In an enterprise storage stack (disk -> RAID group -> pool -> thin-provisioned LUN) a fault in any abstraction layer hides the data behind it. Therefore, recovering means rebuilding all layers sequentially before a file system will become visible; hence, it is quoted as a project vs cost.
Configuration of LUNs, mapping and pool metadata in enterprise storage matters as much as the disks themselves. If possible export or photograph your configuration. Never allow a failed array to rebuild, reinitialise or expand itself during this time period while you resolve the cause of the failure.
The majority of SAN failures are not simply a disk issue. There are multiple layers involved in such systems and any of these layers may be the point of failure.
Why enterprise recovery pricing varies from server arrays.
A storage area network (SAN) places layers upon layers of abstraction: physical disks are grouped together into RAID groups, RAID groups into pool(s) of storage, pools are then broken down into LUNs which can be thin-provisioned & assigned to hosts, & on top of all these layers there may be snapshots or replication. Each layer contains its own metadata. So prior to a file system becoming visible, a recovery process must recreate each level of the stack in order.
Scale it up (dozens of members distributed across many shelves, each needing imaging) and add vendor-specific formats that are seldom well-documented. In comparison to imaging one array, recovering a large-scale SAN environment is a much greater undertaking. That is why we quote SAN recovery as a separate project, and why providing actual configuration information on your storage systems shortens the recovery process.
Architecture-based assessment as opposed to badge-based.
Includes products such as Unity, PowerVault, MSA, 3PAR, FAS and Storwize product lines.
Includes multi-path configurations and shelf-expansion units.
Volumes that were created using either VMware’s VMFS or Hyper-V and are being accessed from SAN LUNs as well as all of the VMs contained within those volumes.
When the snapshot/replicated copy represents the correct good state and requires extraction.
Old units whose vendor support has expired; typically this results in little to no documentation available.
Separately priced from server & RAID work, due to the size of the job being materially larger.
Enterprise storage / SAN recovery begins at £1,250 +VAT and will be discussed with you prior to quoting: member count, shelf layout, vendor format and what has already been done all influence this job. A deposit of 50% applies, with the balance due upon successful completion of the job.
Confidentiality is standard: NDAs are signed without questioning, one named contact throughout the project and data stays in the UK. We appreciate your input on the following as early as possible: vendor, model number, LUN layout, RAID configuration. This information will significantly shorten the time required for the job to be completed.
Send the bad pool’s hard drives in for a free diagnostic along with the array make, model number and RAID configuration. Then our engineers will review them and give you the exact cost of recovery (in writing) on each individual array before we begin.
In advance of posting or dropping off your device, please have us provide you a quote over the telephone or via our website. We begin recovering your data when we receive the disks of the affected pool (labelled in slot order) along with the array model and make. Please package them securely and include contact information, and once we complete a complimentary diagnostic, we will then send you written confirmation of your exact per-array quote prior to any work being started.
Posting it? We would suggest using a tracked and insured delivery method. Want to drop it off? That’s okay too. Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5:30pm is good; no appointment necessary: simply prepare the item as described above.
Do you need a price quotation prior to receiving our recovery services? If so, please enter as much detail as possible regarding your array configuration, RAID level and type and failure on the quote request page. An engineer will review this information and provide a detailed quote for that particular array.
We’ll be in touch shortly. If it’s urgent, call 01865 593000.
Most frequently asked questions we receive about recovering an enterprise SAN.
Enterprise storage systems contain multiple layers. Disks are stacked together into RAID groups. RAID groups are then grouped together into pools. These pools are then divided into thin provisioned LUNs and assigned to hosts. Additionally, some systems have snapshot capabilities layered on top. In addition to storing actual data, each layer stores metadata which describes how that layer should process the data. Therefore, all of these layers must be recovered in order before a file system becomes visible.
Generally. This indicates that the pool/LUN metadata was destroyed but the underlying storage media remains intact. Data exists, but the description of how the data should be subdivided is missing. It can be reconstructed using images of the individual media members.
The RAID configuration, vendor and model, how the LUNs are laid out and (most importantly) what has already been tried. That information will shorten your job significantly when working on enterprise jobs; and it is also very useful to have a configuration export or a picture of the management view as well.
Yes, VMFS data stores and the VMDK files within those data stores, including where the LUN requires reconstruction prior to access. For Hyper-V volumes they are treated the exact same way.
We include this as part of our normal service, along with one named contact throughout and that all of the data remains in the UK. Most enterprise customers require this and we expect this regardless.
From £1,250 + VAT (the price is quoted following a scoping call), rather than from a fixed price list: the cost is affected by the number of members, how many shelves there are and the type of vendor based equipment. There is a 50% deposit taken at point of order with the remainder paid upon successful completion of recovery.
We do offer a free diagnosis. The price for each recovery is determined per array and in most cases you only pay if we recover your data. We recover every SAN off the controllers; we support Dell EMC, HPE, NetApp and other vendors.