Is it fine to allocate storage to a server from two different EMC SAN storage devices.

Hello,

Assigning storage from multiple arrays is quite common.  This holds especially true in migration scenarios.

and multiple vendors too (need to be careful with path management software)

Just be careful with placing data on an array which depends on data on another array. If 1 array is inaccessible, you might end up with quite a challenge!

And don’t use host based striping over multiple arrays.

There are no issues in presenting storage from multiple clariions and symms to the same server. Only if you are using a Stoage array from a different vendor, which is not supported by Powerpath, make sure to present the luns from that third party array through seperate HBAs on the host. Otherwise in case you present those third party arrays not supported by EMC multipathing software Powerpath via the same HBA, the paths for those Devices will not be managed by Powerpath and if you install a thirdparty Multipathing software, it will conflict with Powerpath.

• Please mark this reply 'answered', if this answers your query.

I have not mentioned that they cannot coexist on the same server. I have mentioned certain precautions to be taken if having multiple vendor storage arrays on the same hosts.

Another precaution is that Powerpath should be managing paths to EMC storage devices and the third party multipath software should manage their storage devices.

not true, i have multiple vendor multipath software on the same host and had no issues (RDAC, HDLM)

i read the complete sentence, it's not true. I have HDS and STK arrays presented down the same HBAs. These devices are managed by HDLM and RDAC, no issues.

In windows i have seen multiple issues that are faced. with different Multipathing softwares when devices presented through same HBAs. In all those cases, the solution that worked was presenting the devices via seperate HBAs. For other OS, i do not know since i do not work on other OS.

Please read the complete sentence:-

Otherwise in case you present those third party arrays not supported by EMC multipathing software Powerpath via the same HBA, the paths for those Devices will not be managed by Powerpath and if you install a thirdparty Multipathing software, it will conflict with Powerpath.

SanjeevMalhotra wrote: Powerpath and if you install a thirdparty Multipathing software, it will conflict with Powerpath.

Hmmm..how do you interpret this ?

i have win2k3 servers configured just like that (share same HBA) , so let's be more specific here.

There is a difference between will it work if you do it and is it supported.  I have not seen a vendor come out and say you can share an HBA with different storage vendors; the recommendation I have always been given is that you should use different HBA's.

I have yet EMC to refuse support in this configuration.

Anytime I have seen this brought up the recommendation is to use different HBA's as there may be different HBA settings that the vendors recommend when attached to a storage array.  Keep in mind what does a vendor certify for compatibility, they do not hook up multiple storage vendors on the same HBA.

Will it work if you use one HBA on different arrays, sure it will.  Will a vendor refuse to support you if you do this, probably not.  Just because they dont refuse to support you doesnt mean they support it or recommend you do it.  Refusing a customer support is really a bad decision and could very easily cost you that customer.

RobertDudley wrote:   Refusing a customer support is really a bad decision and could very easily cost you that customer.

and i will take advantage of that. Just because EMC has not tested it does not mean other vendors have not ether.