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VMware vCenter Site Recovery Manager (SRM) leverages storage array-based replication such as PowerFlex replication to protect virtual machines in VMware vSphere environments. The interaction between VMware SRM and storage array replication is governed through a well-defined set of specifications. These VMware-defined specifications are implemented by the storage array vendor as a lightweight application referred to as the storage replication adapter (SRA).
The PowerFlex SRA enables VMware SRM to interact with the PowerFlex storage environment. It allows VMware SRM to automate storage-based disaster restart operations on PowerFlex. The PowerFlex SRA supports a single mode of replication, asynchronous, on both PowerFlex 3.x and 4.x. This document provides implementation procedures and best practices for automated disaster recovery of VMware environments using PowerFlex, asynchronous replication, the PowerFlex SRA, and SRM.
Note: Examples provided in this guide cover methods for performing various VMware vSphere activities using PowerFlex systems and Dell software. These examples were developed for laboratory testing and may need tailoring to suit other operational environments. Any procedures outlined in this guide should be thoroughly tested before implementing in a production environment.