3PAR InForm® OS 2.2.4 Concepts Guide (320-200085 Rev B, March 2009)

InForm OS Version 2.2.4 3PAR InForm OS Concepts Guide
19.1
Dynamic Optimization
19
Dynamic Optimization
The 3PAR Dynamic Optimization is an optional InForm OS feature that enables you to
dynamically tune volumes by changing volume parameters (for example, RAID levels, set sizes,
and disk filters). 3PAR Dynamic Optimization requires the use of the InForm CLI and also
requires a 3PAR Dynamic Optimization license.
Dynamic optimization enables you to non-disruptively re-layout virtual volumes. This
functionality promotes system optimization through improved utilization of all physical
resources present at a given time. In addition, dynamic optimization enables you to alter the
service levels associated with a given volume by changing volume parameters (for example,
RAID levels, set sizes, and disk filters).
For example, when an InServ Storage Server is upgraded by adding nodes, cages, or disks, the
initial volume and logical disk layouts may no longer be optimal for the new system
configuration. Dynamic optimization enables you to re-layout volumes with entirely new
parameters so as to take advantage of the current system configuration.
There are five general cases where dynamic optimization may be desirable:
■ Volume re-layout upon hardware upgrade. Existing virtual volumes only take advantage of
resources that were present at the time of volume creation. However, when an InServ
Storage Server is upgraded by adding nodes, cages, or disks, these initial volume and logical
disk layouts may no longer be optimal. Volume re-layout enables volumes to take full
advantage of new system resources.
For systems with Thinly Provisioned Virtual Volumes (TPVVs), TPVVs and their underlying
Common Provisioning Groups (CPGs), by default, dedicate space from all available
resources as they grow, both from pre-existing and new drive capacity resources. Because