VMware vSAN is a software-defined storage solution that enables the pooling of storage resources from multiple servers into a single shared datastore. The release of vSphere 8.0 brought several new features and improvements to vSAN. In this blog, we will discuss some of the key new features and improvements in vSAN on vSphere 8.0.
vSAN File Services
One of the most significant new features in vSAN on vSphere 8.0 is the addition of vSAN File Services. This feature enables the creation of NFS or SMB file shares on the vSAN datastore, allowing for the consolidation of file and block storage onto a single platform. This can simplify storage management and reduce costs by eliminating the need for separate file and block storage solutions.
Enhanced Cloud-Native Storage
vSAN on vSphere 8.0 includes enhancements to its cloud-native storage capabilities, making it easier to deploy and manage containerized applications on vSAN. This includes support for Kubernetes storage classes and the ability to provision persistent volumes using the vSphere CSI (Container Storage Interface) driver.
Improved Performance and Scalability
vSAN on vSphere 8.0 includes several performance and scalability improvements. The maximum capacity of a vSAN cluster has been increased to 64 hosts, and the maximum number of virtual machines per host has been increased to 1,024. In addition, vSAN on vSphere 8.0 includes performance optimizations for all-flash configurations, resulting in faster read and write operations.
Simplified Management and Deployment
vSAN on vSphere 8.0 includes several improvements to simplify management and deployment. The vSAN health check has been enhanced to provide more detailed information about the health and performance of the vSAN cluster. In addition, the vSAN installer has been simplified, making it easier to deploy and configure vSAN.
Support for vSphere Lifecycle Manager
vSAN on vSphere 8.0 includes support for vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM), which simplifies the process of updating and patching vSphere hosts. With vLCM, it is possible to automate the process of updating vSphere hosts, including firmware and driver updates, making it easier to keep the vSAN cluster up to date and secure.
Integration with VMware Cloud Foundation
vSAN on vSphere 8.0 is fully integrated with VMware Cloud Foundation, which provides a complete cloud infrastructure platform. This integration enables the deployment of a fully integrated and automated cloud infrastructure, including vSphere, vSAN, NSX-T, and vRealize Suite.
Conclusion
vSAN on vSphere 8.0 brings several new features and improvements that enhance its capabilities as a software-defined storage solution. The addition of vSAN File Services, enhanced cloud-native storage, improved performance and scalability, simplified management and deployment, support for vSphere Lifecycle Manager, and integration with VMware Cloud Foundation make vSAN on vSphere 8.0 a powerful and versatile storage solution for virtualized environments.