VMware Virtual Volumes (VVols)

Virtual Volumes (VVols) is low-level storage of one virtual machine with which transactions at the level of an array are allowed.

VMworld 2011: VSP3205 - VMware vStorage APIs for VM and Application Granular Data Management, (2012)

Virtual Volumes is a method of the organization of storages in the type convenient for an array when not the traditional VMFS file system is used, but the array itself defines - how to solve problems of access and the organization of work with data for virtual machines, selecting for their objects (virtual disks) separate logical volumes (VVols).

2016: Virtual Volumes 2.0

On October 25, 2016 the VMware company announced emergence of the version of VVols 2.0.

Some functionality

Support of replication at the level of the disk array

Earlier for volumes of VMFS for providing otkazo-and disaster tolerance, achievement of zero RPO, managers of the data-centers applied technology of replication at the level of DWH (Array-based replication, ABR). For virtual machines on the basis of VVols 2.0 this technology changed - now it is possible to replicate not all that VMFS entirely, and the separate virtual machine (separate virtual disks). Several VM can be replicated within one group of replication (Replication Group)^[1].

This group of virtual machines can integrate, for example, on the basis of belonging to uniform service, but not on the basis of "the machine on one volume" as it was with VMFS storages.

Representation of interaction with Virtual Volumes storage, (2016)

Actions of a system

• The technology of replication of specific vendor communicates with vSphere by means of the VASA mechanism (vSphere APIs for Storage Awareness).
• Administrators of virtual infrastructure create the policy of VM storages, the containing desirable requirements to replication which should be provided with storage system.
• When the car is turned, the administrator:
  • Selects the policy of storages to which replication is available
  • Selects the compatible data warehouse
  • Sets group of replication in which VM needs to include
  • Completes the procedure of installation.

The group of replication which is set by the user allows to add several VM to uniform group of availability. These groups are serviced from the VASA Provider component (it comprises structure of volumes VVols and it is implemented at the level of the disk array or separate VM).

The same group can be replicated in two geographically spaced locations at once:

Replication in territorially spaced DPCs, (2016)

Automation of disaster recovery (Disaster Recovery)

VMware vSphere 6.5 provides the expanded API and the PowerCLI commands providing process control of disaster recovery:

• Replication Discovery is means using which the VVol disaster recovery technology detects the operating communications between two domains.
• Sync Replication Group is synchronization between the main platform and the reserve websites.
• Test Failover – a method to be convinced - the recovered services will normally work at the reserve platform after recovery.
• Disaster Recovery and Planned Migration – for the planned service migration from one platform on another process of synchronization can be initiated from the reserve platform.
• Setting up protection after a DR event – after recovery of services on the reserve platform, the administrator can start replication in the opposite direction, providing protection of the platform which changed the status to the main.

Concept of Line of Service

The specification of the VASA 3.0 interface enters a concept of the line of service (Line of Service). It is group of the connected entities, such as inspection, compression, encryption, replication, caching or persistence which are carrying out a certain task. For example, for an entity of Replication it is possible to create and configure the service line, to appoint it to some politicians of storages (storage policies) who will be appointed to virtual machines. It will simplify setup of services for big infrastructures.

Support of Virtual Volumes for Oracle RAC

In addition to replication at the level of disk arrays, the VVols 2.0 technology will be supported completely for Oracle RAC clusters. It will allow to protect even more business and critical applications.

Availability of Virtual Volumes technology is expected by the end of 2016.

Notes