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Dell Unity OE version 4.1 introduces the ability to natively import data from an existing VNX1 or VNX2 storage system to a Dell Unity system. This ability provides greater ease of use and simplicity for customers looking to refresh their storage platforms. For Block data import, Dell Unity uses the existing SAN Copy capabilities on the VNX series to copy over LUNs, LUN Groups, and VMFS Datastores with a simple setup and workflow. SAN Copy license must be enabled on the VNX system for the block import sessions. The Unity Native File Import feature provides a native option for file migration to Unity from a VNX1 or VNX2 system. NFS import was added in OE version 4.1, CIFS (SMB) in OE version 4.2, and multiprotocol import in OE version 5.1. For File import, users can import VDMs from VNX1 or VNX2 systems on Dell Unity storage systems which are translated to NAS Servers in the File page. The Import page, as shown in Figure 8, helps the user through the workflow needed to setup an import session including setting up interfaces, system connections, and finally configuring import sessions. This step-by-step process makes for a smooth user experience of configuring import sessions. It helps provide an easier path to import data directly from the system instead of having to use a host-based copy service to move data from one system to another.
As of Dell Unity OE version 4.1, the system provides the ability to relocate local block resources to different pools on the system. Thus, users can balance resources across pools if certain pools are being overutilized or underutilized.
For more information about migration technologies, see the Dell Unity: Migration Technologies white paper.
In Dell Unity OE version 4.4, SAN Copy Pull is introduced. SAN Copy Pull, a feature which exists in other Dell midrange products, allows a user to migrate data to a Dell Unity system from Block resources residing on non-Dell Unity systems. The Dell Unity system acts as a host and reads the data from the source storage resource and writes it to the destination volume. The transfer of data from the source system can be completed over iSCSI or Fibre Channel, depending on the connectivity options on the source and destination systems. During the migration, no host connectivity on the source resource is allowed because changes on the source are not tracked. Once the migration is complete, host access can be configured and application I/O can resume to the Dell Unity system.
For more information about SAN Copy Pull, see the Dell Unity: Migration Technologies white paper.