IBM Storage FlashSystem: Migration to Policy-Based Replication from Global Mirror Volumes - Byron

Discover the essential steps for upgrading your IBM Storage FlashSystem to harness the power of Policy-Based Replication. If you're transitioning from Global Mirror or Global Mirror with Change Volumes, here’s what you need to know:

Upgrade to Long-term Support:
Ensure your system is running on the robust long-term support release of 8.6.0, crucial for enabling Policy-Based Replication. Avoid versions 8.6.1 to 8.6.3 as they lack support for this feature. #IBMStorage #FlashSystem #DataReplication

Activate Policy-Based Replication:
Upgrade your system settings to integrate policy-based replication seamlessly. Utilize the GUI slider for easy activation and establish secure certificates between connected systems. #TechUpgrade #SystemIntegration

Set Up Linking and Provisioning:
Implement linked pools and provisioning policies on both sides of your system. Create targeted replication policies to manage timely Recovery Point Objectives (RPO), ensuring your data is safeguarded efficiently. #DataProtection #PolicyManagement

Implement Directly with New Replications:
For new replication tasks, bypass older methods and adopt Policy-Based Replication from the start. This approach saves time and streamlines your storage management processes. #Efficiency #StorageSolutions

Smooth Conversion Process:
Convert existing systems with ease. For Global Mirror setups, simply integrate them into a volume group with a new replication policy. For setups with Change Volumes, a few more steps are involved, including deleting change volumes and reconfiguring the system to align with Global Mirror standards before applying the new policy. #SystemConversion #techtips

0:00 - Introduction
Byron, from IBM's Advanced Technology Group, introduces the topic of migrating from Global Mirror and Global Mirror with Change Volumes to Policy-Based Replication.

0:15 - Upgrade Requirements
Byron explains the necessity of upgrading to IBM FlashSystem code version 8.6.0 for enabling Policy-Based Replication, advising against using versions 8.6.1 to 8.6.3 due to lack of support for Global Mirror volumes.

0:45 - Setting Up Policy-Based Replication
Detailed steps are provided on how to set up Policy-Based Replication, including enabling the feature through the GUI and setting up certificate exchanges between systems to secure the replication process.

1:30 - Linking and Provisioning Policies
The importance of linking pools and setting provisioning policies on both systems is emphasized. Byron also discusses how to create replication policies that manage and alert based on Recovery Point Objectives.

2:15 - Implementing New Replication Tasks
Byron advises on setting up new replication tasks directly using Policy-Based Replication instead of Global Mirror to simplify operations and prevent future conversion needs.

3:00 - Converting Existing Systems
Detailed explanation on how to convert existing systems from Global Mirror to Policy-Based Replication. This includes the deletion of change volumes, reconfiguring to Global Mirror, and assigning new replication policies.

4:00 - Conclusion
Byron concludes by emphasizing the benefits of migrating to Policy-Based Replication, including improved efficiency and reduced complexity in managing data replication.