Now Available - PowerPath 5.7 SP2 for Windows

Sean,

what does it mean, will  PowerPath now support that specific array ? If yes, any restrictions/limitations ?

LAM = Loadable Array Module.

Neil,

what does LAM mean ?

• Native LAM support for NetApp storage arrays FAS2240

Dynamox,

I think it's technically similar, in that both products have a pluggable architecture. But VMware exposes their multipathing APIs so that third party vendors can write their own SATPs, whereas EMC does not expose a PowerPath API for this purpose; we write our own LAMs for both EMC and third-party arrays. I'm not sure what the future plans are for increasing third party array support.

Thanks,

- Sean

Dynamox,

Sorry, I should have elaborated instead of just expanding the acronym   PowerPath LAMs are like pluggable, optional drivers that allow PP to manage particular array types. For example, there's a Symmetrix LAM (installed by default) that allows PP to recognize Symm devices and includes the Symm-specific path policies. Likewise the Invista LAM (typically not installed by default) does the same thing for VPLEX or Invista devices. The new NetApp LAM allows PP to manage NetApp FAS2240 arrays. Prior to this version, PowerPath for Windows did not support managing NetApp devices.

Thanks,

- Sean

Thank you Sean.  So is this EMC's plan to "open" PowerPath support for more 3rd party storage vendors ? Similar to what VMware does with its pluggable storage architecture ?

ahh..i see. I am surprised more customers do not ask for more support of 3rd party arrays. I used to work in a shop where we had HDS, Symm and StorageTek all presented to the same host a once (long story why, corporate politics ) . So this was multipathing hell where each vendor had their own failover software.

Is PowerPath Encryption with RSA is supported on Windows Server 2012 R2?

Yes, PP Encryption is supported on Windows 2012 R2 with PP 5.7 SP2.

Regards

Javier Soriano

PowerPath Corporate Systems Engineer

So if I read this correctly, PP support is specific to the 2240?

I have a customer with a 3240, and they are currently using the NetApp DSM....we are in the process of deploying a VNX with iSCSI connectivity, and need to connect a W2K3 host....using the MS iSCSI Sw adapter....

I was advised that I had to install PP to provide the multipathing, but I am concerned how this will impact the current connectivity to the NetApp.

Thanks!

KEith

Hi,

Yes, it's specific to FAS 2240. Also, PowerPath doesn't support co-existence with Netapp DSM.

Is this situation (connecting to both Netapp and VNX) going to be permanent? If not, I would suggest using Microsoft's MPIO to access the VNX until the Netapp array is removed, and then install PowerPath.

Regards

Javier Soriano

PowerPath Corporate Systems Engineer

It will only be a temporary situation until the data migration is completed.

Thanks for the assistance.

Has it been tested with Failover Clustering in 2012 R2? Supported?

Yes, 2012R2 MSFC is supported with 5.7SP2.  This is confirmed in the support matrix.  Documentation updates have been requested.