The Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools (HIT) are a suite of software designed to simplify the management of Dell PS Series storage arrays. These tools allow servers running Microsoft Windows, VMware, or Linux to communicate directly with the storage array to automate tasks like backup, recovery, and performance tuning. Key Features and Benefits
Automated Management: Includes the Remote Setup Wizard (RSW), which simplifies the traditionally tedious discovery and initial configuration of SAN arrays.
Data Protection: Features like Auto-Snapshot Manager (ASM) allow for "Smart Copies"—application-consistent snapshots and clones—across platforms like SQL Server, Exchange, and Hyper-V.
Optimized Performance: Provides native Multipath I/O (MPIO) drivers that intelligently balance iSCSI traffic across multiple network paths for higher reliability and throughput. Platform-Specific Editions:
HIT/Microsoft: Integrates with VSS for backups and offers PowerShell tools for automation.
HIT/VMware: Includes a vSphere plugin for managing datastores and virtual machine snapshots directly from vCenter.
HIT/Linux: Provides a CLI and the EQLTUNE suite to verify and correct system parameters for optimal iSCSI performance. How to Download Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools for Microsoft v5.1.0
Without HIT’s Auto-Snapshot Manager, a snapshot of a volume running a live SQL or Exchange database will likely be crash-consistent, leading to potential corruption upon restore. ASM/ME communicates with VSS to flush transactions and freeze I/O before the snapshot, guaranteeing recoverability.
| OS Family | Last Good HIT Version | Download Source | |-----------|----------------------|------------------| | Windows | 5.1 (Build 396) | Dell Support (legacy) | | VMware | 4.1 (Build 297) | Dell Support / MyLocker | | Linux | 1.6 | Dell Support (legacy) |
Pro tip: When installing HIT for Windows, always uninstall any old HIT version first, then reboot before installing the new one. The MEM driver installation is sensitive to pending reboots. dell equallogic host integration tools download
Have a specific HIT error code or version mismatch? Drop a comment below—many of us are still keeping our EqualLogic clusters alive.
Disclaimer: Dell no longer officially supports EqualLogic HIT as of 2024. Use legacy software at your own risk, especially on internet-facing or regulated systems.
The IT Manager's Dilemma
John, the IT manager at a medium-sized company, was facing a challenge. His team was struggling to manage the company's storage infrastructure, which was comprised of Dell EqualLogic PS series storage arrays. The team was spending too much time on mundane tasks, such as monitoring storage performance, managing LUNs, and configuring access control.
One day, while browsing the Dell website, John stumbled upon the Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools (HITs). He read that these tools were designed to simplify the management of EqualLogic storage arrays and improve the overall efficiency of his team.
The Discovery
Intrigued, John clicked on the "Download" button to get the HITs software. He was directed to the Dell Support website, where he had to navigate through a few pages to find the correct download link. After filling out a short registration form, he was able to access the download page.
The HITs software package included several tools, including:
The Installation
John downloaded the HITs software package and began the installation process. The installation was straightforward, and the wizard-guided process made it easy to select the tools he wanted to install.
After completing the installation, John rebooted the server and launched the EHT tool. He was impressed by the intuitive interface, which provided a clear overview of his storage infrastructure. He could easily monitor performance, manage LUNs, and configure access control.
The Benefits
With the HITs tools installed, John's team was able to significantly improve their productivity. They could now manage the storage infrastructure more efficiently, freeing up time to focus on more strategic initiatives.
The HITs tools also provided several other benefits, including:
The Verdict
John was thrilled with the results. He had successfully downloaded and installed the Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools, and his team was already reaping the benefits. He highly recommended the HITs tools to other IT managers who were struggling with storage management.
From that day on, John's team was able to manage the storage infrastructure with ease, freeing up time to focus on more strategic initiatives. The HITs tools had become an essential part of their storage management toolkit, and they couldn't imagine going back to the old way of doing things.
Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools: Enhancing Storage Performance and Management The Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools (HIT) are
Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools (HIT) is a suite of software tools designed to enhance the performance, manageability, and integration of Dell EqualLogic storage systems with host servers. These tools provide a comprehensive solution for optimizing storage operations, improving data availability, and streamlining management tasks.
Key Features and Benefits
The Dell EqualLogic HIT suite offers several key features and benefits, including:
Downloading Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools
To download the Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools, follow these steps:
Supported Operating Systems and Environments
The Dell EqualLogic HIT suite supports a wide range of operating systems and environments, including:
Conclusion
The Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools provide a comprehensive solution for optimizing storage performance, manageability, and integration with host servers. By downloading and installing these tools, users can improve data availability, streamline management tasks, and enhance overall storage efficiency. For more information on Dell EqualLogic HIT and to download the software, visit the Dell support website. The EqualLogic Host Integration Tool (EHT), which provided
Many administrators make the mistake of using only the built-in iSCSI initiator in Windows Server or Linux. While that works, you are missing out on critical functionality: