The 7700E delivers unprecedented performance and capacity to
S/390, UNIX, NT, and multiplatform environments. You can
choose from a broad range of performance/capacity combinations
to fine-tune your system precisely to your requirements. The
7700E's completely scalable and flexible architecture allows you
to add capacity and adjust performance as your needs change.
Since you do not have to pay for unneeded capacity or
performance, you enjoy a lower cost of ownership.
Flexible configurations
With 17GB to 6TB of fully protected RAID storage, the 7700E can
be configured as a high-performance or a high-capacity solution.
The nonvolatile cache can be configured from 256MB to 16GB,
providing exceptional performance for the widest possible range of
applications. You can configure the 7700E with four Client-Host
Interface Processor (CHIP) pairs for up to 32 paths to attached host
processors.
The 7700E supports one to four channel packages, and the
following channel types:
- Extended Serial Adapters (ExSA)™ —compatible with ESCON
® interface
- Parallel
- SCSI-2 FWD/Ultra-SCSI
- Fibre channel.
Users can mix and match these channel options to suit their
environment.
Flexible logical unit configuration options
In S/390 environments, the virtual logical volume image (VLVI)
feature permits users to configure logical volumes with capacities
as small as one cylinder and as large as a full 3390-3 image. In
non-S/390 environments, the flexible logical unit (LUN) size
supports 1.9GB and 2.4GB LUNs, as well as 7.3GB LUNs for
operating systems that can handle file sizes greater than 4GB. The
7.3GB LUNs significantly improve efficiency in working with
very large databases. Variable LUN sizes, in increments of 1.9GB,
2.4GB, and 7.3GB (up to 263GB), are also supported. With Hitachi
LUN Manager you can configure multiple virtual LUNs in place of
an actual LUN to address any user requirement. See the Hitachi
VLVI Manager and Hitachi LUN Manager sections for more
information.
Capacity enhancements
The 7700E's addressing capability supports up to 1,024 logical
volume images (LVIs) for the S/390 environment or 1,020 LUNs
for the open systems environment. With a maximum capacity of
6TB, the 7700E lets you spread the controller cost over a much
larger subsystem capacity, thus providing a substantial reduction in
cost of ownership.
Expanded hard disk drive (HDD) choices
The 7700E offers four HDD options: 36GB, 18GB, 15GB, and
6GB.
- Customers who require good performance along with the
highest possible capacity at the lowest per-byte cost, will
welcome Hitachi's 36GB HDD. For a given capacity, the
36GB HDD utilizes half the number of disks of the 18GB HDD
and offers up to 6TB of total capacity.
- Through the 7700E's powerful control-unit technology, the
18GB HDD delivers excellent performance and a maximum
capacity of 3TB.
- Ideal for your non-cache-friendly applications, the lightning-fast
15GB and 6GB HDDs furnish the ultimate in high
performance with subsystem capacities of 2.5TB and 1TB
respectively.
Flexible intermix options
The 7700E's RAID-5+ implementation gives you performance
comparable to that of competitive RAID-1 subsystems while
offering outstanding data protection and availability. The RAID-5+
architecture supports the mixed OLTP and batch workloads
commonly found in commercial environments. On-line response
times have proven to be excellent. Sequential performance is
exceptional because in sequential mode, the subsystem stages data
in parallel to cache from all the drives in the Array Group.
Both S/390 and open systems customers can intermix 36GB,
18GB, 15GB, and 6GB hard disk drives within the same
configuration. You can also intermix S/390 LVIs and open systems
LUNs behind the same Array Control Processor (ACP) pair,
providing unparalleled configuration flexibility.
Enhanced performance features
Several factors contribute dramatically to the performance
capabilities of the 7700E. Increases in internal bandwidth,
combined with enhancements in data buffering, faster
microprocessors, and advanced queuing techniques deliver
substantial improvements in subsystem throughput. With 32
concurrent I/Os, front-end throughput provides enhanced end-user
productivity.
Intelligent caching algorithms
The 7700E 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 that monitors data access
patterns and dynamically alters the staging criteria to ensure the
highest possible hit ratios for randomly accessed data.
RAID-5+/RAID-1+ support
Although most customers will find the RAID-5+ implementation
appropriate for their needs, Hitachi's RAID-1+ configuration
capability is ideal for workloads with unusually low cache-hit
ratios and high write content. In a RAID-1+ implementation, every
disk is mirrored with an exact copy. Hitachi also gives users the
flexibility to intermix RAID-1+/5+ configurations to deliver an
additional level of performance. You may elect to intermix RAID
levels for certain types of workloads.
High-performance transaction processing
The 7700E supports IBM's Transaction Processing Facility/Multi-Path
Lock Facility (TPF/MPLF) in either native mode or under
VM. Providing record-level locking, the 7700E enables high levels
of concurrent data access across multiple channel paths. RAID-5+
and 3390-3 LVIs are supported.
Support for Fibre Channel-Arbitrated Loop (FC-AL) and
Fibre Channel Fabric
To meet the demands of data-intensive applications, the 7700E
supports FC-AL in multiplatform or all-open-systems
environments. Fibre channel provides an ultra-high-speed protocol
that transfers data at rates of up to 100MB/sec.
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Extended connectivity and resource sharing
The 7700E meets a wide range of connectivity requirements within
a single hardware platform. Host connectivity options include one
to four Client-Host Interface Processor pairs, offering up to 32
concurrent host data transfers and support for up to four control
unit images. The 7700E's enhanced addressing capability supports
up to 512 ExSA logical channel path addresses.
The 7700E supports the following data transfer rates (MB/sec):
- ExSA channels—up to 17
- Parallel channels—up to 6
- SCSI-2 FWD interfaces/Ultra-SCSI interfaces—up to
20/up to 40
- Fibre channel interfaces—up to 100.
A wide range of host interface options offers 7700E users the
flexibility to configure their subsystems to support Hitachi's
remote copy and Hitachi On-line Data Migration
(HODM)—without sacrificing host throughput or
connectivity.
Hitachi Multiplatform Resource Sharing
Sharing resources across disparate platforms with the 7700E
lowers your cost of ownership, thereby extending your IT
investment. It allows the 7700E to be shared between UNIX- or
Windows NT-based servers and S/390-compatible mainframe
platforms. The 7700E supports HP-UX, Sun Solaris, AIX,
® Sequent DYNIX/ptx, DIGITAL UNIX, SGI
IRIX, Novell NetWare, NCR MPRAS, and Windows NT.
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Continuous-availability and fail-safe features
The 7700E is designed not to be taken off-line for any
activity—including component replacement, feature and
capacity upgrades, or microcode updates. Hitachi's unique scalable
architecture, with its integrated design, brings full fault tolerance to
the 7700E's functions. By incorporating improved electronics and
eliminating single points of failure, Hitachi satisfies requirements
for continuous access to data in the S/390 MVS
® environment. This continuous data access is
also available to open systems; however, limitations within a
particular open systems architecture may restrict a user from taking
full advantage of this capability.
Developed and manufactured by Hitachi, the 36GB, 18GB, 15GB,
and 6GB hard disk drives are designed to meet the rigorous
demands of large-systems environments. Depending on the HDD
type, each Array Group consists of 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch, dual-
ported, fast and wide SCSI-2 disk drives, providing continuous
access to data, even in the unlikely event of a drive failure. To
further enhance data availability and maintain subsystem
performance, Hitachi offers one or more spare disk drives that can
be invoked dynamically, if required. The disks in an Array Group
are continuously "scrubbed" to ensure that they meet the rigorous
specifications demanded by end users.
The nonvolatile cache ranges in size from 256MB to 16GB and is
accessible to all the disk arrays. By providing battery backup,
Hitachi protects data in cache from power failure. Data integrity is
further reinforced by Hitachi's Dynamic Duplexed Cache feature,
which automatically maintains two copies of write data in cache
until the data is destaged to the disk arrays.
Open systems host failover and alternate path support
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. The 7700E
supports several industry-leading systems software solutions that
satisfy this requirement.
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.
The SCSI or fibre path between the server and RAID subsystem is
a potential single point of failure that could result in a complete
loss of data access. Alternate path support enables a LUN to be
accessed through two different paths. In the event of a failure on
the primary path, the I/O is restarted through the alternate path.
Path failover software allows your servers to recover promptly
from interface failures, and it provides continuous access to data in
case a path fails.
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Nonstop business processing features
Through the CARE Copy suite of software solutions, the 7700E
supports synchronous, semi-synchronous, and asynchronous
remote copy to satisfy diverse disaster recovery needs. You can
also develop comprehensive disaster recovery solutions by
dynamically maintaining a copy of data either locally or across
long distances, using industry-standard channel extenders. And you
can migrate an application from one data center to another without
experiencing lengthy outages.
Hitachi's remote copy
Providing unbeatable data protection for multiplatform
environments, Hitachi's remote copy is part of the CARE Copy
suite. It accommodates all major platforms, including S/390,
S/370, HP-UX, IBM AIX, Sun Solaris, DIGITAL UNIX, Sequent
DYNIX/ptx, and Windows NT. Continuously updating copies of
your data at the secondary site, Hitachi's remote copy utilizes
either synchronous, semi-synchronous, or asynchronous copy
mode.* Through industry-standard ExSA links located up to 43
kilometers (26 miles) away, Hitachi's remote copy provides
reliable remote copy over long distances. Industry-standard
channel extenders are also supported for all modes of operation.*
The asynchronous and semi-synchronous copy modes deliver
remote copy support over longer distances, giving you the ultimate
in configuration flexibility. Hitachi's remote copy can also be used
to move data locally, between 7700Es within your data center, or
remotely, between 7700Es in geographically separated data
centers.
*Contact your Hitachi Data Systems representative for specific configuration
support.
Hitachi ShadowImage
Also part of the CARE Copy suite, this proprietary feature enables
you to duplicate LVIs or LUNs nondisruptively for a wide variety
of purposes, including Year 2000 testing and off-line backup. Up
to three RAID-protected duplicates can be created within a single
subsystem at hardware speeds. When used in conjunction with
Hitachi's remote copy, Hitachi ShadowImage allows you to
maintain up to eight copies of critical data. Hitachi further
enhances usability through a resynchronization capability that
reduces data duplication requirements and increases user
productivity.
Enterprise Storage and Availability Management
Service
This service provides assistance with developing and implementing
enterprise storage management strategies tailored to meet the
specific requirements of your organization. It helps you get
products to market more quickly, extends the life of your storage
investment, and defines a way to implement higher information
functionality throughout your enterprise.
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Comprehensive data management
The 7700E offers an array of software- and microcode-based tools
to help administrators easily manage storage, both locally and
worldwide.
Hitachi Multiplatform Data Exchange (HMDE)
Part of the CARE Exchange suite, HMDE eliminates many of the
constraints associated with sharing or moving data between
heterogeneous systems. Sequential files on common storage
volumes allow large amounts of data to be shared or moved. Using
HMDE, you can "share" files between MVS and open systems
platforms.
HMDE is ideal for data warehousing and data mining applications
because it allows you to move vast amounts of data quickly from
mainframe OLTP systems to a UNIX environment without
requiring you to access your networking resources or intermediate
tape media. When used in conjunction with the Hitachi Resource
Manager 7000's Hitachi FlashAccess Manager, HMDE's ultra-high-speed
transfer rates deliver the fast response these
applications demand.
Hitachi Resource Manager 7000
Delivering the best in performance and configuration management,
the Hitachi Resource Manager 7000 is a component of the CARE
Resource suite. This comprehensive management offering brings
together Hitachi Graph-Track,™ Hitachi Virtual Logical
Volume Image Manager, Hitachi FlashAccess Manager, and
Hitachi LUN Manager into one complete package. The Hitachi
Resource Manager 7000 offers full support for Simple Network
Management Protocol (SNMP).
- Hitachi Graph-Track provides the ultimate in
reliable, easy-to-use hardware performance monitoring.
Available for S/390 and open environments, Graph-Track
displays real-time or historical hardware performance data in a
user-friendly Windows 95 or 98 format on a PC attached to the
7700E's internal LAN. 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. System tuning can be scheduled
automatically, thereby supporting an automated user
environment.
- Hitachi FlashAccess Manager brings lightning-fast
speed to 7700E environments by allowing you to "lock"
7700E data into cache in real time. Read and write functions
are performed at cache speeds, with no delays. Hitachi
FlashAccess Manager can be used in conjunction with HMDE
to increase the speed of data transfer.
- Hitachi VLVI Manager optimizes 7700E capacity
utilization by allowing you to configure multiple virtual
LVIs in place of actual LVIs. You can define data
volumes as small as a single 3390-X cylinder or as large as a
full 3390-9. (Volume size is determined in cylinder
increments.) In conjunction with the Hitachi FlashAccess
feature, the Hitachi VLVI Manager gives you the maximum in
performance and flexibility.
- Hitachi LUN Manager lets you define, configure,
add, delete, resize, and assign LUNs to specific paths, and
maintain open systems LUNs without vendor intervention, thus
simplifying configuration management. Because Hitachi LUN
Manager can assign multiple paths to a single LUN, you gain
the necessary infrastructure to support alternate path failover,
path load balancing, and clustered systems (when supported by
the respective server platform). Hitachi LUN Manager also
features logical unit size expansion and flexible logical unit
capabilities, which dramatically improve LUN configuration
flexibility to meet specific user requirements.
HARBOR Backup with the HARBOR 7700E HMDE
Agent
Through a powerful alliance with BETA Systems, Hitachi delivers
even greater control of data and storage resources. Part of the
CARE Availability software suite, HARBOR Backup with the HARBOR
7700E HMDE Agent provides low-cost, user-controlled
backup/restore with simplified setup and installation processes.
The premier backup and recovery solution for the distributed
environment, HARBOR Backup improves data protection and
reduces the cost of operation.
HARBOR Backup also offers standard-setting performance levels.
Its design incorporates the fastest connectivity choices, including
parallel backup stream support, 100MB/sec fibre channel speeds,
and multithreading capability. An outstanding benefit of HARBOR
Backup is the ability to recover single files rather than restoring
entire data volumes.
HARBOR File Transfer with the HARBOR 7700E HMDE
Agent
Extending Hitachi's existing relationship with BETA Systems, the
7700E sets a new standard for high-speed data transfer with the
CARE Exchange suite's HARBOR File Transfer with the
HARBOR 7700E HMDE Agent. A cost-effective and flexible
solution, HARBOR File Transfer provides quick, reliable transfer
of data files between OS/390 mainframes and open systems
servers.
Hitachi Multiplatform Backup/Restore (HMBR)
HMBR, another component of the CARE Availability suite,
consolidates backup/restore of open environments onto your S/390
host. By using your existing backup procedures and ATL
environment, HMBR eliminates the need for special software or
procedures. The 7700E's "any to any" connectivity enables S/390
to access LUNs in the open environment as 3390-3 or 3390-9
devices, making them accessible via standard utilities such as
DFDSS or FDR.
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On-line data migration
Hitachi Data Systems Professional Services has developed the
Hitachi Data Migration Service (HDmS) to help you migrate data
from your existing subsystems to newly installed subsystems while
minimizing the impact on your mission-critical applications.
HDmS features a four-phase approach that includes assessment,
planning, migration, and post-migration support.
The strength of this service lies in the combination of Hitachi Data
System's Professional Services methodology/procedure skills,
Hitachi's remote copy and Hitachi On-line Data Migration
features, and the outstanding reliability of the 7700E. You gain the
benefits of unprecedented levels of data protection and integrity
through a complete solution that moves terabytes of data quickly
and efficiently.
The Hitachi On-line Data Migration feature plays a critical role in
effecting a safe and successful transfer of data. For S/390
environments, HODM migrates terabytes of data between 7700E
subsystems and other industry-standard DASD subsystems in a
matter of hours—while applications are on-line. 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.
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Advanced service technologies
Hitachi's 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
Hitachi 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 updated—all nondisruptively.
Remote maintenance
Many maintenance activities, such as diagnostics and microcode
updates, can be performed quickly from the Hitachi Data Systems
remote support center, via proprietary hardware and/or software
tools, without disrupting your operations.
Hi-Track® Storage
This unique Hitachi predictive maintenance service maximizes
system availability. Hi-Track continuously monitors the subsystem
and automatically transmits collected hardware status information
to a Hitachi Data Systems 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.
High-speed logical device formatting
This capability dramatically reduces the time required to configure
a subsystem, thus enhancing overall data availability.
High-speed, nondisruptive microcode replacement
Streamlining the introduction of operating firmware, this feature
nondisruptively changes microcode versions through flash memory
and serial updates. Hitachi has increased the speed and simplified
the process for this microcode replacement.
These service technologies are backed by our world-renowned
customer service and support organization. As a Hitachi customer,
you gain the fastest possible response from expert technical
personnel around the clock, every day of the year.
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Investment protection
Existing 7700 customers can upgrade to the 7700E quickly and
easily. As with all Hitachi storage products, you can rest assured
that your investment in current architecture is fully protected. The
7700E is your ideal solution for leveraging your storage investment
across S/390 and open systems environments. As the need for
multiplatform implementations grows, we will expand our
offerings for these environments, protecting your investment in
7700E architecture for years to come.
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Storage—No Limits
Hitachi Freedom Storage addresses the challenge of multiple
disparate platforms, evolving workloads, and nonstop availability
requirements. You can access 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.
Hitachi Data Systems is committed to uncovering your most
critical business issues—as you define them—and
solving them with critical combinations of hardware, software, and
services to create unified, individual solutions. We're upholding
the Hitachi traditions of excellence, quality, and industry
leadership. With storage that's comprehensive, manageable,
customizable, and application-enabled, we deliver the competitive
no-limits storage advantage that helps you master your business-critical
computing challenges.
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