HP Storage Hardware Providers VDS/VSS Installation Guide (5697-1131, August 2011)

HP VDS and VSS hardware providers
The HP VDS and VSS hardware providers consist of DLLs and executables that are installed on your
Windows server. These components extend the capabilities of Windows and its applications to
manage HP disk arrays. You can install the HP VDS or VSS hardware provider, or both.
Using Windows applications and the HP VDS hardware provider, you can manage array ports;
discover and manage LUNs; format, partition, and mount volumes; and create and manage file
systems and files. If you have multiple array models, you can manage all arrays from a single interface.
Using the HP VSS hardware provider and Microsoft VSS, you can create and manage copies on the
HP disk array. HP Business Copy is required on the disk array and works with VSS and the HP VSS
hardware provider to enable copying. HP Business Copy provides consistent backups of open files
and applications, transportable copies for backup and testing, and quick recovery of lost data.
HP disk arrays
HP disk arrays provide high-capacity storage for a variety of server types, including Windows servers.
HP VDS and VSS hardware providers are designed specifically to enhance the integration of HP disk
arrays with the Windows operating system and applications.
Overview of HP Storage hardware providers8