DESCRIPTION

SPOCK stands for Single Point Of Connectivity Knowledge. The tool is the
primary place to find information about HP storage connectivity -- interoperable product
and solution configurations that are certified, qualified and supported by NSS. The
Support Management team highly recommends using this important tool.

This essential tool should be used for Technical Product Support and for information by
any HP support person, whether pre- or post- sales. It contains two types of information
that you need easy access to.
1. Streams and other related documents.
2. Links to matrices such as the SAN matrix, the Quick Connection Guides, etc.

DETAILS

A Stream is a condensed snapshot of supported configuration information, usually for a

particular storage array and operating system combination, and primarily for Enterprise
systems. Information is provided in table format, generally by array/OS. Currently, when
you need to find compatibility information, you can search on the SPOCK tool and find
documents about a product and what products are supported. There are two ways to
obtain information:
1. Click a selection in the left navigation pane, or
2. Use the HP Connectivity Search Tool (follow the instructions in the "Search Streams
Database" section in the middle of the page).

The types of stream and stream-like documents in SPOCK are as follows:

Array/OS streams

These account for most of the streams. In the past, the streams existed only as separate
PDF documents. Over time, the information is being transferred to the SPOCK database,
from which streams will be generated automatically, again as PDF documents.
Note: The Streams generated from the database have a different look and feel from the
previous streams but contain the same information. There is documentation available on
how to read Streams on the tool itself titled:
Streams_Overview_2004_09_24.pdf

• The new database allows you to search for information in a far more sophisticated
way than is possible with the previous PDF files.
• The database streams have a completely consistent format and terminology,
enabling you to compare information more easily.
Software Solution streams

For some Array/OS combinations, there is a variety of Software Solutions that detail how
a particular software solution supports the combination.

Port Connectivity diagrams

Some Array/OS combinations have a matching Port Connectivity diagram.

Max LUNs Supported

For some Array/OS combinations, a stream details the maximum number of LUNs that
are supported.

Quick Connect Guides

Some Array/OS combinations have Quick Connect Guides that provide installation
instructions for rapid setup at customer sites.

Array/OS connectivity Stream documents present a top-to-bottom view of supported

components from OS to storage device. Each Array/OS connectivity stream document is
specific to an operating system and array family. Information within each stream is
presented in table format and typically identifies:
• Operating System version
• Server platforms
• HBAs including driver and firmware versions
• Switches and routers, including firmware versions
• Storage arrays
• Array software

Note: Most sections of streams also link to compatibility matrices. It is essential that
the compatibility matrices be examined, because they are where exceptions are
documented. SPOCK also contains many useful links that provide a comprehensive pool
of specific configuration knowledge ranging from individual storage to host connectivity
to heterogeneous storage area network (SAN) connectivity matrices, including:
• Left Navigation Links
• SAN Design Guide
• SAN Application Notes
• SAN Support Matrices and Tables
• Other Design Reference Guides
• Whitepapers
• OpenView SAM Support Lists
• Servers