Performance Monitoring; Fault Prediction; Array Diagnostics Utility; Summary - HP 273914-B21 - Smart Array 6404/256 RAID Controller Technology Brief

Performance monitoring

HP SIM gives administrators a window to look at low-level performance characteristics of Smart Array
controllers in the environment. It monitors three basic Smart Array controller performance parameters
for proactive storage subsystem management:
• I/O commands per second
• Average command latency
• Local processor utilization
Analyzing these key parameters can assist administrators in fine tuning configurations for
performance. HP SIM can graphically chart performance over time for each of these parameters.

Fault prediction

A background task monitors several key drive parameters and notifies HP SIM if a drive fails to meet
certain factory-preset criteria. HP SIM alerts the administrator to the potential problem.

Array Diagnostics Utility

The HP Array Diagnostics Utility (ADU) is an in-depth diagnostic and reporting utility for all Smart
Array controllers. The ADU quickly identifies problems such as incorrect versions of firmware,
improperly installed drives, inappropriate error rates, and failed batteries on the array accelerator
board.
The ADU displays a detailed analysis of the system configuration. If the cause is not apparent, the
ADU can generate a full report for administrators to fax or e-mail to HP customer service for phone
support.

Summary

HP Smart Array controllers are powerful I/O solutions for today's most demanding network data
storage requirements. Smart Array controller technology combines an advanced feature set and full-
spectrum, hardware-based fault management with exceptional performance characteristics.
Smart Array controllers provide solutions for all four primary data storage requirements: capacity
growth, high performance, data availability, and manageability. Smart Array controllers represent
patented HP technology and continue the HP commitment to providing the most complete and
advanced storage solutions for server customers.
HP is the only server provider with a seamless storage solution set that spans the range from
embedded Smart Array controllers in servers to plug-in PCI Smart Array controllers to SAN-attached
MSA storage. The tools used for managing and configuring storage are the same in all of those
environments. Data sets are compatible across all of those environments. The HP universal drive
strategy allows customers to easily migrate data from DAS to SAN.
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