Linux with zSeries and ESS: Essentials

Chapter 4. IBM TotalStorage and ESS 39

most significant facets of the Seascape architecture strategy is the use of server technology

within the storage system. The integration of actual server computers (SMPs) into the ESS

helps reduce the need for expensive custom components, and also increases reliability

through the use of proven server and operating system technologies.

The diagram in Figure 4-2

depicts an ESS Model 800, and all of its major components. At the

top of the frame are the disk drives modules (DDMs), and immediately under them are the

processor drawers that hold the cluster symmetrical multiprocessors (SMPs). Just below the

processor drawers are the I/O drawers that hold the SSA device adapters that connect the

SSA loops. Just below the I/O drawers are the host adapter bays that hold the host adapters.

At the bottom of the frame are the AC power supplies and batteries.

Between the two cages of DDMs is an operator panel that includes an emergency power

switch, local power switch, power indicator lights, and message/error indicator lights.

For larger configurations, the ESS base enclosure attaches to an Expansion Enclosure rack

that is the same size as the base ESS, and stands next to the ESS base frame.

Figure 4-2 ESS Model 800 major components

4.3.2 ESS features and benefits

The ESS set a new standard for storage servers back in 1999 when it was first available, and

since then it has evolved into the third-generation ESS Model 800. The IBM TotalStorage

Enterprise Storage Server Model 800 introduces important changes that dramatically improve

the overall value of the ESS and provide a strong base for strategic Storage Area Network

(SAN) initiatives.

SMP Processors and

Cache

SSA Device Adapters

Host Adapters

Cages and disk drives

Main Power Supplies

Batteries

40 Linux with zSeries and ESS - Essentials

Storage consolidation

The ESS attachment versatility and large capacity enable data from different platforms to be

consolidated onto a single high performance, high availability box. Storage consolidation can

be the first step towards server consolidation, reducing the number of boxes you have to

manage, and allowing you to flexibly add or assign capacity when needed. The IBM

TotalStorage Enterprise Storage Server supports all the major operating systems platforms,

from the complete set of IBM series of e-business servers and IBM NUMA-Q®, to

the non-IBM Intel-based servers, and the different variations of UNIX, including Linux, as

shown in Figure 4-3.

Figure 4-3 IBM TotalStorage Enterprise Storage Server for storage consolidation

With a total capacity of up to 55 TB, and a diversified host attachment capability, SCSI,

ESCON®, and Fibre Channel/FICON™ (the ESS Model 800) provide outstanding

performance while consolidating the storage demands of the heterogeneous set of server

platforms that must be dealt with nowadays.

Performance

Key features that characterize the performance enhancements of the ESS Model 800 are:

򐂰 The ESS Model 800, with the optional Turbo feature for the SMP processors, is capable of

delivering 2.5 times the throughput of its predecessor Model F20.

򐂰 64 Gb cache supports much larger system configurations and increases hit ratios, driving

down response times.

򐂰 Double the internal bandwidth provides high sequential throughput for digital media,

business intelligence, data warehousing, and life science application.

IBM S/390

eServer zSeries 900

AS/400

Other

Intel-based

Windows

NT Servers

Sun

Enterprise

Storage Server

SerialDisk and

IBM 7133 Serial Disk

S/390: Count-Key-Data

Remote mnagement with

IBM TotalStorage ESS Specialist

IBM TotalStorage ESS Expert

HP 9000

IBM

RS/6000

and

pSeries

Network

Other platforms:

Fixed Block

DG

Linux

IBM PC

Server

Netfinity