The Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools for Microsoft (HIT/Microsoft) v4.0 has been officially released, significantly enhancing integration capabilities between EqualLogic PS Series arrays and Microsoft platforms. This latest version aims to provide consistent data protection, performance optimization, and streamlined management for Microsoft host systems and applications.
Key Features of HIT/Microsoft v4.0
- HIT Groups: The introduction of HIT Groups supports centralized management and data protection across multiple Microsoft hosts from a single server. This feature allows for easy creation and management of Smart Copies and schedules, with automatic installation of Host Integration Tools on new hosts added to a HIT Group.
- Enhanced Support for Cluster Shared Volumes (CSV): Users can now manage Smart Copies of CSVs more efficiently, with the capability to protect all virtual machines on a CSV through a single snapshot, simplifying the restoration process.
- Improved User Interface: The redesigned ASM/ME GUI includes a dashboard that provides a comprehensive overview of managed hosts, volumes, iSCSI connections, and more, coupled with various usability enhancements.
- Remote Installation and Upgrade: Facilitated via a PowerShell script or the ASM/ME Add Hosts wizard, remote installation, and upgrades of Host Integration Tools have become more time-efficient, especially beneficial in large-scale deployments.
- PowerShell Tools Enhancements: New cmdlets expand management capabilities, including options to configure PS Group access to LDAP servers, and to manage iSCSI connections and replicas.
- Proactive Alerts: Expanded email alerts for scheduled tasks and proactive visual notifications in the ASM GUI help identify potential issues early.
- Volume-Based Collections Enhancements: New controls allow users to specify Smart Copy schedule behaviors in dynamic database environments, improving flexibility in data protection strategies.
Additional Resources
The HIT/Microsoft v4.0 release represents a major advancement in integrating Dell EqualLogic storage solutions with Microsoft environments, offering enhanced control, performance optimization, and user-centric management capabilities.
