Raw Device Mapped Luns (RDMs): Use Cases

Case 1: Optional Use an existing LUN with database data for example can be
added to a VM without migrating the database data to a .flat-vmdk.
This is called an RDM in Virtual Compatibility Mode: the LUN looks like another
virtual disk to the VM. The VM can be vmotioned, the RDM can be storage
vmotioned and the VM can be snapshotted.

Case 2: Not Optional Use software running in the Guest OS will elicit commands
from the storage array. Those storage array commands can only run on physical
LUNs. The array cannot perform the operation on a flat-vmdk. Examples are VMs
running MicroSoft Cluster Services on separate ESXi hosts and VMs running SAN
management scripts.
This is called an RDM in Physical Compatibility Mode: the LUN looks like a physical
LUN to the VM. SCSI commands are passed through to the LUN. The VM can be
vmotioned but not snapshotted.