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Freedom Storage 7700
Product Specification | Management Software Support
Nonstop, High-performance Storage for Multiple Platforms
Hitachi Data Systems introduced the HDS 7700 Scalable Array in 1995.
This direct access storage device has established an unbeatable track
record in the S/390®-compatible market by delivering nonstop operation,
outstanding high performance, and a wide range of storage management features.
The 7700 packs unprecedented levels of power, throughput, capacity, and
scalability in the smallest of footprints, yielding the lowest overall
cost of operation. With support for disaster recovery and data
migration, performance management and tuning, high-availability
software, and Year 2000-compliance solutions, the 7700 addresses
business-critical storage requirements throughout your enterprise.
HDS extended the proven S/390-compatible strengths of the 7700 to the open systems
environment in February 1997, making a strong commitment to continued
multiplatform development. In June 1997, HDS delivered on that
commitment with significant enhancements to meet the demand for nonstop
high performance across multiple disparate platforms.
Highlights
Multiplatform support
HDS is dedicated to helping you manage the storage of data across
multiple heterogeneous platforms. In February 1997, responding to the
demand for mainframe levels of data stability and integrity for open
systems environments, HDS unveiled a multiphase support plan for the
7700 in multiplatform mode (7700-MP), followed by several enhancements
which further extended the mainframe's proven capabilities to the open
systems environment.
Hitachi Multiplatform Resource Sharing (HMRS): HMRS allows the
7700-MP to be shared between UNIX®- or Windows NT-based servers and
S/390-compatible mainframe platforms.
Hitachi Multiplatform Data Exchange (HMDE): HMDE enables the
transfer of data between platforms using Extended Serial Adapter
Licensed software (ExSA) and SCSI channels.(ExSA is compatible
with IBM's ESCON® protocol.)
Hitachi Multiplatform Backup/Restore (HMBR): HMBR enables the
backup of 7700 UNIX data to attached S/390-compatible systems through standard MVS
backup and recovery packages such as DFDSS or FDR.
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highlights
High-availability middleware
As open systems platforms take on more of the mission-critical workload
traditionally performed by S/390 systems, they must address the need for
host failover and alternate pathing. HDS open systems storage supports
several industry-leading middleware solutions which satisfy this
requirement.
Host Failover: Host failover allows a standby host to take over
control of a primary host's storage and network (in the event of a
failure in the primary host) and restart the primary host's
applications. HDS ensures host-failover support for most open systems
platforms through the following optional middleware:
- VERITAS FirstWatch
supports Sun Solaris on the HDS 5700,
5700E, 6700, and 7700, and SunOS on the HDS 5700E.
- MC/ServiceGuard
provides for alternate host failover on HP
systems and supports up to eight hosts in a high-availability
cluster of HP-UX processors. MC/ServiceGuard supports the HDS 5700,
5700E, 6700, and 7700 in multiplatform mode.
- HACMP for IBM AIX
systems (including the Bull Escala/Estrella series)
supports up to eight AIX hosts in a high-availability cluster. HACMP
supports the HDS 5700, 5700E, 6700, and 7700 in multiplatform mode.
I/O path failover: The SCSI bus between the server and RAID
subsystem is a single point of failure which can result in a complete
loss of data access. Alternate path support enables a LUN to be accessed
through two different SCSI bus addresses. In the event of a failure on
the primary path, the I/O is restarted through the alternate path. Some
platformssuch as HP-UX 10.x and IBM AIX 4.xinclude alternate
path access to a common disk. For Sun Solaris 2.5 and Windows NT
platforms, this capability is provided by Hitachi Path Failover.
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highlights
Scalable performance and capacity
The 7700's completely integrated design results in performance and
throughput that exceed those of competitive subsystems. This translates
into increased batch throughput and reduced end-user response times,
which in turn result in improved end-user productivity.
Intermix options: The 7700's RAID-5+ implementation delivers
performance comparable to that of competitive subsystems while offering
outstanding data protection and availability. Although most customers
will find the RAID-5+ implementation appropriate for their needs, HDS
offers a RAID-1+ option for those whose workloads feature unusually low
cache-hit ratios.
Flexible configurations: The 7700 can be configured as a
high-performance or high-capacity storage solution. You can increase the
7700's storage capacity from a minimum of 45GB to a maximum of 1.6TB.
The nonvolatile cache can be upgraded from 256MB to 8GB, providing
exceptional performance for the widest possible range of applications.
Intelligent caching algorithms: The 7700 utilizes the industry's
most intelligent caching algorithms to improve system performance and
maximize the effectiveness of cache. Record level caching is available,
along with an Intelligent Learning Algorithm which monitors data access
patterns and dynamically alters the staging criteria to ensure the
highest possible hit ratios for randomly accessed data.
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highlights
Continuous availability
The 7700 represents a new generation of RAID product. It is designed not
to be taken off-line for any activityincluding component
replacement, feature and capacity upgrades, or microcode updates.
Advanced service technologies: HDS' approach to service is an
integral part of its commitment to delivering 100-percent data
availability. The following advanced service capabilities help ensure
continuous operation:
- Concurrent maintenance.
HDS performs all maintenance activity
concurrently while continuing to provide you with access to data.
Hardware components (including disk drives) are replaced, features
are added or removed, and microcode is updatedall
nondisruptively.
- Remote maintenance.
Many maintenance activities, such as
diagnostics and microcode updates, can be performed quickly from the
HDS remote support center, via proprietary hardware and/or software
tools, without disrupting your operations.
- Hi-Track® Storage.
This unique HDS predictive maintenance
service maximizes system availability. Hi-Track continuously
monitors the subsystem and automatically transmits collected
hardware status information to an HDS support center. The center
analyzes the information and takes corrective action, where
appropriate, in order to avoid problems that could impact subsystem
throughput or availability.
- SYNTHETIC CHANNEL.
This installation tool emulates
parallel or serial channel protocols and allows customer service
representatives to perform a wide range of installation and support
activities without using your system resources. Once you accept the
equipment, the HDS subsystems are fully operational, ready for
immediate storage of data.
These service technologies are backed by HDS' world-renowned customer
service and support organization. As an HDS customer, you gain the
fastest possible response from expert technical personnel around the
clock, every day of the year.
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highlights
Disaster recovery/business continuance
The 7700 supports synchronous, semi-synchronous, and asynchronous remote
copy to satisfy diverse disaster recovery needs. Hitachi Storage
Management Features allow you to develop comprehensive disaster recovery
solutions by dynamically maintaining a copy of data either locally or
across long distances, using industry-standard channel extenders. You
can also migrate an application from one data center to another without
experiencing lengthy outages.
Hitachi Remote Copy: This proprietary remote copy
feature supports both synchronous and semi-synchronous copy modes, and
offers additional features that further enhance performance. HRC's
synchronous copy mode is functionally compatible with the
industry-standard Peer-to-Peer Remote Copy (PPRC). Non-PPRC operating
systems can run HRC from a PC attached to the 7700's internal LAN, using
HDS Copy Migration Manager software.
Hitachi Extended Remote Copy: This asynchronous
remote copy feature is functionally compatible with the
industry-standard Extended Remote Copy (XRC). HXRC is compatible with
the DFSMS data mover which is common to the XRC environment. HXRC is
available with full industry-standard support.
Available under license and an HDS Services
Agreement.
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highlights
RAB certification
The 7700 has been awarded a Disaster Tolerant Disk System Plus (DTDS+)
rating by the RAID Advisory Board (RAB), a nonprofit organization that
promotes the understanding and utilization of RAID and other storage
technologies. The 7700 was examined in terms of 21 criteria for
protection against loss of access to data caused by various internal or
external failures. A disaster-tolerant disk system is one with two or
more zones, each of which can provide access to all the system's data. A
DTDS+ classification certifies that these two zones can be located at a
distance of ten kilometers or more and that the data updates between the
two zones are synchronized. The two zones contain identical data despite
the physical separation.
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highlights
Hardware-performance monitor
HDS GRAPH-Track is the proprietary graphical user interface
designed to help you gather information about the 7700's hardware
performance. GRAPH-Track displays real-time or historical hardware
performance data in a user-friendly Windows 95 format on a PC attached
to the 7700's internal LAN. It also reports cache statistics (such as
read and write hit ratios), as well as path and S/390 logical device
activity, allowing you to maximize your investment in the 7700. With
GRAPH-Track, you can dynamically change the amount of Duplexed Cache set
aside for write data during operation, thus optimizing performance for
the workload being run. Actions taken to tune the system can be
scheduled automatically, thereby eliminating the need for manual
entries.
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highlights
Data management and performance tuning
Responding to the challenge of managing vast amounts of data while
ensuring optimum storage performance, HDS offers HS-DataTune, a unique
combination of special features, functions, licensed software, and
professional services. Part of Hitachi Storage Management Solutions,
HS-DataTune allows you to manage and tune your 7700 environment for
maximum system throughput while moving data nondisruptively from volume
to volume.
HS-DataTune utilizes GRAPH-Track's reporting and control features,
Hitachi Volume Relocation's nondisruptive data movement functions, HDS
Copy Migration Manager software, and integration
services. Together, these capabilities give you effective control of
your 7700 DASD environment.
Available under license and an HDS Services
Agreement.
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highlights
On-line data migration
The Hitachi On-line Data Migration (HODM) feature plays a critical role
in effecting a safe and successful transfer of data. HODM can migrate
terabytes of data in a matter of hours, while applications are on-line,
not just between 7700 subsystems but between other industry-standard
DASD subsystems and the 7700. HODM provides the utmost in availability,
allowing users to access data continuously throughout the migration
process. Its superior capabilities reduce migration times dramatically,
saving you considerable expense.
HODM supports Model-1, -2, -3, -3R, -9, -E, -J, and -K LVIs, and
migration from EMC, IBM, STK, and Amdahl products to the 7700. HDS also
supports migration from smaller to larger LVIs, which allows you to
transparently convert to a standard LVI. HDS is committed to further
expanding migration support.
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highlights
Year 2000 compliance
HDS customers benefit from a comprehensive set of Year 2000-compliance
solutions designed to help address the century date change problem. The
HDS Run Time eXtensions (RTX) Environment includes the HDS RTX
Time Machine and HDS RTX Time Warp testing features for HDS processors,
and the HiSolve-2000SM offerings include professional services for
assessment, planning, audit, test, and validation of Year 2000 projects.
As part of Hitachi Storage Management Solutions, HDS offers HS-DataPlex,
a flexible and versatile Year 2000 testing package for the 7700 Scalable
Array. HS-DataPlex software relies on the Hitachi Concurrent Processing
Facility (HCPF)a function of HRCto enable nondisruptive
generation of duplicate copies of critical DASD volumes either within or
across 7700 subsystems. The duplicate copies are not restricted by
subsystem size. You can use duplicate copies of critical application
data in Year 2000 testing and development environments.
In addition to helping you address the Year 2000 challenge, HS-DataPlex
brings valuable capabilities to any business situation that calls for
duplicate copies of data or data volumes. Duplicate data volumes can be
used in migrating critical data to other information processing
platforms or in creating a continuous-operation environment.
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highlights
High-performance transaction processing
Responding to the industry's requirements for high-performance
transaction processing, HDS introduced a new 7700-TPF model in June
1997. This model supports IBM's Transaction Processing
Facility/Multi-Path Lock Facility (TPF/MPLF) in either native mode or
under VM. 7700-TPF provides record-level locking, enabling high levels
of concurrent data access across multiple channel paths. The HDS
7700-TPF supports both RAID-1+ and RAID-5+ with 9.2GB disks and 3390-3
or -3R LVI.
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highlights
The best overall cost of storage
The 7700's technology and design result in substantial reductions in
floor-space, power, and cooling requirements, compared to disk
subsystems operations, you realize considerable savings from the
subsystem's scalable growth options. You can tailor configurations to
meet your installation's actual needs, selecting the exact incremental
capacity and performance as required. The 7700 joins a line of Hitachi
storage products that have historically enjoyed the highest residual
values in the industry. HDS is committed to providing new 7700 functions
to existing 7700 customers, thereby delivering another level of
investment protection.
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highlights
Hitachi Data SystemsFor computing as critical as your
business
It is not surprising that Computerworld's April 1997 Buyers Guide Survey
ranks the HDS 7700 Scalable Array the highest in all five evaluation
categoriesoverall satisfaction, hardware quality, service and
support, cost of ownership, and comfort with vendor. The 7700 addresses
the challenge of evolving workloads, multiple disparate platforms, and
nonstop availability requirements. You can share data across multiple
heterogeneous platforms without compromising continuous data
availability. Scalable Architecture and configuration options help you
capitalize on future technology developments, and comprehensive data
management and performance tuning options allow you to optimize your
return on investment. Once again, Hitachi Data Systems delivers the
competitive storage advantage that helps you master your
business-critical computing challenges.
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