HP StorageWorks 1000 Modular Smart Array application note: Migrating to active/active controllers in OpenVMS environments (434885-001, October 2006)

Migrating to active/active controllers in OpenVMS environments 5
Overview
This document outlines the steps required to install new MSA dual-controllers, running active/active
firmware, in an OpenVMS environment. This document also contains the steps required to migrate existing
single or dual controller MSA active/passive firmware configurations to dual controller active/active
configurations in an OpenVMS environment.
NOTE: OpenVMS does not support MSA1500 configurations with active/passive firmware versions. Only
active/active dual controller configurations are supported on OpenVMS for MSA1500. OpenVMS does
support both active/passive and active/active firmware on MSA1000.
Active/active feature set:
• Supports simultaneous I/O processing on the controllers to provide better performance and high
availability.
• Supports explicit controller ownership using the MSA Command Line Interface (CLI).
• Supports implicit LUN failover to the other controller for optimized I/O processing.
• Starting with version 8.3, OpenVMS contains an optimization algorithm that automatically routes I/O
to the optimized path for LUNS on asymmetrical active/active controllers.
Active/active limitations:
• The MSA supports a maximum of 32 LUNs.
Preparing for the migration
IMPORTANT:
• The MSA1500 ships with 4.94 controller firmware. This firmware version is not supported under
OpenVMS and must be upgraded to V7.
• With MSA, HP does not support flashing back from active/active firmware to active/passive firmware.
The result is a loss of the array configuration.
• The controller cache module must be a minimum of 256MB. 128MB is no longer supported.
NOTE: Before proceeding with the upgrade, you must understand the following:
• Single-controller configurations are not supported in active/active environments. Active/active
environments must have two controllers installed in the MSA.
• Currently installed MSA1000 controller firmware must be 4.48 or later.
• During the migration process:
• Do not move the target Fibre Channel cable from one port on a fabric switch to another port.
• Do not change the switch domain.
CAUTION: A full backup of the OpenVMS operating system files and data volumes is highly
recommended before starting the upgrade process. HP is not responsible for data loss incurred during the
upgrade process.