Manage a Dell Storage With System Center VMM 2012

Troubleshooting

Managing Dell EqualLogic Storage Arrays with Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) 2012 SP1 introduces significant flexibility by supporting SMI-S and SMP providers for storage management. As IT professionals look to integrate storage solutions effectively within existing System Center environments, understanding the nuances of Dell’s storage offerings and their interoperability with VMM is crucial.

Key Considerations for Integrating Dell EqualLogic with VMM 2012 SP1

  • SMI-S and SMP Providers: System Center VMM 2012 SP1 expands support to include SMP providers, enhancing the management capabilities for Dell’s storage families beyond what was available in VMM 2012. IT administrators should ensure their storage arrays are compatible with these providers for optimal integration.
  • Compatible Storage Arrays: While the PowerVault MD3xxx series was originally supported through SMI-S, VMM 2012 SP1’s inclusion of SMP support may offer new opportunities for managing other Dell storage systems. IT professionals should verify compatibility for a streamlined setup process.
  • System Center Fabric Integration: VMM allows you to incorporate storage management within the System Center fabric, aligning with broader data management and virtualization strategies. This integration is beneficial for maintaining synchronized operations across virtual machines and storage resources.

Steps to Configure Dell EqualLogic with VMM 2012 SP1

  1. Review Compatibility: Before proceeding, consult the Dell EqualLogic compatibility matrix to confirm your storage array supports either SMI-S or SMP providers. This step ensures that the configuration will work as expected within your existing infrastructure.
  2. Install Required Providers: If your storage array supports it, ensure that the appropriate SMI-S or SMP provider is installed and configured correctly. This provider acts as the intermediary between your storage hardware and the System Center VMM.
  3. Configure VMM Settings: Access the VMM console to configure storage settings. Under the storage section, add and configure your storage array by specifying the necessary credentials and provider details.
  4. Validate Integration: After configuration, conduct tests to validate that the storage array is recognized within VMM. Check for the ability to manage and allocate storage resources as required.

Benefits of Integration

Integrating Dell EqualLogic storage with System Center VMM 2012 SP1 delivers several operational efficiencies, including centralized storage management, enhanced performance through optimized resource allocation, and streamlined workflows across your virtual environment. By leveraging this integration, IT administrators can ensure that storage resources are used efficiently and service availability is maintained across the enterprise.

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