Moving iSCSI Targets

[dmmattix]

We have a StarWind implementation that I need to migrate existing targets (serving VMWare VMs) from one disk array to another on Windows Storage Server 2008. Since this is in production and I really don't want to get into something without knowing where I am going and how to get there I thought I would ask. Is this a simple task or fairly convoluted? Any documentation out there on how to do this?

Thanks

Mike

[anton (staff)]

You need to configure extra storage pool and use Storage vMotion to move your VMDKs and VM configuration files from one place to another. No downtime is required. We do have HOWTOs in draft so please drop us a message to support to gain access to pre-release ones.

P.S. If you're with Microsoft you should use equivalent technology called Live Storage Migration. It does represent minimal VM downtime however...

[dmmattix]

Anton,

Thanks for your response. I have vSphere Essentials Plus which while it has vMotion I do not believe it has Storage vMotion but with VMWare licensing who can really tell. I am developing a strategy to NOT have to move the targets because it does seem to be a bit of a hassle to move them.

Mike

[anton (staff)]

I'm not sure I've got you correctly... In your first post you told us you need to move VMs from one disk array to the other and now you tell us you're developing a strategy with no move idea in mind. How do you expect this to work? If you expect StarWind performing Storage vMotion on it's own then I'm afraid this is not possible (either now or ever). Maybe you could put a little bit more light on your task and all circumstances? Thanks!

Anton,

Thanks for your response. I have vSphere Essentials Plus which while it has vMotion I do not believe it has Storage vMotion but with VMWare licensing who can really tell. I am developing a strategy to NOT have to move the targets because it does seem to be a bit of a hassle to move them.

Mike

[clayton@mcc911.org]

When you say Move targets? Do you mean move the Starwind IMG to a different hard dive - array?

That is fairly easy but you cant do it on line. You have to force remove the target and then copy the file to its new location and then add the target back preserving the existing data.

As for moving VMs from one target to the other. You don’t have to use vmotion storage IF you can turn them off, if they are off just use the migrate function.

You ver of vcenter does not have vmotion storage. if you MUST move a vm from one data store to another hot, i will let you in on a little secrete,, the demo key has FULL function, so you just unregister your key use the demo key, move you vm with vmotion storage and then put your key back, but move fast you only have 120 to do it after you remove your key lol.

[anton (staff)]

1) Yes, you cannot move StarWind own storage to some other location. We'll do it one day but it's not going to happen tomorrow.

2) Yes, if you can put VM down you can just copy/delete content. If you cannot afford to put VM down then Storage vMotion is the only way to go. Microsoft Live Storage Migration still brings minimal downtime. Hope they are going to fix it one day...

When you say Move targets? Do you mean move the Starwind IMG to a different hard dive - array?

That is fairly easy but you cant do it on line. You have to force remove the target and then copy the file to its new location and then add the target back preserving the existing data.

As for moving VMs from one target to the other. You don’t have to use vmotion storage IF you can turn them off, if they are off just use the migrate function.

You ver of vcenter does not have vmotion storage. if you MUST move a vm from one data store to another hot, i will let you in on a little secrete,, the demo key has FULL function, so you just unregister your key use the demo key, move you vm with vmotion storage and then put your key back, but move fast you only have 120 to do it after you remove your key lol.