Pure Storage FAAA_004 Exam Questions

The architectural design that simplifies controller upgrades from FlashArray//XR2 to //XR3 is the use of a common controller chassis for both models. This design allows customers to upgrade their controllers without replacing the entire array chassis, minimizing downtime and complexity during the upgrade process.

Why This Matters:

The common controller chassis ensures that the physical infrastructure (e.g., drive shelves, power supplies, and other components) remains unchanged during the upgrade. Only the controllers themselves need to be swapped out, which significantly reduces the time and effort required for the upgrade.

This approach also eliminates the need for re-cabling or reconfiguring the array, as the chassis and its connections remain consistent between the two models.

Why Not the Other Options?

B . InfiniBand connectivity between controllers: While InfiniBand is used for high-speed communication between controllers in FlashArray systems, it is not directly related to simplifying controller upgrades. It is a feature of the architecture but does not address the ease of upgrading between models.

C . NVRAM modules in both controllers: NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) is used to ensure data integrity during power loss, but it is not a factor in simplifying controller upgrades. Both XR2 and XR3 models include NVRAM, so this is not unique to the upgrade process.

D . Re-use of existing HBAs to prevent WWN changes: While reusing HBAs can help avoid changes to World Wide Names (WWNs), this is not a key factor in simplifying the upgrade process. The common controller chassis is the primary design feature that streamlines the upgrade.

Key Points:

Common Controller Chassis: Enables seamless upgrades by allowing the replacement of controllers without changing the rest of the array infrastructure.

Minimized Downtime: Reduces the time and complexity of upgrades, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.

Consistency Across Models: Ensures compatibility and continuity between different generations of FlashArray controllers.

Pure Storage FlashArray//X Documentation: 'Controller Upgrade Process and Best Practices'

Pure Storage Whitepaper: 'Evergreen Architecture and Controller Upgrades'

Pure Storage Knowledge Base: 'Upgrading FlashArray Controllers Without Downtime'

The exhibit shows latency in the VMware environment connected to the FlashArray. When troubleshooting latency issues in a VMware environment, the first step is to identify whether the issue originates from the storage array, the network, or the ESXi host. In this case, the SE should recommend checking the ESXi host , as it is often the source of latency problems in VMware environments.

Why This Matters:

ESXi Host Issues:

The ESXi host could be experiencing resource contention (e.g., CPU, memory, or network bottlenecks) or misconfigurations (e.g., improper queue depth settings or multipathing policies).

High latency on the ESXi host can impact the performance of virtual machines and appear as storage latency, even if the FlashArray itself is functioning optimally.

Why Not the Other Options?

A . Add DirectFlash Modules as the system is disk bound:

Pure Storage FlashArray uses DirectFlash Modules, which are NVMe-based and provide extremely low latency. If the array were disk-bound, it would indicate a hardware limitation, but this is unlikely with FlashArray's architecture. The issue is more likely related to the ESXi host or network.

B . Upgrade the controllers:

Controller upgrades are typically unnecessary unless the array is nearing its performance limits. Since the exhibit does not indicate any signs of controller saturation, this is not the correct recommendation.

C . Add network cards to alleviate network congestion:

While network congestion can cause latency, the issue is more likely related to the ESXi host configuration. Adding network cards should only be considered after confirming network bottlenecks through diagnostics.

Key Points:

ESXi Host Diagnostics: Start by checking the ESXi host for resource contention, misconfigurations, or improper settings.

Storage Array Health: Verify that the FlashArray is not experiencing any performance issues (e.g., high queue depths or latency).

Network Analysis: Only after ruling out the ESXi host and storage array should network-related issues be investigated.

Pure Storage FlashArray Documentation: 'Troubleshooting Latency in VMware Environments'

VMware Best Practices Guide: 'Optimizing ESXi Host Performance'

Pure Storage Knowledge Base: 'Diagnosing and Resolving Latency Issues'

The customer has a cloud-first strategy and does not wish to own additional capital assets, meaning they are looking for a solution that operates entirely within the public cloud without requiring on-premises hardware. Additionally, their primary goal is to reduce cloud storage costs while managing a large volume of database data (100 TB).

Cloud Block Store (CBS) is the ideal solution for this requirement. CBS is a software-defined block storage solution that runs natively in the public cloud (e.g., AWS or Azure). It provides enterprise-grade storage features like deduplication, compression, and thin provisioning, which help optimize storage usage and reduce costs. By leveraging CBS, the customer can efficiently manage their database workloads in the cloud while minimizing storage expenses.

Why Not the Other Options?

A . Evergreen//Flex: This is a subscription-based model for on-premises FlashArray hardware. Since the customer does not want to own any additional capital assets, this option does not align with their cloud-first strategy.

B . Evergreen//Forever: Similar to Evergreen//Flex, this is an on-premises solution that involves hardware ownership, which does not meet the customer's requirements.

D . Portworx DBaaS: While Portworx is a containerized storage solution for databases, it is primarily designed for Kubernetes environments and does not directly address the need to reduce cloud storage costs for traditional database workloads.

Key Points:

Cloud Block Store: A cloud-native block storage solution that reduces storage costs through advanced data reduction techniques.

Cloud-First Strategy: CBS aligns perfectly with the customer's desire to avoid capital expenditures and operate entirely within the public cloud.

Pure Storage Cloud Block Store Documentation: 'Deploying and Managing Cloud Block Store in Azure'

Pure Storage Whitepaper: 'Optimizing Cloud Costs with Cloud Block Store'

Pure Storage Best Practices Guide: 'Database Workloads in the Public Cloud'

Pure Storage's Right-Size Guarantee ensures that customers can accurately predict their storage needs based on their workload characteristics. Here's an analysis of the statements:

Correct Statements:

B . Evergreen//Foundation subscriptions are not eligible for guarantee :

The Right-Size Guarantee applies only to specific subscription tiers, such as Evergreen//One and Evergreen//Forever. Evergreen//Foundation, which is a lower-tier subscription, is not eligible for this guarantee.

C . The Workload Mix cannot change by more than 20% :

To maintain the accuracy of the Right-Size Guarantee, the customer's workload mix (e.g., database, VDI, file shares) must remain relatively stable. A significant change in the workload mix (greater than 20%) could invalidate the guarantee, as it affects data reduction ratios and capacity predictions.

Incorrect Statements:

A . The customer must complete a 6-month proof of concept :

A proof of concept is not required to qualify for the Right-Size Guarantee. Instead, the guarantee is based on the initial assessment of the workload and adherence to the terms.

D . Capacity upgrades will extend the Right-Size Guarantee :

Capacity upgrades do not automatically extend the Right-Size Guarantee. The guarantee is tied to the initial assessment and workload stability, not hardware upgrades.

Final Recommendation:

The correct answers are B. Evergreen//Foundation subscriptions are not eligible for guarantee and C. The Workload Mix cannot change by more than 20% .

Pure Storage Right-Size Guarantee Overview :

Pure Storage Right-Size Guarantee

Details the terms and conditions of the Right-Size Guarantee.

Evergreen Subscription Tiers :

Pure Storage Evergreen Subscriptions

Explains the differences between Evergreen subscription tiers.

The Evergreen//Forever program is Pure Storage's premium subscription offering, providing continuous upgrades and enhancements to ensure customers always have access to the latest technology. In contrast, Evergreen//Foundation is a lower-tier subscription with limited benefits. Here's an analysis of the features:

Correct Features:

A . Controller Upgrades :

Controller upgrades are a key feature of Evergreen//Forever, allowing customers to upgrade their FlashArray controllers non-disruptively to newer generations.

This feature is not included in Evergreen//Foundation.

D . Upgrade Always :

'Upgrade Always' ensures that customers can continuously upgrade their hardware and software without additional costs.

This is a hallmark of Evergreen//Forever and is not available in Evergreen//Foundation.

Incorrect Features:

B . Pro Deployment :

Pro Deployment services are available across all Evergreen tiers, including Evergreen//Foundation.

Therefore, this is not specific to Evergreen//Forever.

C . Capacity Consolidation :

Capacity consolidation is a general benefit of Pure Storage arrays and is not exclusive to Evergreen//Forever.

It is also available in Evergreen//Foundation.

Final Recommendation:

The correct answers are A. Controller Upgrades and D. Upgrade Always , as these are specific to Evergreen//Forever and not included in Evergreen//Foundation.

Evergreen//Forever Program Overview :

Evergreen//Forever

Explains the benefits and features of Evergreen//Forever.

Evergreen Subscription Tiers Comparison :

Evergreen Tiers

Compares the features of Evergreen//Forever and Evergreen//Foundation.