Master console

For SAN Volume Controller version 4.2.1 and earlier, the master console provides a single point from which to manage the SAN Volume Controller nodes. The master console could be purchased as a hardware product option (which includes the master console preinstalled software) or as a software-only option. Although it can no longer be purchased, the master console can be upgraded to support clusters running the latest SAN Volume Controller software.

Beginning with SAN Volume Controller version 4.3.0, the IBM® System Storage® Productivity Center (SSPC) is an integrated hardware and software solution that provides a single point of entry for managing SAN Volume Controller clusters, IBM System Storage DS8000® systems, and other components of your data storage infrastructure. For more information on SSPC, see the IBM System Storage Productivity Center Introduction and Planning Guide.

The two master console options are the same in function and software. However, the planning, installation, and configuration processes are slightly different:

Master console hardware option: The manufacturing plant installs the software on the hardware using the default settings. After the IBM service representative installs the hardware option, you must configure and customize the default factory settings.
Master console software-only option: You must provide your own hardware and perform both the installation and configuration processes.

The master console provides you with the following functions:

A platform on which the subsystem configuration tools can be run
A platform for remote service, which allows the desktop to be shared with remote IBM service personnel if assistance is required to resolve complex problems
Access to the following components:
- SAN Volume Controller Console, which is a graphical user interface application, through a Web browser
- SAN Volume Controller command-line interface, through a Secure Shell (SSH) session

The master console can support up to two SAN Volume Controller clusters. Although multiple master console servers can access a single cluster, you cannot concurrently perform configuration and service tasks if multiple servers are accessing one cluster.