Ask the Experts: SANs with multiple OSes - Storage Technology Magazine

Ask the Experts: SANs with multiple OSes

Q: We're upgrading a SAN with multiple operating systems (OSes). Should we run a different OS version in each fabric or upgrade both together?


A. Assuming you have separate fabrics, and thus redundant access, you want to isolate the adapter, switch, storage interface port and software from path failure. It would make sense to upgrade one fabric and ensure it's stable with the ability to revert to the previous OS. Even if the hosts usually don't notice the upgrades, there's a chance of that happening. You also need to factor in the interdependencies of the different host bus adapters, as well as interaction with the switches and storage devices.

If you upgrade one path and leave the other at the older version, try to upgrade the other path or fabric to the newer version as soon as possible. From a support and management standpoint, you'll be better off updating both.

--Greg Schulz, founder and senior analyst, StorageIO Group

    Requires Free Membership to View

    Login

    When you register for SearchStorage.com, you’ll also receive targeted emails from my team of award-winning editorial writers. Our goal is to keep you informed on the hottest topics, the latest news and the biggest challenges you face as a storage professional today.

    Rich Castagna, Editorial Director

    By submitting your registration information to SearchStorage.com you agree to receive email communications from TechTarget and TechTarget partners. We encourage you to read our Privacy Policy which contains important disclosures about how we collect and use your registration and other information. If you reside outside of the United States, by submitting this registration information you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. Your use of SearchStorage.com is governed by our Terms of Use. You may contact us at webmaster@TechTarget.com.

This was first published in July 2008