Hitachi TagmaStore Adaptable Modular Storage and Workgroup Modular Storage

Transcription

1 Hitachi TagmaStore Adaptable Modular Storage and Workgroup Modular Storage Architecture Guide Partner Beyond Technology Hitachi TagmaStore Modular Storage Architecture Guide Hitachi Data Systems

2 Executive Summary Bringing Application Optimized Storage Solutions to a Broad Range of Organizations Regardless of the size of an organization, Application Optimized Storage solutions from Hitachi Data Systems open new possibilities to better align storage infrastructure with business objectives. Hitachi TagmaStore Adaptable Modular Storage and Workgroup Modular Storage models play an important role in building Application Optimized Storage solutions to match application requirements such as performance, availability, functionality, and cost with storage attributes, across a wide range of organizations. Instead of providing different products for different-sized organizations, Hitachi Data Systems employs the same set of products to focus on a common tiered strategy for aligning storage characteristics and business application priorities, whether for a large enterprise or a smaller organization. Application Optimized Storage solutions offer integrated hardware, software, and services that utilize Hitachi modular storage systems in a tiered-storage architecture, which maximizes storage investment returns for businesses of any size. It s only a matter of scale. The Application Optimized Storage strategy takes the same quality and data-availability standards found in systems used to power the world s largest banks and makes them available to midsize businesses. Small businesses can rest assured that they are using versions of the same hardware, software, and services the largest enterprises use, and the largest enterprises can be confident that they are using the most cost-effective solutions to meet their business objectives. Hitachi Data Systems believes that all organizations deserve enterprise-level functionality high availability, high performance, simplified central management, and tiered solutions that align storage directly with business objectives. Because many organizations have limited budget, staff, and space, Hitachi Data Systems is offering modular systems that are scaled to fit environments and budgets in the modular storage market space. Announced in July 2005, the new Hitachi modular storage systems are an architecturally advanced offering not only in terms of footprint and performance but also in terms of policy-based management software features. These modular choices enable both large enterprises and smaller organizations to address storage challenges with automated management, affordable and easy-to-grow packaging, and a proven investment-oriented storage solutions strategy: : : Hitachi TagmaStore Adaptable Modular Storage : : Hitachi TagmaStore Workgroup Modular Storage I

3 All Hitachi modular storage systems can be configured and managed from a single pane of glass with the easy-to-use graphical user interface of the Hitachi Storage Management and HiCommand Suite software. Best-of-breed high-performance hardware and cache partitioning set these systems apart from the competition. The industry s highest level of data availability is offered by the most advanced business continuity software, including Hitachi ShadowImage In-System Replication and Hitachi Remote Replication software, available on the larger modular products, helping you keep management simple while avoiding downtime and data loss. TagmaStore Adaptable Modular Storage, Models AMS200, AMS500, and AMS1000: the Mixable SATA and Fibre Channel Storage Systems Adaptable Modular Storage systems can serve as both the first tier (Fibre Channel disks) and second tier (SATA disks) of storage for a workgroup or midsize company, providing a self-contained tiered solution in a single system. Adaptable Modular Storage systems are intended for consolidated heterogeneous open systems computing environments and for applications in e-commerce and Web serving. Adaptable Modular Storage models offer a variety of features and functions that address the needs of midsize organizations or the tiered-storage requirements of the enterprise. Single pane of glass management of all Hitachi storage is enabled by Storage Management and HiCommand Suite software. Each model provides simplified software for quick and easy configuration and management. They also offer cache partitioning, allowing applications with different-sized data blocks to be precisely tuned, thereby optimizing their performance. For connectivity, native NAS and iscsi support allows IP-based files or volumes to be managed with the same tools as storage area network (SAN) volumes, thereby reducing management overhead. Unique in the modular market space, RAID-6 dual parity striping provides greater availability by protecting against the rare event of a second hard disk drive failure in a RAID array before successful rebuild of the first failed disk. All Adaptable Modular Storage models offer mixable SATA and Fibre Channel disk drives to allow workloads to be hosted on the most economical storage, based on assigned application priorities. Logical Unit Migration enables data to be moved nondisruptively between tiers. Finally, redundant, hot-swappable components and the Hi-Track call-home service/ remote maintenance tool support maximum uptime. II

4 TagmaStore Workgroup Modular Storage, Model WMS100: the All SATA Storage System The Workgroup Modular Storage model WMS100 is ideal for midsize companies or workgroups that require the best in scalability and performance in a small footprint. The WMS100 supports costefficient SATA drives while maintaining the performance and reliability edge that world-class Hitachi engineering delivers. The WMS100 is perfect for applications lending themselves to modular workloads, especially where a SATA option is a good fit, such as with: : : Smaller Microsoft Exchange operations that seek optimized storage : : Enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management systems with small organization workloads : : Database applications with moderate workload characteristics Like other Hitachi modular storage systems, the WMS100 provides advanced Hitachi cache partitioning, which uniquely allows administrators to efficiently allocate cache and tailor block size to specific applications, thereby optimizing their performance. Redundant, hot-swappable components and remote monitoring through the Hi-Track service/tool are also supported. The WMS100 can also serve as second- or third-tier storage for the enterprise. Application Optimized Storage Solutions Hitachi Data Systems provides solutions in various areas, including Infrastructure Simplification and Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, as well as assessment services to help organizations identify, justify, implement, and track an Application Optimized Storage solutions investment. All Application Optimized Storage solutions are adaptable and differentially priced for enterprises of all sizes matching business application requirements with different classes (tiers) of storage using the same set of Hitachi products, software, and services. Infrastructure Simplification. Solutions in this area reduce capital expense (CapEx) and operational expense (OpEx) not only through consolidation and aggregation but also through tiered storage for data lifecycle management and archiving solutions. Tightly integrated through common management software, these Application Optimized Storage solutions leverage an organization s current storage investments, better aligning them for future growth, using best-practices financial analysis methodologies. III

5 Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery. Solutions in this area include enhanced backup and recovery for open-systems and mainframe environments. Known for decades as the industry-leading provider of high-availability data storage products, Hitachi Data Systems today offers unsurpassed technical excellence in business continuity solutions for disaster prevention, planning, and backup and recovery. These solutions are the industry s most advanced and will result in both hard and soft CapEx and OpEx savings for the enterprise. Services and Best Practices Priced for the Modular Market Space Keeping storage investment costs in mind, Hitachi Data Systems Global Solution Services (GSS) offerings, such as the Risk Analysis Workshop and the Storage Economics Strategy Service, help you assess your current environment and requirements. For example, the Storage Economics Strategy Service helps you to objectively assess your current storage environment and make tactical and strategic plans to take advantage of new storage architectures, employing the HiReturn investment analysis program to help you consider both total cost of ownership (TCO) and return on investment (ROI) approaches. In addition to the variety of assessment services mentioned above, GSS offers and works with Hitachi TrueNorth Channel partners to provide professional services for planning, design, and deployment of solutions from smaller organizations to larger enterprise environments. GSS teams combine the industry s best people, products, and methodologies to provide architectural analysis, configuration planning, and enterprise assessment to ensure that organizations maximize their storage investments and meet their business objectives. IV

6 Table of Contents Chapter 1:Hitachi Modular Storage Systems Set New Industry Standards...1 Organizations of All Sizes Face the Same IT Challenges...1 Hitachi Modular Storage Systems Benefit Smaller Organizations and the Larger Enterprise...2 Positioning for the Enterprise...2 Positioning for Midsize Companies and Workgroups...3 A Mix and Match Modular Architecture...6 Adaptable Modular Storage Models AMS200, AMS500, and AMS1000: the Mixable SATA and Fibre Channel Storage Systems...6 Workgroup Modular Storage Model WMS100: the All-SATA Storage System...8 Hitachi Modular Software Delivers Enterprise-class Functionality...8 Modular Hitachi Architectures Lead the Industry in Performance...9 Application Optimized Storage Strategy Bringing Application Optimized Storage Solutions to the Midrange Services and Best Practices Tie It All Together Chapter 2: Application Optimized Storage Solutions The Strategic Shift to a Solution Focus and Systematic Purchase Justification Infrastructure Simplification Consolidation Solutions Data Lifecycle Solutions Storage Management Software Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Backup and Recovery Solutions Mainframe Backup and Recovery Solutions All Hitachi Storage Solutions Create Both CapEx and OpEx Savings HiReturn Investment Analysis Program Works for Businesses of Any Size Price Does Not Equal Cost Chapter 3: Hitachi Modular Storage Systems Packaging Packaging Is Modular and Expandable Full- or Half-height Industry-standard Racks Adaptable Modular Storage and Workgroup Modular Storage Fully Redundant System Designs Hot-pluggable Disk Drive Designs Chapter 4: High-performance Front-end Designs and Network Solutions Host Connectivity and Scalability to Fit Both Smaller Organization and Larger Enterprise Needs Virtual Storage Ports Reduce TCO and Improve SAN Security Open Systems Host Support Networked Storage Solutions Open Networked Storage Virtual Storage Ports and Secure Multitenancy V

7 Positioning for DAS, NAS, and SAN Coexistence Turnkey High-end Fibre Channel SAN Solutions Turnkey Low-end iscsi SAN Solutions Plug-and-play SAN Kit for Hitachi TagmaStore Modular Storage Chapter 5: Back-end Design, System Capacity, and RAID High-performance/High-capacity Back-end Designs Disk Drive Specifications Storage Capacities Flexible RAID Architectures RAID RAID-1 Mirroring RAID-1+0 Striping and Mirroring RAID-5 Distributed Parity RAID-6 Redundant Distributed Parity RAID Levels Can Be Intermixed to Tune Application Performance and Availability Definable RAID Rebuild Priorities Global Hot Spares Logical Unit Size Expansion Chapter 6: Common Data and Storage Management via Advanced-function Hitachi Software Hitachi Software Allows Simplified Management and Precise Application Tuning Manage Heterogeneous Systems from a Single Console HiCommand Storage-specific Management Business Application Modules Storage Operations Modules HiCommand Heterogeneous Storage Management Storage Services Manager Software Business Application Modules Storage Operations Modules Hitachi Storage specific Management Resource Manager Utility Package Provides Powerful, Device-level Storage Management Capability Out-of-band Management SNMP Support Ensures Compliance with All Major Systems Management Platforms Java Agent Host Storage Domains Volume Security Port Option Software Virtual LUN Software Cache Residency Manager Feature Allows Data to Be Locked and Unlocked in Cache on the Fly Cache Partition Manager Feature Allows Cache to be Divided in Different Sizes for Better Management of Cache Resources and Application Performance Tuning Read-ahead Caching for High-performance Sequential Reads VI

8 Chapter 7: Data Protection with Hitachi Modular Storage Systems Redundant and High-availability Features Software Products Contribute to High-availability Computing Hitachi Modular Storage Systems Have an Advanced Availability Profile Compared to Competitive Products Concurrent Maintenance Microcode Sparing Nondisruptive Microcode Upgrades Automatic Failure Monitoring and Reporting Cache Reliability Online Verify, Data Assurance Code, and Error Correction Code Standard Hot-swap and Redundant Power Supplies Standard Redundant Fans for Cooling Uninterruptible Power Supply Hitachi Modular Storage Systems Support Software for Business Continuity Remote Copy, PiT Copy, and Data Migration Defined Remote Copy PiT Copy Data Migration Business Goals Served by Copy Solutions Hitachi Remote Replication Software Hitachi ShadowImage In-System Replication Software Hitachi Copy-on-Write Snapshot Software Open Systems High-availability Middleware Support Alternate-pathing Middleware Switches the I/O Load in the Event of Path Failure Path Failover and Load Balancing Host Failover Parallel Database Clustering Hitachi Data Retention Utility Software Hitachi Data Protection Suite, powered by CommVault VERITAS Foundation Suite Software and VERITAS NetBackup Chapter 8: Use Cases HiReturn Investment Analysis Program TCO Is Consistently Ranked as the No. 1 User Storage Concern HiReturn Program Use Cases Defined Employing Use Case Models for Your Environment Appendix A: An Example of Application Optimized Storage Tiers Appendix B: Hitachi Data Systems Solutions Directly Address the SNIA Survey s Top Ten End User Pain Points VII

9 Hitachi Modular Storage Systems Set New Industry Standards Hitachi modular storage systems once again move the bar above the reach of the competition and set new standards for modular storage systems in terms of advanced enterprise features not offered by any competitor. These systems lead the market, not only in terms of capacity and performance but also in terms of management software. It is becoming widely accepted by industry analysts today that storage systems must be surrounded by features and services that enable simplification of storage management even for smaller organizations and entrylevel enterprises. Organizations of All Sizes Face the Same IT Challenges From the small business to the large enterprise, organizations of all sizes face the same IT challenges. It s only a matter of degree. As you seek to gain competitive advantage and grow in your respective market, you are facing many of the same data storage challenges and pain points as large enterprises: Chapter 1 Hitachi modular storage systems offer enterpriseclass functionality without compromising quality and reliability. : : Data growth continues to accelerate. : : Older storage devices are unreliable and perform poorly. : : Hard-to-meet regulatory requirements often apply, regardless of company size. : : IT budgets and head counts are flat or shrinking. : : Hard-to-manage storage infrastructure server-internal disks or server-attached storage from multiple vendors drives management cost to several times the acquisition costs. : : Backup-and-restore windows are shrinking. : : Disaster recovery time objectives require that applications be recovered within minutes or hours. : : Applications are not meeting performance and availability expectations. : : Compliance requirements and litigation fears demand that data be kept in tamperproof storage for defined time periods and made available quickly when necessary. : : Old data needs to be online and accessible within a short time (generally seconds or minutes). The primary difference is in the scale of these issues. Like large enterprises, smaller organizations are faced with managing disparate storage islands tailored to individual server applications such as Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft SQL Server, Linux, and file servers. Growth for an organization of any size means increasing storage infrastructure demands for higher capacity, increased utilization, improved performance, business continuity, and data protection, as well as the need to simplify overall management in an environment of increasing regulation. The Hitachi modular products offer best-in-class scalability and performance and enable shared storage consolidation across platforms by increasing utilization, sharing capacity, and simplifying overall management. From high-end to entry-level, Hitachi modular storage systems meet these challenges. 1

10 Hitachi Modular Storage Systems Benefit Smaller Organizations and the Larger Enterprise Whatever the storage challenges facing your business and whatever the size of your business, Hitachi Data Systems offers storage solutions that are sure to fit. Hitachi Data Systems product positioning for businesses of various sizes is defined in terms of Application Optimized Storage solutions, and does not use a one size fits all approach. As shown in Figure 1 and Table 1, Hitachi modular storage systems take on multiple roles serving in varied storage tiers 1 depending on the size of the business, installed equipment, Application Optimized Storage strategy, and other factors. Because they have the same functionality as Hitachi enterprise systems, the new modular systems fit seamlessly into the proven, enterprise-caliber Application Optimized Storage solutions aligning IT with business objectives and scaling to fit your environment and budget. Positioning for the Enterprise For large enterprise environments, Hitachi modular storage systems complement the Hitachi TagmaStore Universal Storage Platform and Hitachi Lightning 9900 V Series enterprise storage systems in tiered Application Optimized Storage deployments. As shown in Table 1, the Universal Storage Platform models USP100, USP600, and USP1100 are typically found in enterprise-level (raised floor/data center) installations, where their internal storage is designated as first-tier storage, with externally managed Universal Storage Platform storage as second- and third-tier storage. In this scenario, TagmaStore Adaptable Modular Storage and TagmaStore Workgroup Modular Storage can fill the roles of second- and third-tier enterprise storage. With a minimum number of disks, the TagmaStore Network Storage Controller model NSC55 can function in the entry-level or large enterprise as an expansion controller to centrally manage external storage as second-tier or third-tier storage, whether it is Hitachi storage or third-party storage. For the high-end enterprise, therefore, Hitachi modular storage systems with the SATA Intermix Option complement Universal Storage Platform or NSC55 systems in tiered-storage deployments for applications such as: : : Data lifecycle management : : Streaming video : : Noncritical Web serving : : archiving : : Lower-priority decision-support applications such as data warehousing : : Mainframe volume archiving for compliance : : Mainframe tape replacement : : Other lower-priority applications A large cost-savings opportunity for the enterprise is to replace a mainframe disk with a SATA disk behind a Network Storage Controller or Universal Storage Platform. This can defer or completely avoid an enterprise disk purchase cycle, depending on how much of the backup mainframe disk can be repurposed. 1 Application Optimized Storage solutions and Hitachi storage tiers are discussed in more detail below and in Chapter 2. 2

11 Positioning for Midsize Companies and Workgroups In entry-level enterprises Adaptable Modular Storage and Workgroup Modular Storage systems can function for the same types of lower-priority applications as listed in the above section. When the environment is a mix of mainframe and open systems and direct IBM z/os connectivity is required, Adaptable Modular Storage and Workgroup Modular Storage products must be attached to the NSC55 or a Universal Storage Platform model to host mainframe data. For smaller organizations, workgroups, or departments in large companies, branch offices, or retail outlets, an Adaptable Modular Storage or Workgroup Modular Storage system can function as a self-contained data center. Fibre Channel disks can be designated as first-tier storage and second-tier storage as SATA drives. Tunable cache partitioning and tiered-storage management software from Hitachi Data Systems make these system configurations as powerful as many competitive enterprise-class products. An AMS200 in a full-height rack has even been described as a data center in a rack for smaller organizations or workgroups. The Hitachi Data Systems product positioning, from the high-end enterprise to the workgroup, is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1. Hitachi Data Systems offers a storage system that s sure to fit. Hitachi TagmaStore Universal Platform, Models USP100, USP600, and USP1100 Hitachi HiCommand Suite Console First Tier Performance TagmaStore Network Storage Controller, Model NSC55 TagmaStore Workgroup Modular Storage, Model WMS100 TagmaStore Adaptable Modular Storage, Models AMS200, AMS500, and AMS1000 Model WMS100 Models AMS200 and AMS500 Second Tier Scalability Regardless of the size of the enterprise, Hitachi product families offer three key advantages: : : All families are managed from one integrated software suite. : : All models are compatible for tiered storage. : : Remote copy of data is possible between families. 3

12 Table 1. Hitachi modular storage systems fit seamlessly into the Application Optimized Storage framework. Hitachi TagmaStore Family Characteristics Universal Storage Platform model USP1100 Hitachi Enterprise Systems Universal Storage Platform model USP600 Universal Storage Platform model USP100 Network Storage Controller model NSC55 Adaptable Modular Storage model AMS1000 Hitachi Modular Systems Adaptable Modular Storage model AMS500 Adaptable Modular Storage model AMS200 Workgroup Modular Storage model WMS100 Enterprise positioning High-end enterprise model 1st tier Enhanced enterprise model 1st tier Entry-level enterprise model 1st tier Expansion controller for 2nd-tier storage 2nd-tier enterprise storage 2nd-tier enterprise storage 2nd-, 3rd-tier enterprise storage 2nd-, 3rd-tier enterprise storage; tape replacement Smaller organization and workgroup positioning N/A N/A N/A Entry-level enterprises Midsize companies and entry-level enterprises Midsize companies SME to midsize companies SME companies Architecture Hitachi Universal Star Network crossbar switch; global cache Hitachi Universal Star Network crossbar switch; global cache Hitachi Universal Star Network crossbar switch; global cache Hitachi Universal Star Network crossbar switch; global cache Dual controller; shared bus Dual controller; shared bus Dual controller; shared bus Dual controller; shared bus IBM z/os support Yes Yes Yes Yes Only when attached to a Network Storage Controller or Universal Storage Platform Configuration 2 5 frames 1 2 frames 1 frame Rackmount Rackmount Rackmount deskside Rackmount deskside Rackmount deskside Environmentals Data center Data center Data center 220V 220V 110V or 220V 110V or 220V 110V or 220V Connectivity/ virtualization of external storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Connects to Network Storage Controller or Universal Storage Platform Model upgrade options No Model USP1100 Model USP600 No No Model AMS1000 Model AMS500 No Connectivity/ virtualization of thirdparty storage Hitachi Universal Replicator software Yes Yes Yes Yes Connects through Network Storage Controller or Universal Storage Platform to manage external storage for an enterprise or a midsize company Yes Yes Yes Yes As a target As a target As a target As a target Logical partitioning Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Private Virtual Storage Machines Maximum internal concurrent bandwidth N/A N/A N/A N/A 81GB/sec 40.5GB/sec 23.5GB/sec 12.1GB/sec 13GB+/sec 7.5GB/sec 4.2GB/sec 4.2GB/sec Number of disks 129 1,152 Fibre Channel Fibre Channel Fibre Channel Fibre Channel Fibre Channel Fibre Channel, Fibre Channel, SATA SATA SATA 0 90 SATA 4

13 Table 1. Hitachi modular storage systems fit seamlessly into the Application Optimized Storage framework. (Continued) Hitachi TagmaStore Family Characteristics Universal Storage Platform model USP1100 Hitachi Enterprise Systems Universal Storage Platform model USP600 Universal Storage Platform model USP100 Network Storage Controller model NSC55 Adaptable Modular Storage model AMS1000 Hitachi Modular Systems Adaptable Modular Storage model AMS500 Adaptable Modular Storage model AMS200 Workgroup Modular Storage model WMS100 Maximum internal raw capacity Fibre Channel 332TB 148TB 74TB 72TB 129.4TB 64.7TB 30.2TB N/A Maximum internal raw capacity SATA N/A N/A N/A N/A 173.8TB 86.9TB intermix 39.7TB intermix 41.3TB Maximum externally attached capacity Maximum data cache capacity Maximum control memory 32PB 32PB 32PB 16PB N/A N/A N/A N/A 128GB 64GB 64GB 64GB 16GB 8GB 4GB 2GB 6GB 6GB 6GB 6GB N/A N/A N/A N/A Cache partitioning Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Maximum number of LUNs 16,384 16,384 16,384 16,384 4,096 2, Maximum physical ports Maximum attached hosts through virtual ports Fibre Channel, IBM ESCON and FICON, iscsi, NAS Up to 32,768 Up to 24,576 Up to 16,384 Up to 24,576 Up to 1,024 Up to 512 Up to 512 Up to 512 Yes Yes Yes Yes Fibre Channel, NAS, and iscsi RAID types RAID-1+, RAID-5, RAID-6 RAID-0, -1, -1+0, -5, -6 RAID-0*, -1, -1+0, -5, -6 RAID-0*, -1, -1+0, -5, -6 RAID-0*, -1, -1+0, -5, -6 RAID, -1, -1+0, -5, -6 Nondisruptive upgrades Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes HiTrack call-home service/remote maintenance tool support package Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard *Fibre Channel only 5

14 A Mix and Match Modular Architecture The Hitachi modular storage systems offer the features and functions of high-end Hitachi storage, except on a smaller scale. With the new product set, you get the same enterprise-level functionality but in a smaller package, not reduced functionality in a smaller package as is commonly offered by other industry vendors. Unlike competitive products, these new Hitachi systems can be repurposed over time. Initially, they can be used as either the primary tier of storage in a smaller organization or as first-tier expansion or second- or third-tier storage in a larger enterprise. As a small business grows or as a large enterprise completes system upgrades, Hitachi modular systems can be redeployed from the data center to a rapidly growing sales office or be moved to a Universal Storage Platform as second-tier storage. For any kind of repurposing, the reusable mix-and-match modular architecture of Hitachi modular storage is hard to beat for investment protection. A mix-and-match modular tiered architecture is hard to beat. Keeping storage investment costs in mind, Hitachi Data Systems Global Solution Services offerings, such as the Risk Analysis Workshop and the Storage Economics Strategy Service, help you assess your current environment and requirements. For example, the Storage Economics Strategy Service helps you to objectively assess your current storage environment and make tactical and strategic plans to take advantage of new storage architectures. Further, it employs the HiReturn investment analysis program to help you consider both total cost of ownership (TCO) and return on investment (ROI) approaches. Adaptable Modular Storage Models AMS200, AMS500, and AMS1000: the Mixable SATA and Fibre Channel Storage Systems Adaptable Modular Storage systems can serve as both the first tier (Fibre Channel disks) and second tier (SATA disks) of storage for workgroups or midsize companies, providing a selfcontained tiered Application Optimized Storage solution in a single system. Adaptable Modular Storage systems are intended for consolidated heterogeneous open systems computing environments and for applications in e-commerce and Web serving. As in all Hitachi TagmaStore modular systems, cache partitioning allows applications with different-sized data blocks to be precisely tuned while they are hosted on the same system. This increases cache efficiency to many times that of the competition. The Adaptable Modular Storage models AMS200, AMS500, and AMS1000 are the most scalable high-performance, high-availability systems in their category. Leveraging many high-end features, such as cache partitioning and RAID-6, the AMS200, AMS500, and AMS1000 are ideal for midsize companies that are generating fast-growing amounts of data and need to meet application requirements for availability and performance in a small footprint. Midsize companies can configure these systems as components of their Application Optimized Storage solutions, by matching application requirements and the value of data to the cost of storage in consolidation or business application platform roles, or enabling cost-effective backup, tape replacement, archiving, and compliance solutions in midsize companies. In larger enterprises, the AMS200, AMS500, and AMS1000 can be deployed in tiered-storage environments, paired with the Network Storage Controller or the Universal Storage Platform. Hitachi has a real opportunity to gain success with its midrange storage systems, because this segment of the market is growing so rapidly. Small, medium-sized, and large customers should find the Hitachi WMS and AMS storage systems attractive offerings as standalone storage systems. Tony Asaro, Senior Analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group 6

15 The AMS200, AMS500, and AMS1000 are today s most scalable high-performance, highavailability modular storage systems, supporting native Fibre Channel SAN, NAS, or iscsi workloads on high-performance Fibre Channel or cost-efficient SATA intermix drives. These models also support RAID-6 disk configurations, for even higher availability. Adaptable Modular Storage systems complement the NSC55 and the Universal Storage Platform models USP100, USP600, and USP1100, in versatile, rackmounted packages ideal for tiered-storage configurations and hosting data with multiple performance and archiving requirements. The Adaptable Modular Storage models support advanced Hitachi cache partitioning, a unique innovation in the midrange market brought over from the Universal Storage Platform. With tunable cache block size and memory space, these modular systems amplify Application Optimized Storage solutions with many of the enterprise-level benefits of the Universal Storage Platform and Network Storage Controller, but in a smaller footprint. Examples include the following: : : Cost-efficient storage solutions for standalone branch office deployment or tiered-storage configurations built on the Universal Storage Platform or Network Storage Controller : : Advanced features to improve the reliability and usability within any modular infrastructure or mission-critical midsize company operation, and for specific application workloads : : Support for native Fibre Channel SAN, NAS, or iscsi configurations and a choice of SATA and Fibre Channel disks, allowing you to match the value of your data to the cost of storage : : Innovative data center in a box configuration, which provides a small footprint for all IT needs in this highly reliable glass closet configuration Adaptable Modular Storage models offer a variety of features and functions that address the needs of midsize organizations or the tiered-storage needs of the enterprise. Single pane of glass management of all Hitachi storage is provided by Hitachi Storage Management and HiCommand Suite software. Adaptable Modular Storage models provide simplified software for quick and easy configuration and management. Further, the product line is the only one in the industry to offer cache partitioning to allow businesses to more efficiently allocate cache to specific applications, thereby optimizing their performance. For connectivity, native NAS and iscsi support allows IP-based volumes and files to be managed with the same tools as SAN volumes, thereby reducing management overhead. RAID-6 dual parity striping provides greater availability and flexibility in RAID group rebuild options than any competitor s and protects against the rare event of a hard disk drive problem. All Adaptable Modular Storage models offer mixable SATA and Fibre Channel disk drives to allow workloads to be hosted on the most economical storage, based on assigned application priorities. Finally, redundant, hot-swappable components and the Hi-Track call-home service/remote maintenance tool support maximum uptime. The Workgroup Modular Storage and the Adaptable Modular Storage families introduce next-generation modular platforms capable of supporting RAID-6, logical cache partitioning, and Fibre Channel plus IP network attachment via embedded NAS gateways and iscsi ports. Hitachi Data Systems Shakes the Midrange, a Data Mobility Group research note by John Webster 7

16 Workgroup Modular Storage Model WMS100: the All-SATA Storage System The entry-level, SATA-based WMS100 offers high-capacity, easy-to-install data storage ideal for midsize companies. The WMS100 provides the foundation for Application Optimized Storage solutions, matching requirements for cost-effective scalability and performance in a small footprint while maintaining the reliability edge provided by Hitachi engineering. This model may be considered, for example, for a business deploying its first SAN to move from inefficient and costly server-internal or server-attached storage to a centralized easy-to-manage configuration, or a business with fast-growing Microsoft Exchange or database applications. Model WMS100 is cost-effective for even the smallest company. For larger companies, the WMS100 complements Adaptable Modular Storage, Universal Storage Platform, and Network Storage Controller in tiered-storage deployments, which require common management tools, nearline backup, and data movement for data lifecycle management applications. For a midsize company, workgroup, or enterprise that requires the best in scalability in a small footprint, the WMS100 supports cost-efficient SATA drives while maintaining the performance and reliability edge that world-class Hitachi engineering delivers. The WMS100 is perfect for applications lending themselves to modular workloads, especially where a SATA option is a good fit, such as the following: : : Small Microsoft Exchange operations that require optimized storage : : Small enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems with midsize workloads : : Database applications with low to moderate workload characteristics In addition, the WMS100 provides advanced Hitachi cache partitioning, which uniquely allows the midsize company or workgroup to precisely allocate cache and tailor block size to specific applications, thereby optimizing their performance. Redundant, hot-swappable components and remote monitoring through the Hi-Track tool provide unmatched uptime for this entrylevel package. The WMS100 also serves a dual role as second- or third-tier storage for the enterprise in its maximum configuration: 41.3TB with 400GB SATA drives. This configuration can result in major capital expense (CapEx) and operational expense (OpEx) savings for enterprises in tiered open system and mainframe backup solutions using the WMS100 for enterprise disk replacement or even tape replacement. Using remote disk-to-disk replication capabilities, enterprises are finding that tape replacement can be cost-effective; it reduces the operating expense and hassle of daily tape backup and the expense of sending monthly truckloads of tape to remote sites for storage. Hitachi Modular Software Delivers Enterprise-class Functionality The Hitachi modular product line shares software functionality with Hitachi high-end storage, surpassing competitive products in many areas: : : Common management software for all storage on the floor : : Logical partitioning, including cached partitioning for application tuning : : Common remote replication software : : Common local replication ( point-in-time copy ) software : : Tiered-storage management software : : Serverless disk copy : : Built-in high-availability software to avoid downtime and data loss 8

17 Adaptable Modular Storage, Workgroup Modular Storage, and third-party storage systems connect to the Universal Storage Platform or Network Storage Controller through the innovative, integrated Hitachi virtualization layer. This layer is managed in the controller, not in a separate network appliance as is the case with competitive solutions 2. With Hitachi Universal Replicator software, copies of data can be moved freely anywhere in the Hitachi managed storage pools. Local data can be moved to remote sites, and mainframe data can be moved from enterprise storage disks on one vendor s system to SATA disks on an Adaptable Modular Storage or Workgroup Modular Storage system. In this way, enterprise storage administrators control all tiers of storage and can move them freely between any equipment in the Application Optimized Storage solution, whether the storage systems are from Hitachi, EMC, IBM, or HP. This is accomplished through a common application-programming interface (API) for all platforms and logical partitioning of storage resources. All Hitachi products support Universal Replicator software, bringing the advantages of intelligent centralized management in affordable, easy-to-grow packages to businesses of all sizes. All Hitachi modular products are supported by unique Hitachi heterogeneous virtualization technology as externally attached storage controlled by Universal Volume Manager software and Hitachi Virtual Partition Manager software running on the Network Storage Controller or the Universal Storage Platform. This allows both small and large enterprises to greatly simplify and consolidate the management of all storage on the floor, gaining the intelligence of automated management in affordable, easy-to-grow packages. Hitachi modular software capabilities are discussed in more detail in Chapter 4. Modular Hitachi Architectures Lead the Industry in Performance Custom high-performance logical processor chip sets are at the heart of the Adaptable Modular Storage and Workgroup Modular Storage high-performance RAID architecture. For all Hitachi modular storage systems, I/O processor chips perform all RAID functions in silicon, and advanced cache algorithms optimize performance, offering cache partitioning that puts Hitachi architectures generations ahead of the competition. In addition, logic-assist processors support Hitachi ShadowImage In-System Replication software, Hitachi TrueCopy Extended Distance software (available on the AMS1000 and the AMS500), Hitachi TrueCopy Synchronous software, and Copy-on-Write Snapshot software, and provide self-checking of the system. The Hitachi modular storage architectures are a generation ahead of the competition. Hitachi modular storage systems offer Fibre Channel connectivity (1-, 2-, or 4-Gbit/sec throughput) and a full range of front-end host attachments, as described in Chapter 4. These modular storage architectures support fault-tolerant disk controllers, in keeping with completely redundant design principles employed by Hitachi. The redundant controllers are linked with twin high-speed connections that are about five times as fast as competitive offerings. This ensures extremely fast operation along with controller failover in the case of component failure for uninterrupted operation. 2 For a discussion of the four technical approaches to virtualization and the advantages of Hitachi controller-based virtualization, see Chapter 2 of the Hitachi TagmaStore Universal Storage Platform and Network Storage Controller Architecture Guide 9

18 Application Optimized Storage Strategy When creating Application Optimized Storage solutions, Hitachi Data Systems looked at IT challenges from the customer viewpoint for businesses of all sizes, including large enterprises, smaller organizations, and workgroups. In the process, it became clear that businesses of all sizes in nearly every industry face several major issues: : : Optimizing operational efficiency is important to survival in a competitive climate. : : Corporate governance and compliance concerns are changing the way many businesses operate. : : Risk preparedness and business continuity planning are not only good business practices but are also now mandated in several industries. FORTUNE 100 companies often have large IT organizations to wrestle with these problems, yet the same challenges face all kinds of businesses. In addition, it was clear that these issues affect all business-functional departments, including finance, human resources, sales, marketing, and product development. Hitachi Data Systems worked with IT managers to build, manage, and adapt a storage infrastructure that supported these objectives. This gave rise to the Application Optimized Storage framework, depicted in Figure 2. Figure 2. The Application Optimized Storage solutions framework. Business Oper a tions A pplica tion S e r vic es C o n t en t S e r vic es Da ta S e r vic es P e r f ormanc e, Char geback, P r o v isioning, P r oblem Managemen t A r chiving, Inde xing, S ear ch, Retrie v e Backup, M igr a tion, Replica tion, S ecurit y S e r vic es and B est P r ac tic es Stor age S e r vic es Multitier Capacity, Universal Connectivity, Heter ogeneous Managemen t 10

19 As Figure 2 illustrates, IT intersects with business objectives at applications the moment of truth in terms of a technology system s ability to support business requirements. Keeping applications up and running at acceptable performance levels and bringing new applications online to support business objectives are the main tasks of IT departments. Yet keeping applications up and running requires IT to provide a variety of content, data, and storage services that are usually obscured from business users. Indeed, application services and all the underlying IT support functions are the lifeblood of a business, essential to operational efficiency, compliance, and business continuity. The combination of the new cost-effective Workgroup Modular Storage and Adaptable Modular Storage midrange storage systems with scalable capacity and the Hitachi Universal Storage Platform and Network Storage Controller enables an intelligent tiered-storage network that will ultimately reduce cost and complexity within the data center. Tony Asaro, Senior Analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group Bringing Application Optimized Storage Solutions to the Midrange All Hitachi Data Systems solutions are based on the Application Optimized Storage strategy, which matches business application priorities to storage infrastructure. Regardless of organization size, the process of aligning business objectives and IT storage considerations is the same. Business managers need to set business objectives, and IT managers need to translate these business objectives into application priorities in terms of: : : Price : : Performance : : Availability : : Functionality Application priorities are mapped to storage tiers that are established by agreement between IT and business managers. The storage tiers place different classes of data on different tiers of storage, based on the data value, the type of data, and whether the data is operational or referential. Storage management personnel then tune applications individually on each storage tier. Tiers can differ for each business and each application, large or small. It is only a matter of scale. A smaller organization might have only a few tiers, whereas a large enterprise might have many more 3. The all Fibre NSC55 offers all features of the Universal Storage Platform, including external storage virtualization. The mix-and-match Fibre and SATA AMS500 supports high-performance, high-capacity, and high-connectivity features that make it perfect for information-intensive industries such as oil exploration, life sciences, health care, and rich media. The smaller models the AMS200 entry-level storage deck and the SATA-based WMS100 are ideal for standalone deployment in retail outlets, business franchises, and professional offices. In fact, the low-end models can be combined with small-business servers in a full-height rackmount cabinet for a compact data-center-in-a-rack configuration. An example of an Application Optimized Storage solution is shown in Figure 3. Application priorities are based on predetermined policies. Application Optimized Storage tiers are organized in terms of priority of performance and availability. 3 See Appendix A for an example of Hitachi storage tiers. 11

20 Figure 3. An Application Optimized Storage strategy places application data on different tiers of storage in line with performance and availability service level agreements (SLAs) agreed on by business and IT managers. Applications Sun HP IBM Wintel Linux CAD CRM SCM NAS Print Video IBM Mainframe Fibre Channel SAN Data Warehouse ERP Data Mining Tape Hitachi HiCommand Suite Console SCM ERP Hitachi TagmaStore Network Storage Controller, Model NSC55 Data Mining Hitachi Lightning 9980V CAD IBM Enterprise Storage Server CAD = computer-aided design CRM = customer relationship management SCM = supply chain management ERP = enterprise resource management Data Warehouse EMC DMX2000 CRM Online Tape TagmaStore Adaptable Modular Storage, Models AMS1000, AMS500, and AMS200 NAS TagmaStore Workgroup Modular Storage, Model WMS100 Video Print CLARiiON The Universal Storage Platform and Application Optimized Storage solutions, tiering, tools, and policies can enable enterprises not only to prioritize and deploy applications against preset business policies but also to fully leverage and add value to existing storage investments. With them IT organizations can more closely align applications with enterprise business initiatives by directly attacking the Top 10 pain points of storage identified in SNIA and Computerworld surveys (see Appendix B). Application Optimized Storage solutions provide close alignment of open or mainframe application workloads with prioritized business objectives, using preset business policies. 12

21 Services and Best Practices Tie It All Together The final key component for both justifying and implementing an Application Optimized Storage solution is the Hitachi Data Systems Global Solution Services (GSS) organization. To ensure that organizations invest storage dollars in the most intelligent way possible, GSS offers a comprehensive suite of technology, storage, education, and professional services. These are shown in Figure 4. GSS can help you cost-justify and implement a specific infrastructure that is ideal for both your present needs and future growth all within the same Application Optimized Storage framework. Figure 4. GSS offerings review. Application Optimized Storage Solutions Database Enterprise Application Filesystem Storage Area Management Consulting Storage Services Utility Enablement Consulting Business Continuity Backup Process Development Managed Services Replication Disaster Recovery Consulting Infrastructure SAN Implementation Migrate, Upgrade and Consolidate Fabric GSS consultants can help you assess, deploy, integrate, manage, and optimize storage infrastructure solutions that meet your needs. Areas in which Hitachi Data Systems consultants can assist you include the following: Application Optimized Solutions bridging the gap between business applications and IT s ability to precisely deliver service levels with strategic consulting, design integration, and robust deployment capabilities GSS offers a comprehensive suite of technology, storage, education, and professional services. Storage Services applying proven best practices along with appropriate tools and training to help with all stages of your storage infrastructure s life from planning to maintenance 13

22 Application Optimized Storage Solutions With the introduction of modular storage systems, Hitachi Data Systems opened new possibilities for midsize companies as well as large enterprises to better align storage infrastructure with application and business needs. The Hitachi TagmaStore Adaptable Modular Storage models AMS200, AMS500, and AMS1000, and the Workgroup Modular Storage model WMS100 play important roles in building Application Optimized Storage solutions from Hitachi Data Systems, which match application requirements such as performance, availability, functionality, and cost to storage attributes, regardless of organization size. Previously, the answer to size differences in organizations was to group storage system size, such as high-end or midrange, and then apply solutions based on these system sizes, with fewer features for smaller companies. The Application Optimized Storage framework takes a completely different approach. Instead of offering different products for different-sized organizations, the Hitachi approach is to use the same set of building-block products to focus on the same framework for aligning IT and business objectives, whether for an enterprise or a smaller organization. In this way, the Application Optimized Storage framework leads to solutions that employ Hitachi modular systems in a tiered-storage architecture that addresses data protection and backup, storage growth, and consolidation requirements, regardless of business size. This approach makes the same quality and data availability standards found in systems that power the world s largest banks available to smaller organizations. Chapter 2 Hitachi uses the same solutions framework, regardless of organization size. It s only a matter of scale. HDS, with its new midrange storage solutions, is developing a broad portfolio of solutions that addresses the unique business needs of midsized organizations. It delivers a set of solutions that supports consolidated, networked storage, enables cost-effective replication, supports long-term data archiving; and addresses the specific storage management challenges of IT managers at mid-sized organizations. Meeting the Needs of Mid-Sized Organizations with Next-Generation Midrange Storage, IDC white paper by Rick Villars The Strategic Shift to a Solution Focus and Systematic Purchase Justification Initiated with the September 7, 2004, announcement of the Universal Storage Platform and reinforced with the July 11, 2005, announcement of the new Hitachi modular storage systems, Hitachi Data Systems has shifted to a solutions focus. This was done to further deliver on the Hitachi Data Systems Application Optimized Storage strategy and was occasioned, in part, by a survey conducted by the Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) End User Council in May Hitachi Data Systems wanted to align all products, software, and services in a way compatible with how users think of their storage challenges. Because storage and storage networking underlie all applications, they can either impede or enhance the ability of IT departments to support business initiatives. The Hitachi Data Systems solutions focus was designed, therefore, to directly address all Top Ten pain points in the context of the Application Optimized Storage framework 4. 4 A specific mapping of how Hitachi Data Systems solutions solve all Top Ten pain points can be found in Appendix B of this guide. 14