You can use Ops Center Administrator to onboard and configure block storage and file storage if NAS modules are included in the storage system chassis.
Understand block and file storage
- Block storage
In block storage, volumes of storage are created. A server-based operating system can connect to each block of storage and control it as an individual hard drive. Each storage block can be individually formatted with the required file system, such as NTFS or VMFS. Block storage is typically deployed in a Storage Area Network (SAN) environment.
From the Ops Center Administrator dashboard, you can discover, register, and onboard a block storage system.
- File storage
Ops Center Administrator supports unified onboarding and configuration of file storage in the form of NAS modules.
If a supported storage system includes NAS modules, the file storage is automatically added with the block storage. You can create file pools and other file resources by using the Ops Center Administrator interface or by using the API.
Adding block and file storage together
Ops Center Administrator enables you to add block and file storage in a single step. The only requirements are the service processor (SVP) IP address, user name, and password. When the file storage is added, the cluster is automatically registered in Ops Center Administrator.
Unified configuration
After a storage system is onboarded, you can configure and manage all block and file resources from a single Storage System window. The file pool creation workflow incorporates best practices that simplify workflow and enhance usability. File pools are used to easily create virtual file servers, file systems, and shares and exports. File system creation automatically mounts and formats the new file system.
Unified reporting
Capacity is reported for all aggregated storage systems in the dashboard.
Capacity is also displayed for each storage system in the Storage System detail window.
Ops Center Administrator provides three capacity views: file only, block only, or a unified view of block and file.