How arrays and SRM communicate

Storage arrays produce performance and capacity data that can be acquired using protocols and methods that depend on manufacturer and model. The majority of arrays supported by SRM use SMI-S (Storage Management Initiative Specification). This is an industry standard that defines Common Information Model management profiles for arrays, switches, and other storage devices. Others arrays that can be monitored by SRM use SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), embedded APIs or proprietary methods to enable access to storage data. Some arrays use a combination of methods for different classes of data, such as EMC VNX NAS Gateway / Celerra arrays that retrieve performance data via API, and all other data via the SMI-S provider.

Arrays need to be enabled for use with SRM in different ways depending on manufacturer and model. In most cases, arrays use an external or embedded provider. A provider is a software component that parses requests for data and then provides this data in the required form. Some providers are enabled by default, others need to be enabled manually.

The What provider does my array use? topic provides information on how to enable performance data collection on your array, making it available for SRM to monitor. It assumes that the arrays and discs are already set up and operating correctly in your network.