PowerStore: Lifecycle Management with Virtual Storage Integrator
Thu, 05 Oct 2023 14:39:06 -0000
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The integrated lifecycle management is available starting with virtual storage integrator (VSI) version 10.3. The plugin will upload the code, perform a health check, and update the PowerStore system. PowerStore code version 3.0 or later will be needed to take advantage of this capability.
This blog provides a quick overview of how to deploy Dell VSI and how to perform non-disruptive upgrades of PowerStore systems with the VSI plug-in in vCenter.
Components of VSI
VSI consists of two components—a virtual machine (VM) and a plug-in for vCenter that is deployed when VSI is registered for the vCenter. The VSI 10.3 open virtual appliance (OVA) template is available on the Dell Technologies support website and is supported with vSphere 6.7 U2 (and later) through 8.0.x for deployments with an embedded platform services controller (PSC).
This chart shows VSI supported areas of operation for PowerStore:
Deployment
A deployed VSI VM needs 3.7 GB (thin) or 16 GB (thick) space on a datastore and is deployed with two vCPUs and 16 GB RAM. The VSI VM must be deployed on a network with access to the vCenter server and PowerStore.
When the VM is deployed and started, you can access the plug-in management with https://<VSI-IP>.
Register VSI plug-in in vCenter
A wizard helps you register the plug-in in a vCenter. Initial setup only requires that you set the VSI password for the internal database and supply the vCenter address with username/password. Multiple vCenters can be registered if they are in a linked mode group.
After the VSI VM is configured, it takes a few minutes for the VM to come online.
From the Dell VSI dashboard, select Storage Systems and the + sign to add the PowerStore system.
Perform a non-disruptive upgrade
VSI lifecycle management of PowerStore provides the following benefits:
- Upload the code bundle from the local device to PowerStore from the VSI plug-in to vCenter.
- Run a precheck after the bundle has been uploaded from the VSI plug-in to vCenter.
- Run the upgrade with the uploaded bundle from the VSI plug-in to vCenter.
The non-disruptive upgrade process with the VSI plug-in requires three steps:
- Upload the code bundle.
- Complete a pre-upgrade health check.
- Perform a code upgrade.
To perform the non-disruptive upgrade, do the following:
- From the Dell VSI dashboard, select the PowerStore system.
- After selecting the PowerStore system, select the Upgrades tab.
3. Under the Upgrades tab, select Upload package.
4. After uploading the code, select Run Health Check.
5. When the health check completes, kick off the upgrade process and monitor the status until complete.
Conclusion
Dell PowerStore extends the boundaries of mid-range storage with unmatched capabilities for enterprise storage. PowerStore integrates seamlessly with the VSI plugin. This system integration enables the orchestration necessary to deliver non-disruptive, streamlined PowerStore updates from within VMware vCenter.
Author: Jason Gates