User's Manual

Overview 5
Overview
About HP SSA
HP SSA is the main tool for configuring arrays on HP Smart Array controllers. It exists in three interface
formats: the HP SSA GUI, the HP SSA CLI, and HP SSA Scripting. All formats provide support for
configuration tasks (on page 6). Some of the advanced tasks are available in only one format.
The diagnostic features in HP SSA are also available in the standalone software HP Smart Storage
Administrator Diagnostics Utility CLI (on page 112).
Starting with HP SSA and ProLiant Gen8 servers and server blades, HP SSA is accessible both offline and
online:
• Accessing HP SSA in the offline environment (on page 10)
Using one of multiple methods, you can run HP SSA before launching the host operating system. In
offline mode, users can configure or maintain detected and supported ProLiant devices, such as
optional Smart Array controllers and integrated Smart Array controllers. Some HP SSA features are only
available in the offline environment, such as setting the boot controller and boot volume.
• Accessing HP SSA in the online environment (on page 14)
This method requires an administrator to download the HP SSA executables and install them. You can
run HP SSA online after launching the host operating system.
Benefits of using HP SSA
HP Smart Storage Administrator is an advanced utility that enables you to perform many complex
configuration tasks. Previously, other HP configuration utilities, including Array Configuration Utility and
Option ROM Configuration for Arrays, were recommended for storage configuration.
Although ACU is still supported, HP SSA replaces it starting with HP ProLiant Gen8 servers.
There are many GUI differences between ACU and HP SSA. Some of the main differences include the
following:
• The tabs in ACU are integrated into the new HP SSA Configure menu.
• The 2-panel format in ACU is replaced with a 3-panel format in HP SSA.
• HP SSA includes a quick navigation menu, to access configuration or diagnostics options for a specific
controller.
• With an HP Smart Array Gen8 or later controller, most options do not require an SAAP license.
• HP SSA does not include a Wizards feature.
• HP SSA includes a stand-alone CLI diagnostics utility ("HP Smart Storage Administrator Diagnostics
Utility CLI" on page 112).
HP SSA provides full-range support for standard and advanced configuration tasks ("Support for
configuration tasks" on page 6). Some of these advanced tasks are not available in all HP SSA interface
formats (GUI, CLI, and Scripting).