PlateSpin Forge 2.5 supports existing external storage solutions, such as Storage Area Network (SAN) implementations. Both Fibre Channel and iSCSI solutions are supported. SAN support for Fibre Channel and iSCSI HBAs allows a Forge appliance to be connected to a SAN array. You can then use SAN-array LUNs (Logical Units) to store workloads and workload recovery points. Using Forge with a SAN improves flexibility, efficiency, and reliability.
Each SAN product has its own nuances and differences that do not migrate from one hardware manufacturer to the next. This is especially true when considering how these products connect and interact with a Management VM. As such, specific configuration steps for each possible environment and context are beyond the scope of this guide.
The best place to find this type of information is from your hardware vendor or your SAN product sales representative. Many hardware vendors have support guides available describing these tasks in detail. You can find a wealth of information at the following sites:
The VMware Documentation Web site .
The Fibre Channel SAN Configuration Guide discusses the use of ESX Server with Fibre Channel storage area networks.
The iSCSI SAN Configuration Guide discusses the use of ESX Server with iSCSI storage area networks.
The VMware I/O Compatibility Guide lists the currently approved HBAs, HBA drivers, and driver versions.
The VMware Storage/SAN Compatibility Guide lists currently approved storage arrays.
The VMware Release Notes give information about known issues and workarounds.
The VMware Knowledge Bases have information on common issues and workarounds.
The following vendors provide storage products that have all been tested by VMware:
3PAR*: http://www.3par.com
Bull: http://www.bull.com (FC only)
Compellent: http://www.compellent.com
Dell*: http://www.dell.com
EMC*: http://www.emc.com
EqualLogic*: http://www.equallogic.com (iSCSI only)
Fujitsu*/Fujitsu Siemens: http://www.fujitsu.com and http://www.fujitsu-siemens.com
HP*: http://www.hp.com
Hitachi*/Hitachi Data Systems (HDS): http://www.hitachi.com and http://www.hds.com (FC only)
IBM*: http://www.ibm.com
NEC*: http://www.nec.com (FC only)
Network Appliance (NetApp*): http://www.netapp.com
Nihon Unisys*: http://www.unisys.com (FC only)
Pillar Data: http://www.pillardata.com (FC only)
Sun Microsystems*: http://www.sun.com
Xiotech*: http://www.xiotech.com (FC only)
You can also learn more about iSCSI by visiting the Storage Networking Industry Association Web site at http://www.snia.org/tech_activities/ip_storage/iscsi/.