A data storage system is a set of hardware and software tools designed to store, manage and provide access to data.
Storage system is one of the key elements of the system in the data center. As a rule, it is located in the highest performance part of the network core and provides data storage for all its key services.
With a distributed infrastructure, the storage system also has the task of synchronizing data between all locations. Accounting allows all services that run on top of the storage to function correctly within the network. And if virtualization tools are used in the data center, then a data storage system is necessary to ensure the functioning of the virtual infrastructure. In addition, the storage system forms the basis for most fault-tolerant systems and backup options. Thanks to it, the risk of server failure is reduced, and multiple backups are stored to the extent required by state-of-the-art data centers.
To make it comfortable for users of the DCImanager platform to work with multi-vendor server equipment, including that with a geographically infrastructure, we have implemented a storage support module. With its help, data center operators, system administrators, and DevOps engineers will be able to keep track of data storage systems both in the rack and in the warehouse, as well as take into account their switching between themselves and other server equipment through the DCImanager platform interface or through the API. The module allows customers to work without installing additional software, as well as storage monitoring and accounting systems from different manufacturers.
To fully work with the new module, you need to have DCImanager with the Infrastructure license and update the product to the latest version. In addition, the storage module is dependent on the inventory management module, which must be activated before starting work.
The module will become available later for DCImanager users with the Hosting license.
More about features that are available to users.
Inventory and component management
The module allows you to take into account the main storage components, including chassis, controllers, I/O modules, disks, power supplies, and cache modules. This takes into account both the inventory that is already in operation and the components that are in the warehouse. This is possible by connecting inventory management module.
In the future, it is planned to configure the interaction and accounting of other, more specific modules: the offload module, the sas bridge, as well as expansion cards for various highly specialized protocols.
Flexible switching and connection system
DCImanager takes into account all storage connections: ports on the chassis, controllers, and external switches, dividing them into two types: “management” and “data”. The module also monitors complex connection patterns, such as direct server connections to storage, connection of storage to expansion disk shelves, and fault-tolerant HA pairs (pairs of controllers that are used synchronously in active/active mode).
Monitoring and integration with Grafana
DCImanager automatically collects metrics from storage inventory and transmits them to the integrated Grafana monitoring system through special data processors. Grafana collects data on energy consumption, temperature, CPU controller usage, disk status, and other critical parameters. These include:
- health status of disks, controllers, power supply units;
- availability of power supply and consumption rate;
- utilization of controller resources;
- status of up/down links;
- load on disk groups, pools, and volumes.
The exact list of parameters depends on the type and capabilities of the specific storage model. We are currently working on both adding support for new models and expanding the list of metrics.
The storage support module is being actively developed. In future releases, we will add customization of notifications, history details, the ability to work with custom fields similar to servers, as well as automation of manual operations with storage. The DCImanager team also plans to add Fibre Channel network accounting, monitoring, and switch management.
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To install the storage module, go to the main page of the platform's web interface and click “Modules”. Then go to the storage module card and select “Install”.
Find out more about working with the module in our documentation.
