Dell PowerVault MD3800i - Manual (Page 7)

1
Introduction
This guide provides information about deploying Dell PowerVault MD3800i and MD3820i storage arrays.
The deployment process includes:
• Hardware installation
• Modular Disk Storage Manager (MDSM) software installation
• Initial system configuration
Other information provided includes system requirements, storage array organization, and utilities.
NOTE: For more information on product documentation, see dell.com/support/manuals.
MDSM enables an administrator to configure and monitor storage arrays for optimum usability. The
version of MDSM included on the PowerVault MD series resource media can be used to manage both the
PowerVault MD3800i and MD3820i series and the earlier storage arrays. MDSM is compatible with both
Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems.
System Requirements
Before installing and configuring the PowerVault MD3800i and MD3820i series hardware and software,
ensure that the minimum system requirements are met. Also, ensure that the supported operating system
is installed. For more information, see the Dell PowerVault MD34xx/38xx Series Support Matrix at
dell.com/support/manuals.
Management Station Requirements
A management station uses MDSM to configure and manage storage arrays across the network, and must
meet the following minimum system requirements:
• Intel Pentium or an equivalent processor (333 MHz or faster) with 512 MB RAM (1024 MB
recommended).
• 1 GB disk space.
• Display resolution of 1024x768 with 16 million colors (1280x1024 32-bit recommended).
• Microsoft Windows, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, or SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.
NOTE: Supported operating systems include both native and guest operating systems.
NOTE: Supported hypervisors include Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix XenServer, and VMware. For
information about the supported versions, see the Support Matrix at dell.com/support.
• Administrator or equivalent permissions.
7