topic Re: what is the best choice as second tier for AFF clusters in ONTAP Discussions

what is the best choice as second tier for AFF clusters

FelixZhou — Thu, 08 May 2025 13:51:34 GMT

we have more than 10 small AFF clusters on different locations. the space is always an issue when time goes on. we are thinking to add a second tier for archiving old data instead of keep spending the capacities. the question is which one is the best choices financially and technically, StorageGRID, cloud or something else?

Please share your experience if you are facing similar situation. thanks,

Re: what is the best choice as second tier for AFF clusters

Sanaman — Thu, 15 May 2025 03:54:44 GMT

What about FAS clusters if performance is not an issue and just to archive old data. We use FAS 83xx and 87xx for vaulting and image archival.

Re: what is the best choice as second tier for AFF clusters

Sairajeevmic — Tue, 20 May 2025 10:45:33 GMT

FAS series will suit your requirement.

You can have combination of AFF & FAS series.
Storage Grid & cloud are costly.

Re: what is the best choice as second tier for AFF clusters

FelixZhou — Tue, 20 May 2025 13:44:40 GMT

thank you for the reply . we used to think about use FAS as second tier of AFF, but the problem is FAS and AFF cannot be formed as one cluster, then easily move data around between tiers. we will have to manually move some data from AFF to FAS. they are not sharing space.

Re: what is the best choice as second tier for AFF clusters

Sairajeevmic — Tue, 20 May 2025 14:14:24 GMT

You can form cluster using AFF & FAS.
you can use volume move operation to non-disruptively migrate data.
Pricing - you need to check with Account team.

Re: what is the best choice as second tier for AFF clusters

FelixZhou — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:15:33 GMT

Good to know. If this is the case. FAS probably a best choice for our second tier search.
I believe we will need to add switches by adding FAS node pairs.
Thank you,

Regards,
Fei Zhou