HP NetServer LXr Pro8 Server Controllers and Mass Storage Devices - Page 1

ZKLWHýSDSHU +3ý 1HW6HUYHUý $FFHVVRULHV 6HUYHUý&RQWUROOHUVýDQGý0DVVý6WRUDJHý'HYLFHV PD\ýìäää Executive Summary Description The proper selection of controller and storage devices, as part of either a single server or clustered system, enhances the system's performance and availability. Storage capacity, data transfer rates and response times to user requests depend upon the types of controller and storage devices. These devices significantly impact traditional measurements of system performance. Availability depends upon the architecture of storage within a server system so that the data and applications can be both protected and available at a level consistent with the criticality of the server environment. Storage management concerns the tools used to monitor and predict the storage environment. The proper tools can make storage management intuitive and informative, ultimately reducing total cost of ownership. These management tools, combined with the correct controllers and disks, can accommodate eventual system growth in both user base and application complexity. Topics Covered You should read this white paper to become better acquainted with the important issues related to selecting controller and mass storage devices including • Choices between various devices, such as controllers, tape backup drives, and disk drives • Physical means of storage organization, i.e. internal, external, rack-mountable • Storage topology to improve system availability and performance • Storage management This paper reviews many of the storage solutions that are available for HP NetServers including hard disk drive products, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) and disk array controllers, tape backup solutions, and the range of supported RAID solutions. The paper also examines the newest offerings including I2O, Fibre Channel (FC), and Ultra2 SCSI where HP has provided industry-wide leadership in the development and acceptance of these standards. 1