HP P6000 Replication Solutions Manager CLI Reference (T3680-96071, June 2012)

A space-efficient empty container is comprised of a metadata container only. Space-efficient empty
containers can be used to create demand allocated snapshots only.
Use containers when you need faster copies; for example, to reduce the time a host application
is suspended for a backup. Time is saved because the metadata container was created ahead of
time.
Follow these guidelines for using containers:
• The array must have a local replication license.
• A container can be in a different disk group than the source of the preallocated snapclone or
snapshot.
• A container must be the same size as the source of the preallocated snapclone or snapshot.
• The redundancy (Vraid) level of the container determines the Vraid level of a preallocated
snapclone.
• For a preallocated snapshot, the redundancy (Vraid) level of the container must be the same
or lower than the source. If the source has other snapshots, the Vraid level of the container
must be the same as the other snapshots. For descriptions of Vraid levels, see “Vraid hierarchy”
(page 10).
• Containers cannot be presented to hosts or used for storage.
• Virtual disks can be converted to empty containers, but only if they are not presented.
• Virtual disks cannot be converted to space efficient empty containers.
• Containers cannot be created from a virtual disk that is:
A snapshot◦
◦ Presented to a host
◦ In the process of normalizing or being deleted
Snapclone guidelines
• The array must have a local replication license.
• A snapclone can be in a different disk group than the source.
• The redundancy (Vraid) level of a snapclone can be any level relative to the source. See “Vraid
hierarchy” (page 10).
• Until a snapclone is normalized, another snapclone of the same source cannot be created.
• Snapclones cannot be created when the disk to be replicated is:
A snapshot◦
◦ A disk that has a snapshot
◦ In the process of normalizing or being deleted
Snapshot guidelines
• The array must have an HP P6000 Business Copy license installed.
• The maximum number of snapshots per source varies, based on the array controller software
version. For specifics, see the HP Enterprise Virtual Array Compatibility Reference, located at
http://www.hp.com/support/manuals. Select Storage Software under Storage.
• A snapshot is created in the same disk group as the source virtual disk.
• The redundancy (Vraid) level of a snapshot must be the same as or lower than the source.
See “Vraid hierarchy” (page 10).
8 Overview