Dell EqualLogic Array Software
Boost your storage

Overview:

The Dell EqualLogic™ Array Software, including EqualLogic Firmware, EqualLogic Group Manager and EqualLogic Manual Transfer Utility, gives you the functionality to meet your current needs while preparing for future demands.

Dell delivers three categories of software for the EqualLogic family of storage arrays. EqualLogic Array Software provides advanced SAN functions that enable virtualized storage and best-practice data protection. EqualLogic Host Software extends the functionality of the array software enabling cooperation with the host. EqualLogic SAN Headquarters is a feature-rich monitoring and analysis tool that provides in-depth information on SAN functions providing storage managers with the tools needed to tune and optimize their storage infrastructure.

Provides advanced SAN functions that enable virtualized storage and best-practice data protection. Array software includes EqualLogic Firmware, EqualLogic Group Manager, and EqualLogic Manual Transfer Utility.

EqualLogic Firmware is a full-function SAN operating system integrated across the entire family of EqualLogic PS arrays. A unique peer storage architecture helps deliver consistent performance through virtualization and optimization of resources across the SAN. Data protection resources, such as snapshots, clones and replication, help maximize business continuity and simplify backup and recovery.

EqualLogic Group Manager integrates with EqualLogic Firmware to provide storage administrators with detailed information on the SAN configuration as well as the ability to manage all the arrays in the SAN through a single interface, for example, in conjunction with replication-based disaster recovery operations.

EqualLogic Manual Transfer Utility is a host-based tool for Windows and Linux operating systems that enables the secure transfer of large amounts of data using removable media.

EqualLogic Firmware 

EqualLogic Firmware is a SAN operating system that's integrated across the entire family of EqualLogic PS arrays. A unique peer storage architecture helps deliver consistent performance through virtualization and optimization of resources across the SAN.

EqualLogic’s latest firmware offers new features so your hardware can continue to meet your current needs and be ready to grow with you as the demands of the virtual era increase. New features include:

• Data Center Bridging
• Enhanced Load Balancing
• VMware Thin Provisioning awareness for vSphere v4.1
• Auditing of Administrative Actions
• Microsoft Active Directory Integration

EqualLogic Group Manager 

Looking for ways to simplify and streamline your storage management? Storage managers can manage EqualLogic arrays in a SAN through a single interface—the EqualLogic Group Manager. This Web browser–based Graphic User Interface (GUI) helps eliminate the need for a dedicated management workstation or server and allows you to remotely manage virtually any aspect of your EqualLogic iSCSI-based SAN. The EqualLogic Group Manager is also available as a Command Line Interface.

EqualLogic Manual Transfer Utility

The EqualLogic Manual Transfer Utility is a host-based tool for Windows and Linux operating systems that enables the secure transfer of large amounts of data using removable media. This easy-to-use utility helps your organization eliminate network congestion, minimize downtime, and quick-start replication.

Key Features:

Data Center Bridging

Data Center Bridging (DCB) is designed to improve quality of service with consistent and even traffic flow in a converged SAN/LAN networking fabric. Dell provides a portfolio of network switch solutions to complement DCB planning and implementation for your array.

Enhanced Load Balancing

EqualLogic load-balancing features automatically balance workloads by seamlessly spreading data across multiple active storage resources, helping maximize performance by intelligently optimizing the available network connections, cache, controllers, and drives. With Dell EqualLogic Firmware 5.1 enhanced load balancing, you can attain up to 3x performance boosts over previous EqualLogic firmware releases.

VMware Thin Provisioning awareness for vSphere v4.1

Enhanced Thin Provisioning awareness with VMware vSphere 4.1 integration is designed to save valuable recovery time and help to mitigate the risk of potential data loss.

Peer Storage Architecture

"Peer" describes the collaboration and equal partnership of a single, simple architecture. Arrays function as peers and work together to share resources including cache, disks, network and I/O. This cooperation enables the even distribution of workloads, application performance optimization and comprehensive data protection.

Rapid Provisioning

The intelligence of virtual storage provisioning combined with the modular design of EqualLogic storage arrays enable your storage manager to quickly and easily expand storage capacity without affecting data availability. You can start with a single storage array—then, as storage, performance, and network requirements grow, add more members to help increase capacity, performance, and network bandwidth.

Storage Pools

Storage pooling provides the ability, within a single SAN, to create sub-groups of arrays that enable your storage manager to optimally configure and prioritize applications for the required level of service. Your storage managers can configure separate storage pools within a single SAN to help build an efficient, flexible, easy-to-manage storage environment.

Auto-Replication

EqualLogic auto-replication remotely replicates data from one PS group to another over a standard IP network over long distances, helping provide your organization with high levels of data protection and disaster tolerance.

Features introduced in version 5.1

• Data Center Bridging
• Enhanced Load Balancing
• VMware Thin Provisioning awareness for vSphereTM  v4.1
• Auditing of Administrative Actions
• Microsoft Active Directory Integration

Features you have come to rely on

• Peer Storage Architecture
• Rapid Provisioning
• Storage Pools
• Roles-based administration
• Thin Clones
• SAN Data Copy Offload
• SAN Zero Offload and Scalable Lock Management for VMware
• Intelligent Tiering of Data across SSD and SAS disk with the PS6000/PS6010XVS
• Integration with the VMware®  vStorage APIs
• Non-disruptive array upgrades
• Non-disruptive array removal
• Online data and volume movement
• Automatic load balancing of volumes across RAID types
• Thin provisioning
• Instant volume restore
• Multi-path I/O
• Multi-volume, writeable snapshots
• Snapshot and auto-replication scheduler
• Volume cloning
• Volume consistency sets
• Auto-stat disk monitoring system
• E-mail home
• Enclosure monitoring system
• Performance monitoring

Key Benefits:

Build a strong foundation

EqualLogic Array Software provides you with advanced SAN (Serial Attached Network) functions that enable virtualized storage and data protection. EqualLogic Host Software integrates the functionality of your array with your host applications. EqualLogic SAN Headquarters (SAN HQ) is feature-rich management software for monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing your SAN.

With EqualLogic Array Software, you don't need to choose between data protection, capacity, performance and advanced management. EqualLogic Array Software features all the tools required for developing a sound data protection strategy and automatically virtualizes and optimizes resources within the SAN to deliver consistent application performance.

EqualLogic Firmware is a full-function SAN operating system integrated across the entire family of EqualLogic storage arrays that virtualizes SAN resources and provides Fluid Data™ functionality. An essential component of the software is the capability to automatically adjust system resources—optimizing performance and capacity and reducing effort for your storage manager.

Amp up performance with firmware for the future

Dell EqualLogic Firmware version 5.1 offers new features so your hardware can continue to meet your current needs and grow with you as the demands of the virtual era increase.

In addition to existing features such as automatic load-balancing, thin provisioning, snapshots, replication and multi-path I/O, version 5.1 brings you new functionality including Data Center Bridging, enhanced load balancing, VMware Thin Provisioning awareness for vSphere™ v4.1, auditing of administrative actions, and Microsoft Active Directory Integration.

Control your infrastructure

EqualLogic Group Manager is a SAN management tool integrated with the EqualLogic Firmware that provides you with detailed information on your SAN configuration, and provides you with an easy-to-use tool for storage provisioning, replication scheduling and array management. The EqualLogic Group Manager is available as a command-line interface (CLI) or graphical-user interface (GUI) that can be accessed from Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox web browsers with a connection to the EqualLogic SAN.

EqualLogic Manual Transfer Utility is a host-based tool that enables the secure transfer of large amounts of data using removable media. Integrated with the native replication function of the EqualLogic Firmware, EqualLogic Manual Transfer Utility is beneficial in environments where data protection is critical but bandwidth is limited.

Technical Specifications:

EqualLogic Array Software
Management	Microsoft Active Directory Integration*, Auditing of Adminstrative actions*, Roles-Based Administration, Volume Management, Dell EqualLogic Group Manager CLI or GUI
Data Protection, Availability and Recovery	Data Center Bridging*, Auto-Replication (Multi-Site), Instant Volume Restore, Multi-Volume Writeable Snapshots, Snapshot and Auto-Replication Scheduler, Volume Cloning, Thin Clones, Volume Consistency Sets Manual Transfer Utility offers File compression, Data Encryption, Password protection, Transfer status updates, Replication and Failback, Transfer continuation after interrupt
Storage Virtualization	Enhanced Load Balancing*, VMware Thin Provisioning awareness for vSphere™ v4.1 to complement the existing Thin Provisioning*, Non-disruptive array addition and removal, Automatic or Manual Storage Tiering, Complete SAN Virtualization, Online Data and Volume Movement, Storage Pools, Thin Provisioning, SAN Data Copy Off-load, SAN Zero Off-load and Scalable Lock Management for VMware
Maintenance	Auto-Stat Disk Monitoring System, E-mail Home, Enclosure Monitoring System, Detailed Historical Performance Monitoring
Technical Highlights
SAN Group Maximums	EqualLogic Firmware can support up to 16 arrays in one group enabling maximum SAN resources of up to 1.5 PB†, 768 drives, 64 active ports, 32 storage controllers, 64 GB† mirrored memory
Operating Platforms	EqualLogic Firmware is supported on the entire family of EqualLogic storage arrays
Supported Host Environments	Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, including Hyper-V™, Windows Server 2008 R2, including Hyper-V™, VMware ESX Server 3/3.5/4/4.1, VMware ESXi™ 3.5/4/4.1, Citrix XenSource, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise, Sun™ Solaris, IBM AIX, HP-UX, Mac OS X, Novell NetWare EqualLogic Group Manager is qualified to manage EqualLogic PS Series array groups
User Interface	EqualLogic Group Manager provides CLI and a GUI compatible with Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox web browsers.
Packaging	Embedded
Availability	EqualLogic software is included in the cost of the array. Customers with a valid Dell ProSupport** agreement can download software updates without paying additional license fees.
EqualLogic Manual Transfer Utility
Target Uses	Initial replication of large volumes, Replication of volumes after significant changes, Failback of large volumes
Key Features	File compression, Data Encryption, Password protection, Transfer status updates, Replication and Failback, Transfer continuation after interrupt
Technical Highlights
Transfer Media	Removable media including high-capacity tape, portable disk drive, DVD-ROM, or Blu-ray disk Portable computer that has access to both EqualLogic groups
Operating Platforms	Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 7; Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2; Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE Linux Enterprise
User Interface	EqualLogic Group Manager can be accessed from the graphical-user interface (GUI) or through a command-line interface (CLI); Manual Transfer Utility from Group Manager
Packaging	Available for download
Availability	EqualLogic software is included in the cost of the array. Customers with a valid Dell ProSupport** agreement are eligible to download software updates without paying additional license fees.

†GB means 1 billion bytes, TB equals 1 trillion bytes and PB equals 1 quadrillion bytes; actual capacity varies with preloaded material and operating environment and will be less. *Feature available with the release of EqualLogic Firmware 5.1. **Availability and terms of Dell Services vary by region. For more information, visit www.dell.com/servicedescriptions.

Services:

Dell believes that a well-planned and maintained storage infrastructure can support growing data requirements without the corresponding increase in cost and complexity. Intelligent data management allows organizations to optimize the value of their storage investment with a better use of resources. Dell Data Management Services can help customers design, implement, manage and maintain storage infrastructures that satisfy data availability, retention and recovery requirements.

Dell ProSupport™ — Faster, more reliable support services designed to address the technology challenges you face today. This new support portfolio is focused on your needs, time demands and budgets. 

Need professional support services that take care of both you and your employees’ IT needs 7x24? Choose Dell ProSupport to get access to a certified technician in two minutes or less.

Got an IT staff? Choose Dell ProSupport for IT and get tech-to-tech support, along with 7x24 access to Dell-certified technicians.

Dell ProSupport Service Model
Dell ProSupport	Dell ProSupport for IT
Designed for organizations with limited or no dedicated IT staff. Includes: 7x24 direct break-fix hardware and software support for your employees Access to a certified technician in two minutes or les	Designed to provide tech-to-tech support for IT Professionals, Database Administrators and internal Service Desks or helpdesks. Includes:  7x24 Direct access to Dell Expert Centers Escalation management through Dell’s Global Command Centers Collaborative hardware and software support
Next, Dell ProSupport Options align to the way you use technology — rapidly responding to your needs, protecting your investment, your productivity and your sensitive data, and providing enhanced proactive support services to reduce the risk and complexity of managing your infrastructure.

Speed of Response	Protection	Premium Proactive
Mission Critical — Perfect for server and storage environments where avoiding unplanned downtime and reducing recovery time through priority response are a must. The package includes priority 4-hour on-site service or optional 2-hour response with 6-hour hardware repair, Dell’s proven Critical Situation process, and emergency dispatch.	Data Management and Protection  Keep Your Hard Drive helps you retain control of sensitive data	Enterprise-Wide Contract — Provides enhanced proactive capabilities through: Designated Service Delivery Manager Performance benchmarking and custom reporting Planning and assessments
Customization and Setup
Dell Server and Storage Deployment Services Dell provides a comprehensive set of remote and on-site installation services for PowerEdge™ and PowerEdge SC servers, as well as PowerVault™, Dell | EMC and Dell EqualLogic storage products to help reduce the time required to get your system up and running. These installation services help: Speed up deployment Supply necessary expertise for correct installation Minimize disruptions to your business
Training
Comprehensive Training Get the skills you need to keep pace in today's competitive IT environment with comprehensive training courses. Dell offers a vast array of instructor-led classes and online training courses in a range of topics from server maintenance to in-depth technical overview of specific systems.

Value-added services

Dell demonstrates its commitment to ensuring customer success not only by simplifying network storage with the EqualLogic PS Series, but also by delivering consistently superb customer and professional services. In addition to basic warranty services that include working-hour telephone support, expedited parts shipping, and access to software/firmware updates, Dell offers optional consulting services to enterprise IT staff and end-users.

Dell ProSupport
Dell ProSupport is a configurable suite of support services that enable you to build a solution that's right for your organization. A break from a traditional tiered structure, ProSupport enables you to choose a support model based on how you use technology and where you want to allocate resources. Do you need full service support or do you have an IT staff? Choose between ProSupport for End-User or ProSupport for IT. Once a model is chosen, you may further tailor your support level by selecting options to address everyday IT challenges, such as unplanned downtime, data and asset protection, support planning, resource allocation, software application management, and more. Both ProSupport models give you access to senior-level phone technicians 24x7x 365, next business day parts & labor, escalation management with a designated Technical Account Manager, and access to Dell's Global Command Centers for monitoring and management of critical situations.

Data Management Consulting from Dell
Dell offers a comprehensive suite of workshop, assessment, design, and implementation services to help customers get the most from their EqualLogic PS Series infrastructures. Focused on data management, application performance, data protection, and cost of ownership, Dell consultants can provide practical action-oriented plans, to help deliver specific, predictable and measurable outcomes through high-impact, short duration projects. Services include:

• Data Management & Storage Technology Assessment analyzes account month-end performance data and recommends consolidation scenarios including iSCSI SAN options. We develop a tailored business case estimating the cost savings gained from the recommended technology options.
• EqualLogic SAN Solution Design is an iSCSI SAN solution design, incorporating array, storage area network and integration of key applications.
• EqualLogic Local Data Protection Design, focused on leveraging PS Series snapshot and clone capabilities for local data protection and recovery to meet your recovery point and recovery time objectives (RPO/RTOs).
• EqualLogic Remote Data Protection Design, focused on leveraging PS Series auto-replication for remote or disaster recovery based on your RPO/RTO requirements.
• EqualLogic Backup Integration Design, built to integrate your PS Series snapshot capabilities with your backup application for centralized backup management.
• Data Migration, to facilitate a well planned migration from an existing storage entity (DAS, SAN, NAS) to the newly implemented EqualLogic SAN. Dell uses standard tools, a proven methodology and expert consultants to mitigate associated risk and minimize downtime.
• EqualLogic Quick Start is a post implementation 2 day, on-site engagement that helps guide customers with best practice recommendations and accelerate the adoption of the feature-rich EqualLogic software portfolio.

Dell Infrastructure Services
Dell infrastructure services are designed to help customers automate and centrally configure, deploy, and manage their day-to-day end user computing and data center operations. These services extend a customer's existing on-premise IT infrastructure with off-premise cloud services designed to better address challenges with mobility, highly distributed organizations, security, compliance, business continuity, and disaster preparedness.

• Deploy – Dell offers on-site installation of all Dell EqualLogic SAN solutions.
• Operate – Dell can help optimize your storage, backup and virtual environments by focusing on remote monitoring, reporting and alerts, along with full remote management for storage and backup, freeing up IT resources.
• Protect – Dell Data Center Backup Management services are available to assist you with reporting to help refine SLA requirements, to provide monitoring to improve process efficiency or for the full management of your backup environment.

Documentation:

Dell EqualLogic Array Software Datasheet (.PDF)