Troubleshooting
Problem
When using IBM FlashSystem A9000/R as the backend storage of an IBM SAN Volume Controller (SVC), the IBM FlashSystem A9000/R system is not aware of user-data that is deleted or migrated on the IBM SAN Volume Controller (SVC) system. In addition, the IBM FlashSystem A9000/R physical capacity usage is not directly monitored by the IBM (SVC). As a result, the IBM FlashSystem A9000/R system cannot regularly reclaim freed capacity, and without direct monitoring, the storage administrator may confront out-of-partition (OOP) condition when the IBM FlashSystem A9000/R system runs out of physical storage space. Please contact your IBM Technical Advisor should you have one assigned, or your IBM Representative for more information.
Cause
Once the IBM FlashSystem A9000/R system has reached an out-of-partition condition (OOP), the system will be seen as read-only device, resulting in the IBM (SVC's) inability to access the data. Thus, resulting in loss of access to the connected hosts.
Environment
IBM FlashSystem A9000/R and IBM SAN Volume Controller (SVC)
Diagnosing The Problem
The IBM FlashSystem A9000/R system provides continuously alerts for monitoring the system's physical capacity
Resolving The Problem
Short term - mitigation:
IBM has developed a patch to minimize the likelihood of the loss of access condition.
The patch enables the IBM FlashSystem A9000/R to generate additional events when the actual data reduction is lower than the expected data reduction.
If the IBM FlashSystem A9000/R is connected to the Call Home service, PMRs with the appropriate severity will be automatically opened once the physical capacity usage is increasing and the data reduction assessment is not appropriate.
The patch installation will be done by IBM personal; it is concurrent, takes only a few minutes, and can be done through a remote connection.
As a precautionary measure, once the IBM FlashSystem A9000/R system reaches a minimal free capacity of 300GB, the patch will automatically put it in an out-of-partition (OOP) condition allowing IBM personnel easy recovery of both the IBM FlashSystem A9000/R and IBM SVC systems.
Please contact your IBM Technical Advisor should you have one assigned, or your IBM Representative for the patch installation.
Long term resolution:
IBM is currently planning for future releases (of IBM SVC) to support capacity monitoring of the IBM FlashSystem A9000/R.
IBM's statements regarding its plans, directions, and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice at IBM's sole discretion. Information regarding potential future products is intended to outline our general product direction and it should not be relied on in making a purchasing decision. The information mentioned regarding potential future products is not a commitment, promise, or legal obligation to deliver any material, code, or functionality. Information about potential future products may not be incorporated into any contract. The development, release, and timing of any future features or functionality described for our products remain at our sole discretion.
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Document Information
Modified date:
22 June 2022
UID
ssg1S1010564