HP HPE0-J68 - HPE Storage Solutions

Graphical user interface, application Description automatically generated

When proposing a StoreOnce solution to a customer transitioning from tape backups, it’s crucial to correctly size the deduplication requirements. OCA (Outcome-based Capacity Analyzer) is the recommended tool for this purpose. OCA helps to predict and size the deduplication storage needs by analyzing the data types and patterns, ensuring that the StoreOnce system is correctly configured to handle the customer’s backup workloads efficiently.

To make the integration of a Windows-based server with an all-flash Nimble array easier, HPE's Connection Manager (Option C) is the recommended tool. Connection Manager simplifies the configuration of iSCSI or Fibre Channel connections between the server and the Nimble storage array. It helps automate the setup process, ensuring that the best practices for connectivity are followed, which results in optimized performance and reliability.

This tool is particularly useful for administrators who may not be storage experts, as it streamlines the complex tasks associated with connecting servers to enterprise-grade storage systems.

References:

HPE Nimble Connection Manager

HPE Storage Integration Tools

For accessing StoreOnce VTL (Virtual Tape Library) targets from Veeam, the recommended protocol is FC (Fibre Channel). FC provides the high throughput and low latency necessary for backup operations, making it ideal for environments where speed and reliability are critical. StoreOnce VTL supports FC as a primary protocol for integrating with backup applications like Veeam.

References:

HPE StoreOnce VTL

Veeam and HPE StoreOnce Integration

In this scenario, the customer is looking to replace their existing environment, which includes servers, MSA storage arrays, and Fibre Channel switches. They are budget-conscious, have limited IT staff, and prefer to move away from Fibre Channel technology. The HPE Nimble dHCI (Option C) is the ideal solution to recommend.

HPE Nimble dHCI offers a converged infrastructure that simplifies management, making it easier for organizations with limited IT resources to maintain their environment. It is designed to be easy to deploy and manage, providing the benefits of both hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) and traditional converged solutions. This solution integrates compute, storage, and networking with advanced data services, and it moves away from Fibre Channel by leveraging iSCSI or Ethernet-based connectivity. The Nimble dHCI also provides excellent performance and reliability at a lower cost, which aligns with the customer’s budget constraints.

References:

HPE Nimble Storage dHCI Overview

HPE Storage Solutions

The HPE MSA 2050 comes with a base set of features, including the ability to create up to 64 snapshots. However, for customers who require more extensive snapshot capabilities as their data services grow, the Advanced Data Services Suite license is the appropriate solution. This license extends the functionality of the MSA, including an increase in the number of snapshots that can be created and managed, thus addressing the customer's concerns about future growth.

References:

HPE MSA 2050 Storage

HPE MSA Advanced Data Services

In StoreOnce Gen4 systems, certain features are included with the system software without requiring additional licenses:

Catalyst: HPE StoreOnce Catalyst is included and provides advanced data reduction and deduplication capabilities, as well as integration with backup software.

VTL/NAS replication: This feature allows replication of Virtual Tape Libraries (VTL) and NAS shares between StoreOnce systems, ensuring data protection and disaster recovery, and it comes standard with the system software.

These features enhance the StoreOnce system's functionality, providing value without additional costs.

References:

HPE StoreOnce Features

StoreOnce Gen4 Technical Specifications

When upgrading from an MSA 2040 to an MSA 2050, the customer can physically move the existing SFF drives to the new MSA 2050 system. However, both systems need to be offline during the process to ensure data integrity and a smooth migration. This approach is efficient for customers using virtual pools, as it allows them to transition to the new hardware without complex data migration processes.

References:

HPE MSA 2050 Overview

HPE MSA Data Migration Guide

For a customer planning to upgrade their HF40 controllers to support additional I/O requirements, upgrading to the HF60 (Option C) is the recommended path. The HPE Nimble HF60 offers enhanced performance, greater scalability, and improved I/O capabilities compared to the HF40. This upgrade ensures that the storage array can handle more demanding workloads and support future growth.

The HF60 model is designed to meet the needs of environments requiring higher performance and capacity, making it suitable for customers looking to expand their infrastructure without a complete overhaul.

References:

HPE Nimble Storage Solutions

HPE Nimble Storage Controller Upgrade Path