HP Smart Storage Administrator Scripting Cookbook

Overview 4
Overview
About HP SSA
HP SSA is the main tool for configuring arrays on HP Smart Array controllers. It exists in three interface
formats: the HP SSA GUI, the HP SSA CLI, and HP SSA Scripting. All formats provide support for
configuration tasks. Some of the advanced tasks are available in only one format.
The diagnostic features in HP SSA are also available in the standalone software HP Smart Storage
Administrator Diagnostics Utility CLI.
Starting with HP SSA and ProLiant Gen8 servers and server blades, HP SSA is accessible both offline and
online:
• Accessing HP SSA in the offline environment
Using one of multiple methods, you can run HP SSA before launching the host operating system. In
offline mode, users can configure or maintain detected and supported ProLiant devices, such as
optional Smart Array controllers and integrated Smart Array controllers. Some HP SSA features are only
available in the offline environment, such as setting the boot controller and boot volume.
• Accessing HP SSA in the online environment
This method requires an administrator to download the HP SSA executables and install them. You can
run HP SSA online after launching the host operating system.
For more information, see the HP Smart Storage Administrator User Guide on the HP website
(http://www.hp.com/go/smartstorage/docs).
How to use this guide
This guide builds upon the instructions and explanation of the scripting functions for the HP Array
Configuration Utility. The scenarios provided here are scripting-based solutions to the most common array
configuration needs. Each scenario outlines the task, the hardware configuration, the scripting solution, and
a summary that explains the use of certain options and their values.
The guide covers basic scripting scenarios that use general commands familiar to ACU or HP SSA users. For
advanced users, the guide also contains advanced commands only available with the latest versions of HP
SSA. Advanced scripting scenarios show how to combine basic and advanced commands for users'
configuration needs.
Before using these scenarios, become familiar with the HP SSA scripting capabilities, specifically:
• Capturing a configuration
• Using an input script
• Creating HP SSA script files
• Understanding script file options
For information about these capabilities, and general HP SSA usage, see the Configuring Arrays on HP
Smart Array Controllers Reference Guide on the Documentation CD that ships with the controller or on the HP