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Converting Virtual Machines running Linux from SCSI to NVMe

| Philipp Leitenbauer |

VM Infrastructure

YouTube

Anchor

Spotify

Apple

Episode #197

Introduction

In episode 197 of our SAP on Azure video podcast we talk about how to improve storage throughput. In our last episode we quickly mentioned how features and capabilities are constantly added to services in the cloud. We talked about this in the context of the Azure Monitor for SAP solutions, but obviously these enhancements and optimizations are also happening on a lower level.

Especially in SAP Hana installations, I/O throughput is super critical. In the past SCSI was used to connect your disks to the VM. Now we can leverage NVMe (non-volatile memory express) using Azure Boost. To tell us more about this and actually show how to convert from SCSI to NVMe, I am glad to have Philipp Leitenbauer with us today.

Find all the links mentioned here: https://www.saponazurepodcast.de/episode197

Reach out to us for any feedback / questions:

#Microsoft #SAP #Azure #SAPonAzure #Infrastructure #Performance

Summary created by AI

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  • Azure Boost: Philipp introduced Azure Boost, emphasizing its optimization for the Azure platform, particularly for SAP HANA installations, enhancing IO throughput and storage capabilities. This includes transitioning from SCSI to NVMe connections for improved performance.
    • Introduction to Azure Boost: Philipp Leitenbauer introduced Azure Boost, focusing on its role in optimizing the Azure platform for SAP HANA installations. He explained that Azure Boost enhances IO throughput and storage capabilities by transitioning from SCSI to NVMe connections, which is critical for improved performance.
    • Impact on SAP HANA: The discussion highlighted the importance of IO throughput for SAP HANA installations, where Azure Boost plays a significant role. The transition from SCSI to NVMe connections under Azure Boost is designed to provide a substantial performance enhancement for these systems.
    • Technical Advancements: Philipp detailed the technical advancements brought by Azure Boost, such as leveraging nonvolatile memory express (NVMe) over the traditional SCSI connections, which results in a significant boost in performance for SAP HANA installations on Azure.
    • Optimization Benefits: The benefits of Azure Boost were discussed, emphasizing the optimization it brings to the Azure platform, especially for SAP HANA installations, by improving IO throughput and storage capabilities through the adoption of NVMe connections.
  • VM Conversion: Philipp detailed the process for converting existing VMs to support NVMe, including preparation steps and the ability to revert changes if necessary. This process aims to significantly boost IOPS and throughput for SAP systems on Azure.
    • Conversion Process Overview: Philipp provided an overview of the process for converting existing VMs to support NVMe, which includes preparation steps and the ability to revert changes if necessary. This conversion is aimed at significantly boosting IOPS and throughput for SAP systems on Azure.
    • Reversion Capability: He emphasized the capability to revert the VM conversion from NVMe back to SCSI if any issues arise, ensuring that users can safely attempt the conversion without the risk of permanent changes.
    • Performance Enhancement: The conversion process is designed to enhance the performance of SAP systems on Azure by significantly boosting IOPS and throughput, which is a critical aspect of the VM conversion to NVMe.
    • Operational Impact: Philipp discussed the operational impact of VM conversion, noting the importance of the process in improving the performance of SAP systems on Azure and the steps involved in ensuring a smooth transition to NVMe support.
  • NVMe Advantages: Philipp highlighted the dramatic improvements in IOPS and throughput that NVMe offers over SCSI, including potential performance benefits for SAP HANA and other large databases, underscoring the importance of transitioning to NVMe for enhanced performance.
    • Performance Improvements: Philipp highlighted the dramatic improvements in IOPS and throughput that NVMe offers over SCSI. He underscored the potential performance benefits for SAP HANA and other large databases, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to NVMe for enhanced performance.
    • Advantages for SAP HANA: The discussion focused on the advantages that NVMe provides for SAP HANA installations, with significant improvements in performance metrics such as IOPS and throughput when compared to SCSI connections.
    • Technical Comparison: A technical comparison between NVMe and SCSI was provided, showcasing the superior performance of NVMe in terms of IOPS and throughput, which is particularly beneficial for SAP HANA and other large database systems.
    • Transition Importance: The importance of transitioning to NVMe was stressed, with Philipp explaining that the enhanced performance capabilities of NVMe are crucial for the optimal operation of SAP HANA installations on Azure.
  • Operational Guidance: Philipp provided a comprehensive guide on preparing for and executing the conversion from SCSI to NVMe, including checking VM support, preparing the operating system, and utilizing PowerShell scripts for the conversion process.
    • Preparation Steps: Philipp provided a comprehensive guide on the preparation steps required for converting from SCSI to NVMe. This includes checking VM support and preparing the operating system for the transition.
    • PowerShell Script Usage: He discussed the utilization of PowerShell scripts for the conversion process, outlining how these scripts facilitate the transition and ensure a smooth conversion experience.
    • Conversion Execution: The execution of the conversion from SCSI to NVMe was detailed, with Philipp providing step-by-step guidance on how to carry out the process effectively, ensuring that users can confidently perform the conversion.
    • System Readiness: Philipp emphasized the importance of ensuring system readiness before executing the conversion, including checking VM support and preparing the operating system to handle NVMe connections.
  • Future Developments: Philipp teased future developments in Azure Boost and expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing work to further integrate and optimize SAP on Azure, indicating a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
    • Upcoming Enhancements: Philipp teased future developments in Azure Boost, indicating that there is ongoing work to further integrate and optimize SAP on Azure, showcasing a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in the platform.
    • Innovation Commitment: The discussion revealed a strong commitment to innovation, with Philipp expressing enthusiasm for the future enhancements planned for Azure Boost and its integration with SAP on Azure.

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