Jeremy Canady. IBM Systems and Technology Group ISV Enablement March 2013

Transcription

1 Introducing the IBM Storage Integration Server An introduction to how the IBM Storage Integration Server provides a new level of simplicity to storage integrations Jeremy Canady IBM Systems and Technology Group ISV Enablement March 2013 Copyright IBM Corporation, 2014

2 Table of contents Abstract...1 Introduction...1 Prerequisites...1 Technology skills prerequisites... 1 Implementation prerequisites... 1 IBM storage systems...1 IBM Storwize family... 1 IBM XIV... 3 IBM System Storage DS8000 series... 3 VMware vsphere...3 IBM Storage Integration Server...3 IBM Storage Integration Server: Architecture...4 Installation...4 Requirements...5 IBM Storage Integration Server and required packages installation... 5 IBM Storage Integration Server management...6 IBM Storage Integration Server command-line tools...6 isis_users... 6 isis_storage_array...6 IBM Storage Integration Server web-based GUI... 6 Adding storage arrays to the IBM Storage Integration Server...7 Configure array credentials... 8 Add storage array to the IBM Storage Integration Server... 8 VASA configuration Summary...13 Resources...14 Trademarks and special notices...15

3 Abstract This white paper provides an introduction to the IBM Storage Integration Server and explains the benefits provided by the design. Additionally, an overview of the installation, configuration, and key management points are covered. The IBM Storage Integration Server provides a centralized point of integration with independent software vendors (ISVs) and IBM storage systems. The target audience for this paper is system administrators looking to improve the ISV integration with IBM storage. Introduction Integration between management, automation, and hardware systems is becoming a requirement to support the emergence of software-defined environments. For software-defined environments to provide benefit, they must be capable of understanding and managing all the components of the infrastructure, including storage. On a smaller scale, other software solutions are looking for similar integration points into the storage systems. Providing support for a wide range of storage systems with an even wider range of integration points can become problematic. The IBM Storage Integration Server has been designed to solve these problems. This paper provides an overview of how the IBM Storage Integration Server functions and its configuration, and how IBM Storage Integration Server can be used to provide a simpler management experience. Prerequisites To successfully understand and implement the IBM Storage Integration Server, the reader must be familiar with several technologies in addition to completing the following prerequisites. Technology skills prerequisites Linux command-line familiarity IBM Storwize management (optional) IBM XIV Storage System management (optional) VMware vcenter Server management and administrator (optional) Implementation prerequisites Virtual machine or physical server running a compatible Linux distribution IBM XIV or IBM Storwize storage system configured and operational IBM storage systems IBM provides a range of storage systems designed to meet challenges. IBM storage systems support a range of advanced storage functionality such as IBM Real-time Compression, automated tiering, storage virtualization, and thin provisioning. These advanced functions combined with the performance and reliability expected of an IBM solution result in better system performance and lower IT costs. IBM Storwize family The IBM Storwize family consists of a set of virtualized storage systems designed to reduce cost, simplify management, provide cost saving advanced functionality, and be highly scalable. To meet these 1

4 challenges, IBM offers a range of storage systems running on the same core Storwize code base to meet challenges. IBM System Storage SAN Volume Controller IBM System Storage SAN Volume Controller (SVC) provides a modular and highly scalable storage virtualization solution. SVC allows customers a single point of management for all the storage in their IT infrastructure. SVC also augments the virtualized storage systems by providing advanced storage features such as Real-time Compression and automated tiering to name a few. For additional information about IBM SVC, refer to the following URL: ibm.com/systems/storage/software/virtualization/svc/ IBM Storwize V7000 The IBM Storwize V7000 storage system provides block storage enhanced with enterprise-class features to midrange customer environments. The Storwize V7000 storage system can scale up to 240 drivers per control enclosure. Additionally, up to four control enclosures can be clustered, allowing the Storwize V7000 to scale up to 906 drives. For additional information about the IBM Storwize V7000, refer to the following URL: ibm.com/systems/storage/disk/storwize_v7000/index.html IBM Storwize V7000 Unified The IBM Storwize V7000 storage system combines the block storage capabilities of the Storwize V7000 system with advanced file storage capabilities to form a single system for greater ease of management and efficiency. The IBM Storwize V7000 Unified disk system contains the same 2U drive enclosures of the Storwize V7000 system and two 2U file modules. For additional information about the IBM Storwize V7000 Unified disk system, refer to the following URL: ibm.com/systems/storage/disk/storwize_v7000/index.html IBM Flex System V7000 Storage Node IBM Flex System V7000 Storage Node is a high-performance block-storage solution that has been designed to integrate directly with IBM Flex System. The IBM Flex System V7000 Storage Node provides advanced storage capabilities, such as IBM System Storage Easy Tier, IBM Real-Time Compression, thin provisioning, and more. For more information the IBM Flex System V7000 Storage Node, refer to the following URL: ibm.com/systems/flex/storage/v7000/index.html IBM Storwize V5000 The IBM Storwize V5000 system provides cost-efficient midrange storage. Built from the same technology as IBM SVC and IBM Storwize V7000, the IBM Storwize V5000 system offers advanced storage features in a cost-conscious package. For additional information about the IBM Storwize V5000 system, refer to the following URL: ibm.com/systems/hk/storage/disk/storwize_v5000/index.html 2

5 IBM Storwize V3700 The IBM Storwize V3700 system is an entry-level storage system designed for ease of use and affordability. Built from the same technology used in all of the Storwize family, the Storwize V3700 system offers some of the advanced features that can be found in other Storwize models. For more information about the IBM Storwize V3700 system, refer to the following URL: ibm.com/systems/storage/disk/storwize_v3700/index.html IBM XIV The IBM XIV Storage System is an enterprise class disk storage system designed to provide hotspot-free high performance with extreme ease of use. The XIV system features a grid design that allows automated tuning to provide peak performance without administrator intervention. Designed for five nines (99.999%) reliability, the XIV system provided peace of mind with its self-healing and rebuilds within an hour. For additional information about the IBM XIV Storage System, refer to the following URL: ibm.com/systems/storage/disk/xiv/index.html IBM System Storage DS8000 series The IBM System Storage DS8000 series is an enterprise-class disk system designed to provide enterprise-class performance, reliability, flexibility, and efficiency. The IBM System Storage DS8870 system is capable of scaling up to 2 PB, providing advanced storage features such as Easy Tier and is designed for near-continuous data access with over five nines availability. For additional information about the IBM System Storage DS8000 series, refer to the following URL: ibm.com/systems/storage/disk/ds8000/index.html VMware vsphere VMware vsphere is a virtualization platform capable of transforming a traditional data center, consisting of industry-standard hardware, into a shared mainframe-like environment. Through the use of virtualization technology, hardware resources are abstracted into pools which might be allocated to a variety of workloads. VMware vsphere is the core enabling technology of VMware s software defined environment. IBM Storage Integration Server The IBM Storage Integration Server is a centralized service platform that provides a consolidated method for IBM storage system monitoring, automation, and provisioning. This centralized and standardized location is an optimal platform for ISV frameworks and platforms to integration with a diverse range of IBM storage systems. At the time of publishing this paper, IBM Storage Integration Server supports storagelevel integration into VMware vsphere through the VMware vsphere Web Client and VMware APIs for Storage Awareness (VASA). The IBM Storage Integration Server provides the foundation for integration with future IBM storage systems and ISV solutions. 3

6 IBM Storage Integration Server: Architecture The IBM Storage Integration Server consists of a Linux server running as either a virtual machine or a physical server. The Linux server runs the ibm_storage_integration_server service that acts as an intermediary between IBM storage systems and ISV frameworks or platforms. By acting as an intermediary, ISV frameworks and platforms have a single standardized administration point for all IBM storage systems. Support for new or updated IBM storage systems can be implemented in the IBM Storage Integration Server without the need to update the current ISV enablement. This results in quicker and more unified support for IBM storage systems. Figure 1 provides a visual overview of the IBM Storage Integration Server solution being used to provide VMware services. As can be seen, VMware vcenter connects to the IBM Storage Integration Server to communicate with the IBM storage systems. Figure 1: Integration of IBM storage systems with a VMware environment Installation Installation and configuration of the IBM Storage Integration Server is a short two part process. After the IBM Storage Integration Server is configured, the ISV enablement features that will be used need to be configured appropriately on each ISV system. This section provides a quick overview of the IBM Storage Integration Server installation process. For detailed instructions, visit the information center at: pic.dhe.ibm.com/infocenter/strhosts/ic/index.jsp?topic=%2fcom.ibm.help.strghosts.doc%2fisishomepage.html 4

7 Requirements Server running a compatible version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) IBM Storage Integration Server compatible web browser Shell access to the server as a privileged user IBM Storage Integration Server installation package IBM Storage Integration Server and required packages installation The IBM Storage Integration Server requires several external components such as PostgreSQL and Nginx. The IBM Storage Integration Server installation package includes RPM files for all the required components at the support version. Perform the following steps to begin the installation process. 1. Extract the contents of the installation package to a convenient working directory. For example /tmp or ~/ and then navigate to the newly extracted folder. # tar xvf ibm_storage_integration_server *.tar.gz # cd./isis_and_prerequisites 2. A new folder, named isis_and_prerequisites, will be created and will contain the following installation RPM files: nginx el6.ngx.x86_64.rpm postgresql pgdg.rhel6.x86_64.rpm postgresql92-contrib pgdg.rhel6.x86_64.rpm postgresql92-libs pgdg.rhel6.x86_64.rpm postgresql92-server pgdg.rhel6.x86_64.rpm uuid el6.x86_64.rpm ibm_storage_integration_server *.rpm IBM Storage Integration Server RPM ibm_storage_integration_server_java_runtime_extension-1.1.0*.rpm DS8000 support RPM 3. Install all RPMs at the same time by issuing the rpm vi *.* command. If you decide to install each RPM individually or you plan to install the dependencies from external sources, ibm_storage_integration_server *.rpm must be installed next to last followed by ibm_storage_integration_server_java_runtime_extension-1.1.0*.rpm if DS8000 support is required. # rpm vi *.* 4. During the installation of the IBM Storage Integration Server service, you need to note a few actions that take place. A new local user account (named isis) is created. This user account is used to run the IBM Storage Integration Server service and to manage the IBM Storage Integration Server locally. A firewall rule is added to allow incoming traffic on port The ibm_storage_integration_server service is configured to automatically start. 5

8 IBM Storage Integration Server management IBM Storage Integration Server provides two methods for management: local server command-line tools and a web-based GUI. The command-line tool is primarily required only during initial setup and troubleshooting. The web-based GUI provides functionality for all normal tasks. IBM Storage Integration Server command-line tools The IBM Storage Integration Server command-line tools provide administrators the ability to perform more advanced tasks that are generally needed only in troubleshooting situations. In addition to the IBM Storage Integration Server specific command line tools, you will also notice some tools specific to the various frameworks supported. Details regarding a few key command-line tools are provided in this section. isis_users isis_users provides full management of user accounts within IBM Storage Integration Server. Although management can be performed through the local system account name isis, normal management tasks should be done through the web-based GUI using accounts defined in the IBM Storage Integration Server. These accounts are stored internal to the IBM Storage Integration Server and have no reference to the local system accounts. isis_storage_array isis_storage_array provides the basic management functions needed to manage storage arrays attached to the IBM Storage Integration Server such as adding or removing an array. A helpful feature to note is the list option which will not only list all the storage arrays but also the elapsed time since they were updated. This can be useful if you believe there are communication issues between the IBM Storage Integration Server and a storage array. #isis_storage_array list Array Alias Array Identifier Management IP Add Elapsed time since ISV7K A120008C minutes ISV7K A minutes ISVNGP1NTZ AA minutes IBM Storage Integration Server web-based GUI The IBM Storage Integration Server web-based GUI is the primary means of managing the IBM Storage Integration Server. It provides users an intuitive interface for attaching storage arrays, configuring ISV feature connectivity, and managing user accounts. To log in to the IBM Storage Integration Server GUI, navigate to: using a supported web browser. A login prompt (as shown in Figure 2) opens. Logging in to this with the user account that was initially created from the command line will allow for management of the IBM Storage Integration Server. 6

9 Figure 2: ISIS web-based GUI login window After logging in, the main IBM Storage Integration Server GUI is displayed. The GUI consists of a menu bar at the top containing menu items for each of the main components or actions. Additionally, a help menu that provides access to links for support and the ability to collect log information is provided. An example of the GUI is shown in Figure 3. Figure 3: ISIS web-based GUI Adding storage arrays to the IBM Storage Integration Server IBM Storage Integration Server is capable of managing multiple IBM storage systems from a single installation. The single installation allows consumers of IBM Storage Integration Server services, such as VASA, to have a single point of contact for multiple storage systems. This reduces configuration and management complexity. For this to function, all storage systems that IBM Storage Integration Server provides services for must be connected to IBM Storage Integration Server. 7

10 Configure array credentials To add a storage system to the IBM Storage Integration Server, storage array credentials must be defined. After logging in and navigating to the Arrays tab, click Set Credentials (as shown in Figure 4) to configure the login credentials for the storage system. IBM Storage Integration Server uses a single set of credentials to access all storage systems. Administrators need to ensure that proper user accounts exist on all storage systems that connect to the IBM Storage Integration Server. Figure 4: IBM Storage Integration Server Set Credentials button In the Set Credentials dialog box (refer to Figure 5), provide the user name and password that has been configured on all the storage systems. Figure 5: IBM Storage Integration Server set array credentials prompt Add storage array to the IBM Storage Integration Server To add a storage system to the IBM Storage Integration Server, first log in to the IBM Storage Integration Server web GUI and then click the Arrays tab. Click Add in the Storage Arrays section (as shown in Figure 6). 8

11 Figure 6: IBM Storage Integration Server adding a storage array In the Add Array dialog box (as shown in Figure 7), select the appropriate storage system type and then enter the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) or IP address for the storage system. Clicking add will add the storage array to IBM Storage Integration Server. At this point, the IBM Storage Integration Server will automatically start providing VASA information for the supported storage arrays to any registered VMware vcenter servers. Figure 7: IBM Storage Integration Server Add array prompt After the array has been added, the array window displays the basic information regarding the array (refer to Figure 8). Figure 8: IBM Storage Integration Server with storage arrays added 9

12 VASA configuration With the installation of the IBM Storage Integration Server, the VASA provider is automatically installed and is operational. To begin using the VASA provider, two additional steps must be completed. 1. The VASA provider must be registered with any VMware vcenter servers that will be using it. 2. Storage arrays must be added to IBM Storage Integration Server. You can find instructions regarding adding storage arrays in the previous section. Before the VASA provider can be registered with VMware vcenter, a secret must be set. The secret is a user name and password combination that will be used by VMware vcenter to authenticate the VASA provider. The same secret will be used for all connected VMware vcenters. To configure the secret, log in to the VASA web GUI and navigate to the VASA tab. Next, click Change Secret as shown in Figure 9. Figure 9: Option to change VASA secret The Set Secret dialog box (as shown in Figure 10) opens, asking for the secret password and user name. Enter a valid user name and password and then click Set. Figure 10: Setting the secret To register the VASA provider with VMware vcenter, log in to the VMware vcenter Web Client and navigate to the VMware vcenter Management tab. Click the + button to add a storage provider as shown in Figure

13 Figure 11: Adding a storage provider A new configuration window opens asking for the various connectivity parameters. The name can be of the user s choice. One suggestion is to use the FQDN of the IBM Storage Integration Server. In the User name and Password fields, you need to enter the user name and password provided during the VASA secret creation. Finally, the URL parameter is the URL for the IBM Storage Integration Server VASA provider. An example URL is shown in Figure 12. URL: Server FQDN or IP>:8443/services/vasa1 Figure 12: vsphere Web Client new storage provider prompt 11

14 After the provider has been registered and the initial discovery is complete, the Storage Providers tab now displays the storage systems the VASA provider is providing information for. Figure 13 shows the Storage Providers tab after the storage systems have been added to IBM Storage Integration Server. Figure 13: vsphere Web Client Storage Providers tab with the storage systems 12

15 Summary The IBM Storage Integration Server provides a robust platform to support ISV integration with IBM storage systems. IBM Storage Integration Server is a single server that acts as an intermediary between the IBM storage systems and the ISV solutions. This design allows IBM Storage Integration Server to easily provide support for multiple IBM storage systems, quickly support new ISV integrations, and provide a unified management interface for all ISV integrations. 13

16 Resources The following websites provide useful references to supplement the information contained in this paper: IBM Systems on PartnerWorld ibm.com/partnerworld/systems IBM Power Development Platform ibm.com/partnerworld/pdp IBM Redbooks ibm.com/redbooks IBM Publications Center VMware 5.5 Documentation Center 14

17 Trademarks and special notices Copyright IBM Corporation References in this document to IBM products or services do not imply that IBM intends to make them available in every country. IBM, the IBM logo, and ibm.com are trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both. If these and other IBM trademarked terms are marked on their first occurrence in this information with a trademark symbol ( or ), these symbols indicate U.S. registered or common law trademarks owned by IBM at the time this information was published. Such trademarks may also be registered or common law trademarks in other countries. A current list of IBM trademarks is available on the Web at "Copyright and trademark information" at Linux is a trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other countries, or both. Other company, product, or service names may be trademarks or service marks of others. Information is provided "AS IS" without warranty of any kind. All customer examples described are presented as illustrations of how those customers have used IBM products and the results they may have achieved. Actual environmental costs and performance characteristics may vary by customer. Information concerning non-ibm products was obtained from a supplier of these products, published announcement material, or other publicly available sources and does not constitute an endorsement of such products by IBM. Sources for non-ibm list prices and performance numbers are taken from publicly available information, including vendor announcements and vendor worldwide homepages. IBM has not tested these products and cannot confirm the accuracy of performance, capability, or any other claims related to non-ibm products. Questions on the capability of non-ibm products should be addressed to the supplier of those products. All statements regarding IBM future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only. Contact your local IBM office or IBM authorized reseller for the full text of the specific Statement of Direction. Some information addresses anticipated future capabilities. Such information is not intended as a definitive statement of a commitment to specific levels of performance, function or delivery schedules with respect to any future products. Such commitments are only made in IBM product announcements. The information is presented here to communicate IBM's current investment and development activities as a good faith effort to help with our customers' future planning. Performance is based on measurements and projections using standard IBM benchmarks in a controlled environment. The actual throughput or performance that any user will experience will vary depending upon considerations such as the amount of multiprogramming in the user's job stream, the I/O configuration, the storage configuration, and the workload processed. Therefore, no assurance can be given that an individual user will achieve throughput or performance improvements equivalent to the ratios stated here. Photographs shown are of engineering prototypes. Changes may be incorporated in production models. 15

18 Any references in this information to non-ibm websites are provided for convenience only and do not in any manner serve as an endorsement of those websites. The materials at those websites are not part of the materials for this IBM product and use of those websites is at your own risk. 16