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Storage APIs

VMware vSphere provides an API and SDK environment to allow customers and independent software vendors (ISVs) to enhance and extend the functionality of vSphere in the following areas:

 
 

Storage Awareness

Storage vendors can use the vSphere API for Storage Awareness (VASA) to provide vSphere with information about specific disk arrays for tighter integration between storage and the virtual infrastructure. The shared information includes details on storage health status, configuration, capacity and thin provisioning. From an administration perspective, this level of detail can now be passed up through vCenter Server to the user.

  • Gather information around specific disk array features (snapshot, dedupe, replication state, RAID levels, thin or thick provisioned, etc.) and status (health, troubleshooting, etc.)
  • Make it easy for administrators to select the most appropriate storage resources when a VM is created based on high level details around capacity, performance and capabilities of the underlying disk
  • Integrate with the Storage DRS and Profile-Driven Storage features of vSphere


These API's are included with the VMware vSphere Enterprise Plus Edition.

 
 

Array Integration

Offload specific storage operations to supported disk arrays for unparalleled performance and efficiencies. With the vSphere API for Array Integration (VAAI), vSphere can perform key operations faster and consume less CPU, memory and storage bandwidth.

  • Offload block copy and block zeroing to the array
  • Support dead space reclamation and out of space warnings in thin provisioned arrays
  • Fully support NAS as well as block based storage


These API's are included with the VMware vSphere Enterprise and Enterprise Plus Editions.

 
 

vSphere Storage APIs for Multipathing

Improve the performance and reliability of I/O to storage by integrating with third-party storage vendor multipath software features.

  • Modular storage architecture allows storage partners to write a plug-in for their specific capabilities
  • Plug-ins communicate with the intelligence running in the storage array to determine the best path selection, as well as leveraging parallel paths to increase performance and reliability of I/O from the vSphere host to the storage array


These API's are included with the VMware vSphere Enterprise and Enterprise Plus Editions.

 
 

Data Protection

Achieve scalable backup without disrupting applications and users by leveraging backup software that leverages the vSphere APIs for Data Protection (VADP). VADP enables the Storage APIs for Data Protection enable backup software to perform centralized virtual machine backups without the disruption and overhead of running backup tasks from inside each virtual machine.

  • Perform full, differential, and incremental image backup and restore of virtual machines
  • Perform file-level backup of virtual machines using supported Windows and Linux operating systems
  • Ensure data consistency by using Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Services (VSS) for virtual machines running supported Microsoft Windows operating systems


The vSphere API for Data Protection is included with all VMware vSphere editions and kits.