HP EVA Updating Product Software Guide (xcs10001000) (5697-2423, December 2012)

applications that have more stringent timeout requirements than the operating system to help
determine if the applications will tolerate the online upgrade. Although an application may survive
the online controller software upgrade successfully, there may be an impact on performance. To
minimize the performance impact on users, perform the online upgrade during a period of low
user activity.
Managing external devices
If the array is being used as external storage (virtualized behind an HP P9000 XP array), perform
the following resets before doing the upgrade (you will reset them after the upgrade is complete):
IMPORTANT: Vraid0 LUNs on the XP array are not supported during an upgrade.
• Enable System Option Mode 725 on the XP
• Set the I/O Timeout to 240 seconds on all applicable external paths
• Set the Path Blockade Watch Timer to 180 seconds on all applicable external paths
Once the upgrade is complete, reset these parameters to their original values.
Managing an SVSP configuration for an online upgrade
If the array is in an SVSP configuration with SVSP synchronous mirrors, see the HP SAN Virtualization
Services Platform Best Practices Guide for more information before upgrading. This document is
available at http://www.hp.com/support/manuals. Select Storage Software under storage and
then select HP SAN Virtualization Services Platform under Storage Virtualization Software.
Backing up all array data
Estimated time to complete: Varies
When to perform: As close as possible to the upgrade
Before starting the upgrade, HP recommends that you perform a full verified backup of all array
data. Although not required, it is a best practice to back up your data before performing major
operations such as software upgrades. Schedule the backup as close to the upgrade as possible.
For more information about establishing and implementing backup procedures for the array, contact
your HP sales representative.
TIP: If using server-based management, HP recommends that you also back up the management
server before you begin the upgrade.
Upgrading HP P6000 Command View
Estimated time to complete: 15–20 minutes or longer, depending on your configuration
When to perform: Anytime before the upgrade
HP P6000 Command View can be implemented in two ways:
• Server-based management — HP P6000 Command View is installed on a management server
connected to the array, providing management of multiple HP EVA arrays. All components of
the software suite (HP P6000 Command View, HP Command View EVAPerf, HP Storage
System Scripting Utility, SMI-S EVA) are installed. Server-based management applies to all
array models.
• Array-based management — Beginning with HP P6000 Command View 8.1, the EVA4400
is shipped with HP P6000 Command View preinstalled on the management module in the
controller enclosure (9.4 for P6300/P6500 EVA). Only one component of the software suite
(HP P6000 Command View) is installed. Array-based management applies only to the
EVA4400, P6300 EVA, and P6500 EVA.
30 Preparing for the upgrade