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Create volumes

You create volumes to add storage capacity to an application-specific workload, and to make the created volumes visible to a specific host or host cluster. In addition, the volume creation sequence provides options to allocate specific amounts of capacity to each volume you want to create.

Most application types default to a user-defined volume configuration. Some application types have a smart configuration applied at volume creation. For example, if you are creating volumes for Microsoft Exchange application, you are asked how many mailboxes you need, what your average mailbox capacity requirements are, and how many copies of the database you want. System Manager uses this information to create an optimal volume configuration for you, which can be edited as needed.

The process to create a volume is a multi-step procedure.

Note
If you want to mirror a volume, first create the volumes that you want to mirror, and then use the Storage > Volumes > Copy Services > Mirror a volume asynchronously option.
  1. Step 1: Select host for a volume
    You create volumes to add storage capacity to an application-specific workload, and to make the created volumes visible to a specific host or host cluster. In addition, the volume creation sequence provides options to allocate specific amounts of capacity to each volume you want to create.
  2. Step 2: Select a workload for a volume
    Select a workload to customize the storage array configuration for a specific application, such as Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Exchange, Video Surveillance applications, or VMware. You can select "Other application" if the application you intend to use on this storage array is not listed.
  3. Step 3: Add or edit volumes
    System Manager may suggest a volume configuration based on the application or workload you selected. This volume configuration is optimized based on the type of application the workload supports. You can accept the recommended volume configuration or you can edit it as needed. If you selected one of the "Other" applications, you must manually specify the volumes and characteristics you want to create.
  4. Step 4: Review volume configuration
    Review a summary of the volumes you intend to create and make any necessary changes.