Dell PowerVault MD3200 Deployment Guide - Page 9

2 Hardware Installation Before using this guide, ensure that you review the instructions in the: • Getting Started Guide-The Getting Started Guide that shipped with the storage array provides information to configure the initial setup of the system. • Planning section of the Owner's Manual-The planning section provides information about important concepts you should know before setting up your storage solution. Storage Configuration Planning Consider the following before installing your storage array: • Evaluate data storage needs and administrative requirements. • Calculate availability requirements. • Decide the frequency and level of backups, such as weekly full backups with daily partial backups. • Consider storage array options, such as password protection and e-mail alert notifications for error conditions. • Design the configuration of virtual disks and disk groups according to a data organization plan. For example, use one virtual disk for inventory, a second for financial and tax information, and a third for customer information. • Decide whether to allow space for hot spares, which automatically replace failed physical disks. Hardware Installation 9