We has tubez!

FINALLY!
If you’re like me, and you manage EqualLogic Arrays in a VMware vSphere environment, you may have noticed that you couldn’t just upgrade to vSphere 5 if you installed the EqualLogic Multipathing Extension Module (MEM Plugin) in vSphere 4.

Today, Dell has finally released the much anticipated update to their EqualLogic MEM Plugin, which is now compatible with vSphere 5. Note however, when upgrading from ESX 4.x to 5.0, any third party modules will not be transferred to the new operating system. After you have completed the operating system upgrade, you can install the MEM 1.1.0, which supports ESX 5.0.

Here are some documents regarding the new release!
Multipath Extension Module Release Notes V1.1
Installation and User Guide V1.1
Fix List V1.1

And here’s the notes from the download itself outlining the features gained when installing the MEM plugin.

The EqualLogic Multipathing Extension Module (EqualLogic MEM) provides the following enhancements to the standard VMware vSphere multipathing functionality

• Automatic connection management
• Automatic load balancing across multiple active paths
• Increased bandwidth
• Reduced network latency

I wanted to post a quick update for those looking for info on the new series of Equallogic Arrays which will integrate with Dell’s Fluid Data Architecture.

Product Overview

The EqualLogic PS4100 and PS6100 continue the EqualLogic tradition of performance scaling linearly with capacity.  With up to 60% IOPS improvements on typical workloads over previous-generation EqualLogic arrays the new arrays are designed to grow with data demands—all while providing simple management and seamless expansion using innovative Fluid Data™ technology.  PS Series arrays are based on a virtualized modular storage architecture allowing customers to purchase only the storage you need when you need it. PS Series arrays include SAN configuration features and capabilities that sense network connections, automatically build RAID sets, and conduct system health checks.  With the planned August 22, 2011 announcement of EqualLogic PS 4100 and 6100 Series arrays, customers are offered a vast array of choices that scale linearly with capacity to meet their needs using Dell Fluid Data™ technologies.

EqualLogic PS6100 and PS4100

The EqualLogic PS4100 and PS6100 continue the EqualLogic tradition of performance scaling linearly with capacity, providing you with a vast array of choices to meet your customer’s needs. With up to 67% IOPS improvements on typical workloads over previous-generation EqualLogic arrays, the new arrays are designed to grow with data demands—all while providing simple management and seamless expansion using innovative Fluid Data™ technology. PS Series arrays are based on a virtualized modular storage architecture allowing your customers to purchase from you only the storage they need when they need it.

The PS4100 and PS6100 represent the latest in the line of EqualLogic iSCSI storage arrays, both offering significant advances in capacity, performance, and reliability over their predecessors, the PS4000 and PS6000. These new platforms deliver:

• Up to 67% IOPS improvements
• Up to 3x storage pool performance
• Up to 800% density improvement
• Improved network bandwidth and reliability
• Support for 2.5” drives

Hardware Differences

New to the EqualLogic line are 2U and 4U form factors, each providing unique benefits:

• 2U qty 24 2.5” SAS 10k and 15k drives – available with PS4100X, XV, PS6100X, XV, XS, and S
• 2U qty 12 3.5” NLSAS and SAS 15k drives – available with PS4100XV* and E
• 4U qty 12 3.5” NLSAS and SAS 15k drives – available with PS6100XV* and E

Also new is the departure of the standard Xyratex rails in favor of Rapid and Versa Rail options.  Both are now available for square and round-hole rack customers.

Single, non-redundant controller configurations are generally available in each model’s lowest capacity configuration.

Here’s a video briefly describing the new arrays!

Just got an email this morning regarding the immediate availability of PS Series firmware v 5.0.5.

It’s recommended for installation ASAP, so plan accordingly, especially if you’re using replicated volumes!

Issues Corrected in This Version
Changelog & Issues corrected in this version are described below:

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