HP StorageWorks EVA Hardware Providers administration guide Windows 2003 (T1634-96052, February 2006)
Other Windows software providers (not shown) are the in-box providers, such as the
Windows Ba ckup utility and Windows Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider. These
providers allow individual users to back up and recover user volumes and files.
HP H a rdwa re Providers are not required in order for the Microsoft in-box o r third party
software providers to perform the tasks described above on the HP disk arrays. However,
the HP HWPs extend the capabilities of various Windows providers and applications to
do additional tasks that normally require the use of proprietary HP array management
software. Such tasks include LUN and port management and more sophisticated volume
copying.
Microsoft Virt
ual Disk Service (VDS)
Microsoft V DS provides a mechanism for managing volumes and logical units.
Administrators can identify, con figure, and monitor suppor ted HP StorageWorks disk
array volumes from the Windows Server 2003 Microsoft Management Console (MMC).
When used with HP disk arrays, VDS manages the array to make it appea r like a
Windows disk for Windows applications. When you use Microsoft Management
Console, Windows Disk Manager and the Microsoft DiskPart or DiskRaid utility to
control the array, your commands are sent to the array through VDS and the software
or hardwar
eproviders.
VDS performs the following functions:
• Coordinates providers and clients (local and remote)
• Performs
binding
• Discloses hardware LUNs to software disks
• Performs common file system functions
• Monitor
svolumestatus
• Provides fault and performance tracking
• Includes an API layer
Mic rosoft Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS)
Microsoft’s VSS mana ges creation and maintenance of data shadow copies for backup
and recovery, including copies across multiple volumes. To accomplish this, V SS
coordinates with HP’s Fast Recovery Solution and Business Copy software or other
third party business applications, file-system services, backup applications, and the
storage hardware.
The shadow copies contain static copies of all files, such as databases, transaction
logs, and checkpoint files. Because VSS coordinates copying, the files are copied in a
defined state.
14
Overview