Enables storage partners to integrate virtual infrastructure with storage arrays to enable more efficient storage operations, enable new storage functionality and per-array optimizations.

Package Overview

vSphere is typically deployed in datacenters where storage is hosted by storage arrays, and servers access storage through SANs. Storage arrays provide hardware functions like cloning, snapshots, mirroring, and replication, and many of these functions overlap with functions that the VMware storage virtualization layer provides. Also, since virtual disks are files on a VMFS, storage arrays cannot interpret the VMFS on-disk layout, and hence, cannot provide these functions on a per-VM or per-virtual disk basis. The vSphere Storage APIs for Array Integration package (VAAI) allows storage partners to more closely integrate storage arrays with vSphere. With VAAI, specific storage operations are executed on the storage array, as an alternative to host-based operations. Benefits include increased scale and performance since the operations are done on the array, and more effective utilization of storage arrays. VAAI NAS component has four primitives: Full file clone, Fast file clone, Extended Statistics and Reserve space.

The package guides partners through the development and certification of VAAI enabled array firmware and plug-ins for devices certified and listed on the VMware Compatibility Guide.

Package Benefits

·  vSphere Installation Bundle Suite (VIB)

Used to package the VAAI Extension Module (VEM) so that in can be installed on ESX.

Product Versions Supported

This package supports the following product versions:

vSphere

5.1, 5.5, 6.0, 6.1

Target Audience

·  Storage partners

Related Programs and Services

VAAI Development Consulting

SDDC Integration Program (VAAI NAS)

VMware Ready Category

Find Out More

For more information on how to participate in our programs, contact partnerservices@vmware.com.