IBM > System x > Strategies

The latest Tech Tips from Jim Latham, Sr. Systems Engineer…

1.VMware Path Selection Policy:
In setting up a new VMware installation with our DS3524 with 10Gbps iSCSI HICs, we configured MRU and so no real issues when connected to 1Gb ports. When we moved to 10GbE ports we started to see SCSI disconnects whenever we placed a high IO load such as a storage VMotion or VM clone. We changed the path policy to round robin (RR) and all the errors and disconnects stopped. We have only done 4 isolated servers so far but the results have been good. My problem is the VMware HCL lists MRU as the path policy for the DS3500, and our customer may validate that we're configuring his systems "correctly".

There is a note on the HCL that talks about RR as the path selection policy, but it's more of a generic note that says "contact the storage array manufacturer for recommendations and instructions". This note appears on almost every storage array, so I don't believe it carries much weight.

http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/detail.php?deviceCategory=san&productid=14700&releaseid=148&deviceCategory=san&partner=43&releases=148&arrayTypes=1&isSVA=1&page=1&display_interval=10&sortColumn=Partner&sortOrder=Asc

ANSWER
Please note that currently IBM supports MRU, and I'm not sure when that will be modified (further explained below). Because of that, this Tip may be "stepping slightly out of bounds" a little with my response.

I'm currently on a crusade to get the VMware HCL updated to reflect both MRU and RR as valid path policies. I spoke to some NetApp/Engenio engineers, and the introduction of higher latencies with storage connected over IP seemed reasonable, especially if all traffic is going down a single path as would be the case with MRU. They also said that our storage (NOT A STATEMENT ON IBM STORAGE, just splitting hairs) works with either MRU or RR as path selection policies (with newer versions of VMware).

I believe the issue is that VMware has, over the years, improved their failover driver to be much more sophisticated. In the old days, it might not have recognized the difference between paths to the controller that owned the lun, and the one that didn't. That all seems to have been cleared up in the 4.x timeframe.

As always, I hate putting myself in front of a speeding bus, and would not ask anyone else to do so either. So, for supporting documentation (and the reasoning behind my crusade), note the following:
• From the HCL at the URL above, the note alludes to the improvements made to ESX 4.0 and later.
o "Attention: Storage partners using ESX 4.0 or later may recommend VMW_PSP_RR for path failover policy for certain storage array models. If desired, contact the storage array manufacturer for recommendation and instruction to set VMW_PSP_RR appropriately."

• From a Vmware Knowledge Base article describing multipath policies in ESX/ESXi 4.x and ESXi 5.x, that seems to also support the point that it's "safe" (listed as a Note):

http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1011340

o "Switching to Round Robin from MRU or Fixed is safe and supported for all arrays, Please check with your vendor for supported Multipathing policies for your storage array. Switching to a unsupported pathing policy can cause an outage."

• From the 4.1 iSCSI SAN Configuration Guide (Vmware http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vsphere4/r41/vsp_41_iscsi_san_cfg.pdf)
o "If your array does not support the ALUA protocol(the DS products currently do not support ALUA) and you want your host to do automatic load balancing, configure your devices to use the Round Robin PSP."

• From the ESXi 5.0/vCenter Server 5.0 Storage Guide
(http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vsphere-esxi-vcenter-server-50-storage-guide.pdf) in describing storage path policies:
o VMW_PSP_RR The host uses an automatic path selection algorithm rotating through all active paths when connecting to active-passive arrays, or through all available paths when connecting to active-active arrays. RR is the default for a number of arrays and can be used with both active-active and active-passive arrays to implement load balancing across paths for different LUNs.

• Another blog supporting the argument: http://www.boche.net/blog/index.php/2011/09/28/changing-the-default-vsphere-5-0-psp-to-round-robin/

Of course none of this is as nice as having the HCL updated, so we'll keep working on that. And if I get any updates, I'll let you know. In the meantime, hope this helps…

2.SD Limits in DCS3700:
I understand (please correct me if I'm wrong) that the DCS3700 has a max cap of 20 SSD drives per storage subsystem. Is this same limitation true for the DS3524 as they both use the same controllers?

If you can verify that the 192 drive value in the charts are also applicable to the SSD performance #'s that would be great. Again, I'm not sure if Snowmass supports 192 SSDs at once?

ANSWER
There is a limit of 20 SSDs in the storage subsystem (this limit is the same for DS5000, DS3500, and DCS3700). I just called a colleague in engineering to verify if the limit was lifted yet or not. The answer was "not".

I believe the thought is that 20 SSDs is more than enough to max out the controller, so going to a larger SSD count would not be advantageous. Given the current pricing of the SSDs, the priority to get the drive count very high isn’t there. The relative cost of additional controllers is small compared to the drives, and the additional drives don’t provide value except for “capacity”.

If you want to have a rack of SSDs, then put in a rack of controllers also, and you'll get a much larger aggregate performance number. The only thing that doesn't make sense is why 20? So, with the next firmware release (mid-year), I am told the number will increase to 24 (for a fully loaded DS3524).

Per the previous logic, I am told that 60 would be a waste, so even with the DCS3700, the number is only going up to 24.
That's the bad news.

The good news is that a rack of 20 DS3524s, each with 20 SSDs should yield about 20 X 70K IOPS reads – that’s 1,400,000 IOPS! And 20 X 18K writes IOPS – or 360,000 IOPS writes - (depending on IO size, and assuming you can fit 20 systems in a rack).



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Stephanie Matthews / Strategic Marketing Consultant - IBM System x / 210-247-1361

Information for you and your Business Partners as we begin the new year
IBM's Business Partners and the Global Business Partner & Midmarket organization play an important role within our company. We continue to make investments to help you more easily and more effectively market, sell, and deliver IBM's offerings to our partners and their clients. When you look back at the past several quarters, you can see that our hard work and 2015 roadmap strategies are making a difference in the market and in our sales.

As we begin the new year, here are a few items I'd like to share with you and ask that you share with your Business Partners:


2012 Business Partner STG Guidebooks
The IBM Business Partner Guidebooks are comprehensive seller roadmaps to IBM Storage, System x, Power Systems, and Systems Software. Each guidebook is a valuable resource to help our Business Partners get off to a fast start selling as well as a resource to quickly find STG product information. The Guidebooks can be a printed or an interactive online version can be used with many embedded Web links that lead the topic-at-hand resident on the Web. It brings together, in one place, the resources needed to help our Business Partners be more successful.

The 13th edition of the IBM Storage Business Partner Guidebook brings together the resources needed to be successful as an IBM System Storage Business Partner. It contains information gathered and adapted with permission from multiple IBM and non-IBM sources. There are embedded links to more detailed and fast-changing information maintained on the Web so the most current information is always available. The updated version includes the latest information on products (such as the new v7000 Unified), solutions (like Cloud computing), marketing and programs (such as the new System Storage Speciality program).

Link to IBM Storage Guidebook on PartnerWorld.

The 21st edition of the System x Guidebook includes information about all System x and BladeCenter products announced through November 2011. These new announcements show how clients can boost productivity with x3100M4, x3250M4 and x3200 enhancements as well as maximize performance with x3755M3. System x clients and partners can also accelerate the value of cloud with IBM Starter Kit-System x and Blade Center Foundations for Cloud. Key links to online ibm.com and IBM Partnerworld resources continue to make this the "one stop shop" for all things System x.

Link to IBM System x Business Partner Guidebook on PartnerWorld.


The IBM Power Systems Business Partner Guidebook is a comprehensive sellers roadmap to IBM Power Systems. It is a valuable resource for all Power Business Partners to help them "hit the ground running" as well as to the seasoned Power BPs who need to quickly find Power 7-related information. The Power Systems Guidebook covers general Power Systems resources like Power Systems education, the much coveted performance benchmarks, competitive marketing information and a quick reference to all the Power Systems platforms.

Link to IBM Power Systems Business Partner Guidebook on PartnerWorld.

The IBM Systems Software Business Partner Guidebook brings together all of the IBM Systems Software resources needed to be a successful IBM STG Business Partner. It is a valuable resource to help Power, Storage, System x and System z Business Partners quickly find the information they need to understand and grow their business with IBM Systems Software. The IBM Systems Software suite of solutions help address critical IT Management, Availability and Virtualization needs to achieve the efficiencies, increased levels of service, and improved economics of Smarter Computing. So, download and learn more about IBM Power Systems.

Link to IBM Systems Software Business Partner Guidebook on PartnerWorld.


IBM Webcast January 24, 2012: Sell more, win more with IBM Global Financing
In this one-hour webcast, learn how IBM Global Financing can be the key to helping win more deals, close them more quickly and reduce discounting to increase profits. The panel of experts includes Bruce Stuart, the president of the consulting firm, Channelcorp, who will be joined by Kevin Quarantello, Vice President, IBM Global Business Partners and Midmarket Sales and Strategy, and Marcelo Lema, General Manager, Client Financing, IBM Global Financing, to share high-performance selling strategies you can apply to your own sales situations. Plus, hear from a successful IBM Business Partner, Lewis Johnson, President of Siewl Consulting, about how his company uses IBM Global Financing to meet client needs and grow profits. Join this webcast Tuesday, January 24 at 8:00 am PT / 11:00 am ET / 4:00 pm GMT to get the strategies, tools and best practices needed to profit and grow in today’s business environment and start the year strongly.

Register now at: https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=registration.jsp&eventid=357185&sessionid=1&key=12BAED39CBA65AD9691922FB7A2FC20B&partnerref=internal

2012 IBM Software Business Partner Kickoff Virtual Summit - January 31, 2012

During the Software Virtual Summit, Business Partners will discover how they can turn opportunity into profitability with IBM Software. They'll hear important information for enhancing their ability to deliver value to clients, and discover new initiatives for execution, simplification of key programs and more opportunities for making money!

The Summit will include:
• A general session hosted by Mark Register, with top IBM Software executives sharing their perspectives on key areas that provide Business Partners opportunity for growth.
• On demand "breakout" sessions covering a wide range of topics including IBM software brand strategies for 2012, Software Value Plus (SVP) program, incentive programs, and marketing resources to help identify and progress leads.
• Expert Pavilion for live chats with subject matter experts on key topics that can help drive success.
The Summit offers a great opportunity to network with IBMers and other Business Partners in the Networking Lounge, with scheduled "how to" group chats on important tools and resources.
Encourage your partners to register for the Summit, and be sure to register yourself!

Registration: http://www.ibm.com/partnerworld/software/2012


IBM Pulse Conference
For a Business Partner, Pulse 2012 is far more than just a conference. There are valuable resources and activities available, before and during the conference. Business Partners have access to free enablement, free certifications, subject matter experts, and Tivoli executives, as well as opportunities to close deals with their customers. Here are some recommendations you can discuss with your Partner to ensure their best Pulse experience yet:

Before Pulse (NOW):
• Sponsor: If they are considering sponsorship or exhibiting in the Expo, with access to 3000+ clients, they need to hurry --- the Expo is almost sold out! Contact bmelton@us.ibm.com today to find out what's still available.
• Awards: Has your Business Partner considered nominating their company for an IBM Tivoli Business Partner Award? It's a great way to get recognized for achievements with Tivoli. And, they can leverage the award in their marketing throughout the year. Partners can submit nominations today at http://www-01.ibm.com/software/tivoli/pulse/partners/cafe.html! (But hurry - nominations close January 25!)
• Plan: Your Business Partners should be making their plans now! To ensure they leverage all the opportunities at Pulse, discuss the options from the list below, and then ensure they register.

At Pulse:
• Pre-Pulse Sales Enablement and Whiteboarding
When: Friday and Saturday, March 2-3, all day
Advantage: It's face-to-face, and partners learn alongside Tivoli sales reps.
More information: http://www-01.ibm.com/software/tivoli/pulse/partners/academy.html
• Business Partner Summit: Imperative for any serious Tivoli Business Partner or those that want to be!
When: Sunday, March 4, all day
Advantage: Strategy and networking to grow their Tivoli business.
More information: http://www-01.ibm.com/software/tivoli/pulse/partners/summit.html
• Business Partner Cafe: Meet the support experts!
When: Sunday through Wednesday, anytime the Expo is open
Advantage: Making key contacts who can help all year long.
More information: http://www-01.ibm.com/software/tivoli/pulse/partners/cafe.html
For more information and to register for Pulse, visit www.ibm.com/pulse. If your Business Partner is an alumnus of Pulse, they are eligible for a special registration rate of $1,495 (a $500 savings!) through January 28, 2012.

Register now at www.ibm.com/pulse and use promo code PULSE12ALUM.

Midmarket Video Contest - U.S. only

On January 23, IBM is launching the U.S. IBM Business Partner Video Contest, where Business Partners can share their best midsize business success story for a chance to win exposure for their business. We are asking Business Partners to create or upload an existing video telling us how they added value to a midsize business, the hurdles they overcame and the IBM midmarket solution they implemented. The winner will receive social media and potential press exposure, a speaking engagement at an upcoming IBM event and will have their video professionally produced. In addition, the Top 10 finalists will be awarded recognition on IBM-branded channels. Not a bad way to promote a Partner's business. Please make your U.S. Business Partners aware of the contest and encourage them to visit www.facebook.com/midmarketibm on January 23 to enter! For non-U.S. Business Partners, stay tuned for the contest launch in additional countries.

Sales Execution Initiative (SEI) focuses on key growth areas

IBM's Sales Execution Initiative (SEI) is a key and unprecedented effort to integrate IBM solution sales capabilities in key growth areas. By doing so, sellers can expect to drive rapid, tangible business outcomes for IBM clients, and therefore significantly contribute to IBM’s 2015 roadmap and global revenue growth objectives. Dozens of presentations supporting SEI are now available in Sales Asset Manager, where you'll also find important new presentations on Cloud Computing.

2012 IBM Channel Strategy
It has been two years since IBM very clearly charted the company’s roadmap for the future. It’s a plan predicated on Smarter Planet, cloud computing, business analytics and the growth markets. Our channel strategy for 2012 continues to mirror IBM’s roadmap. The future success of our Business Partner channel lies in continuing to grow our base business while aligning ourselves to take advantage of IBM's strategic initiatives.
In addition to IBM’s four strategic priorities, our fifth channel priority is focusing on sales to small and medium size businesses. The midmarket is one of the fastest growing segments in the technology marketplace. With the strength of the IBM brand and diligence in this area, our Business Partners can better capitalize on opportunities in the midmarket space.
As we begin a new year, I want to extend my sincere thanks to you and the Business Partners you support for making the Global Business Partner & Midmarket a strong and vital organization within IBM. Building and sustaining sales momentum is not easy, but thanks to your hard work, the GBP&MM team has accomplished a great deal. We see the difference you're making, and we look forward to strengthening our success in 2012.


Thank You and Good Selling!
Kevin Quarantello
Vice President, Sales and Strategy
IBM Global Business Partners & Midmarket

Stephanie Matthews / Strategic Marketing Consultant - IBM System x / 210-247-1361