2TB of data to be shared with up to 4 ProLiant servers. Up to 32 RAID protected storage volumes can be assigned to the attached servers with the Selective Storage Presentation (SSP) functionality. This is the same functionality that is offered to on network storage systems to allow storage sharing and LUN masking. |
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| Q6. |
When is SCSI clustering appropriate for customers? |
| A6. |
Despite the overall acceptance of SANs and its FC protocol, there is a definite need for simple out of the box cluster solutions. Corporations require high availability in a highly simplified solution for their distributed or remote sites, where FC infrastructure may not be available. |
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| Q7. |
What are the advantages of SCSI based storage solution? |
| A7. |
SCSI protocol is the most widely used storage protocol in the industry, it is familiar to the IT managers and requires less specialized knowledge to deploy and manage. It has cost advantages over FC and leverages existing infrastructure, The Modular Smart Array 500 features Zero Dollar Connectivity where no additional investment in equipment (HBA, switches, hubs, etc,) is required in order to connect to the servers. |
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| Q8. |
How is HP addressing the competitors' offerings of low cost SCSI based clustering? |
| A8. |
HP is clearly positioned to lead in the segment of clustering with a product that offers high availability at low cost. While clustering with JBODs one must disable the write cache on the PCI controllers located on each host, or risk fatal loss of data in case of controller failure. The Modular Smart Array 500 is superior to host based JBOD clustering in that the Modular Smart Array 500 in that the write cache is located in the controllers of the shared storage and it is maintained synchronous with the redundant controller. Having write cache enabled greatly improves the performance of the cluster. In addition, the Modular Smart Array 500 can be configured with additional redundancy to over a JBOD clustering solution. The MSA500 offers redundant controllers and Multipath IO functionality which greatly improves system availability and performance. |
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| Q9. |
With all the promotion of SAN and Fibre Channel storage solutions, is HP changing strategic directions by offering a SCSI solution? |
| A9. |
No. The Modular Smart Array 500 is an entry-level shared storage and clustering product that meets requirements for the entry-level and remote office market. The Modular Smart Array 500 system does not compete with the SAN; in addition, SAN has specific functionalities such as multiple node clustering and expansion capability not possible in the Modular Smart Array 500. |
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| Q10. |
Why is HP offering a SCSI based clustering solution? |
| A10. |
There is a market that is not currently being addressed by current DAS or SAN products. There are limited products that offer such high availability features such as Failover controllers on the storage enclosure and battery backed cache in an entry level product. The Modular Smart Array 500 addresses this market head on offering the entry level clustering and direct attached storage at an affordable price. |
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| Q11. |
When should the customer choose the Modular Smart Array 500 and when should they choose the Modular Smart Array 1000 SAN? |
| A11. |
In centralized data centers, Fibre channel offers the best solution because of its scalability and performance and FC infrastructure may already exist at the site. In remote and distributed environments, where Fibre Channel infrastructure has not been deployed, the Modular Smart Array 500 may offer the best combination of low cost performance and initial investment. |
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| Q12. |
What market segment is SCSI clustering targeted towards? |
| A12. |
Customers that would profit from SCSI clustering are those that need to ensure high availability. They have multiple remote sites that do not have FC infrastructure. Examples are bank branches, retail stores, regional distribution centers, etc. Also, because of the low initial investment, SCSI clustering may be preferred by web hosting, SMB startups, workgroups, and manufacturing. |
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| Q13. |
What is Zero Cost Connectivity? |
| A13. |
The Modular Smart Array 500 features a SCSI interconnect, this eliminates the need for expensive hubs, switches and HBAs. There in no additional hardware required in order to connect either as a DAS to one or two nodes or as a cluster (except for a SA-532 controller if your desired server does not have an integrated SA-5i controller such as the DL380). |
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| Q14. |
Is the Modular Smart Array 500 Convertible to a SAN? |
| A14. |
Yes, the Modular Smart Array 500 may be converted to a Modualr Smart Array 1000 SAN by simply replacing the controllers and I/O board. Refer to Modular Smart Array 500 QuickSpecs for specific part numbers. |
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| Q15. |
What are the main features of the Smart Array Multipath Software? |
| A15. |
1. Host adapter failover capability
2. Smart Array Multipath software.
3. 4-Port Shared Storage Module |
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| Q16. |
Does the 4-Port Shared Storage Module and the Smart Array Multipath ship together? |
| A16. |
Yes, the Smart Array Multipath software is included with the 4-Port Shared Storage Module at no additional cost to the customer. |
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| Q17. |
How many busses are there in the 4-Port Shared Storage Module? |
| A17. |
There are two busses, A and B clearly marked on the module. When using Smart Array Multipath configuration, make sure to cable each host servers to both busses. |
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| Storage Capacity |
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| Q1. |
How many nodes can I attach to the Modular Smart Array 500? |
| A1. |
The maximum of 2 nodes in a cluster configuration or up to 4 node shared storage. |
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| Q2. |
How many hard drives can I use in Modular Smart Array 500? |
| A2. |
Up to a maximum of 14 Compaq Universal SCSI Hard Drives. |
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| Q3. |
What is the maximum storage capacity? |
| A3. |
Using 146GB HP Universal SCSI Hard Drives, the maximum capacity is 2TB. |
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| Q4. |
Can I add an additional Modular Smart Array 500 enclosure to the same array? |
| A4. |
No, the Modular Smart Array 500 does not expand to a second unit to add 14 additional drives. However, the MSA500 can be converted to an MSA1000 for additional scalability to 42 total disk drive or 6TB of storage. |
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| Operating System Support |
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| Q1. |
What Operating systems are supported on the Modular Smart Array 500? |
| A1. |
An up to date list of qualified servers and Operating systems is located at http://www.hp.com/go/msa500 |
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| Configuration and Management |
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| Q1. |
Which Management and Configuration software comes with the Modular Smart Array 500? |
| A1. |
The Modular Smart Array 500 comes with the following Management and Configuration software:
ACU on-line/off-line (Array Configuration Utility)
ORCA (Online RAID Configuration Utility)
IM-7 (Insight Manager-7) |
| Q2. |
What is ORCA and how does it work? |
| A2. |
Online RAID Configuration Utility is a new utility that allows users to configure array controllers. This utility is similar to ACU loaded through Smart Start, but does not require the use of diskettes or CDs. ORCA allows the user to create and delete logical drives, set interrupts, and set boot controller order, and is loaded by pressing F10 when prompted at POST. |
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| Q3. |
What is Insight Manager-7? |
| A3. |
Insight Manager is built upon seven generations of HP management technology and represents the convergence of Insight Manager (Win32) and Insight Manager XE. Insight Manager 7 combines the best of both applications for unparalleled ease of use, flexibility and management functionality.
Insight Manager 7 helps maximize system uptime and performance and reduces the cost of maintaining the IT infrastructure by providing proactive notification of problems before those problems result in costly downtime and reduced productivity. Insight Manager 7 is easy to set up and provides rapid access to detailed fault and performance information gathered by the HP Management Agents. One-click-access to the Remote Insight Lights Out Edition board allows systems administrators to take full graphical control of ProLiant servers in remote locations or lights-out data centers. This dramatically reduces the need to dispatch valuable IT resources to fix routine problems.
For more information on Compaq Insight Manager-7 refer to: http://www.compaq.com/products/servers/management/cim7-description.html |
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| Q4. |
What is ACU on-line/off-line? |
| A4. |
The Compaq Array Configuration Utility (ACU) software for Smart Array products and the StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 system makes it easy to configure and expand your disk drive arrays. This graphical tool is very intuitive: by using its Configuration Wizards, your array controller is setup and ready to use in just minutes! Plus, the Array Configuration Utility is versatile: use it to configure your array controller, add additional disk drives to an existing configuration, or completely reconfigure your disk drive array.
For more information on ACU refer to:
http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/proliantstorage/software-management/acumatrix/index.html |
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| Q5. |
Which ProLiant Servers are qualified for the Modular Smart Array 500 unit? |
| A5. |
Click on the web link below for updated compatibility information:
For more information on ACU refer to: http://www.compaq.com/products/servers/proliantstorage/sharedstorage/compatibility.html |
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| Q6. |
Do the cache configurations on both servers have to be identical? |
| A6. |
Yes, the cache size, as well as the DIMM size, must be identical in both controllers for the Failover to function. |
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| Q7. |
How many controllers does the Modular Smart Array 500 ship with? |
| A7. |
It ships standard with one controller installed. The redundant controller is purchased separately, as is optional cache. |
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| Q8. |
Can the 128MB Cache DIMM be mixed the 256 MB DIMM within each controller? |
| A8. |
No, all 128MB Cache modules must be removed when adding 256MB Cache modules. |
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| Q9. |
Can I use RSO with 4-Port Shared Storage Module? |
| A9. |
No, RSO will function properly only on the 2-Port Shared Storage Module that ships standard with the Modular Smart Array 500. |
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| Q10. |
Can I have multiple clusters (two 2-node clusters) with the 4-Port Shared Storage Module? |
| A10. |
No, only one 2 node cluster may be deployed even when using the 4-Port Shared Storage units. |
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| Q11. |
Where can I find all the configuration possibilities for the Modular Smart Array 500? |
| A11. |
Find it in the Modular Smart Array 500 User Guide and the 4-Port Shared Storage Module User Guide posted in www.hp.com/products/sharedstorage |
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| Q12. |
What is the standard cache size on the controller of the Modular Smart Array 500? |
| A12. |
The Modular Smart Array 500 Controllerships with 128MB standard of Battery Backed Write Cache, it may be upgraded to 256MB by replacing the 128MB DIMM or a maximum of 512MB by installing 2 units of 256MB DIMMs of Battery Backed Write Cache. |
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| Q13. |
What are the physical dimensions and weight of the Modular Smart Array 500? |
| A13. |
Physical dimensions in inches = 6.9H x 20.5D x 19.0W
Weight, no hard drives installed, with dual power supply = 50 lbs.
For additional specifications refer to User Guide, Section C . |
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| Q14. |
Is having a Smart Array 5i controller embedded in the server a requirement for Modular Smart Array 500? |
| A14. |
No, the SA-5i is used on the DL380 G2 and the ML370 G2, while the others will require the use of the SA-532 PCI controller. |
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| Q15. |
What is Enhanced Firmware Cloning? |
| A15. |
Enhanced Controller Firmware Auto-Cloning: Allows customer choice of controller firmware cloning when adding new controller with higher firmware version. When installing the redundant Modular Smart Array 500 Controller, the controller verifies the firmware version currently installed in the primary controller. If the firmware versions of the controllers do not match, then the customer may choose the following courses of action:
1. Upgrade to the highest firmware version
2. Downgrade to the lower firmware version, thus remaining with the current functioning version. |
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