Beta FAQs

When does the beta start, and how do I join?

The public beta started at the end of May 2012. In September 2012 the functionality in OnApp Storage was integrated into the next release of OnApp Cloud (version 3.0), and the two beta programs were combined. To test OnApp Storage functionality, join the OnApp Cloud v3.0 beta.  

The original OnApp Storage beta test is still active, and participants can continue testing their existing installation based on OnApp Cloud v2.3.2. However, all new development for the OnApp Storage beta will take place on the v3.0 beta platform only. We recommend that existing OnApp Storage beta testers complete a fresh install of the new v3.0 beta platform to continue their test.

How long will the beta last/when will the full version be available?

OnApp Storage functionality will reach General Availability around the end of 2012, with the launch of OnApp Cloud v3.0. 

What do I need to test OnApp Storage?

Please bear in mind that requirements may change during the course of the beta.

OnApp Cloud v3.0 (beta)
OnApp Storage functionality is integrated into the beta release of OnApp Cloud, version 3.0. This will be provided free of charge for the purpose of the beta test. Please note that this will be a fresh cloud install: you can't use an existing OnApp Cloud for the beta test. Check the OnApp Storage requirements page for a basic overview of the hardware you'll need for the core platform. 

Additional disks in hypervisors
OnApp Storage requires additional local disks in hypervisors, beyond those normally required for an OnApp Cloud. It also takes advantage of the diskless "Cloud Boot" feature introduced in OnApp Cloud v3.0 beta: as a result, all local storage controllers and disks will be made available to the integrated storage platform. You can attach any SATA, SSD or SAS drive to the local storage controller(s), although SSDs are recommended for best performance.

Network capacity/hypervisor NICs
We recommend assigning as much network capacity as possible to the integrated SAN. If you have spare NICs in your hypervisors you can assign them directly to the storage controller on that node. Note that you must assign at least one SAN NIC for the local VM storage traffic. If you don't have additional NICs, you can bridge the storage controller traffic over this same NIC but with potential loss of performance.

You can continue to access existing datastores on other LUNs over iSCSI/Fibre Channel/ATA over Ethernet. However, note that with the new integrated SAN functionality, OnApp Cloud now requires tighter control over the IP addressing of the local SAN subnet, so you may need to re-ip your existing SAN in order to continue to access LUNs. 

What IP scheme does OnApp Storage use?

OnApp Storage uses an internal /16 private address range within the 10.0.0.0/8 range. By default we assign 10.200.0.0/16 for integrated SAN operations. In order to attach and access an existing SAN, it should use an address with the 10.0.0.0/8 range that doesn't conflict with the SAN address. Note, however, that it can use the same physical subnet/ethernet NICs on the hypervisors, though with the obvious performance impact of aggregating data flows over the same physical interface.

Can I use the beta platform in production?

Sorry, no. The OnApp Cloud beta must not be used in a production environment. If you already use OnApp Cloud (or OnApp CDN) you'll need to deploy the platform alongside your existing install. If you're not an existing OnApp Cloud customer you can still deploy the Free version of OnApp Cloud as well as testing the beta. 

How will installation/deployment work?

Beta testers get full instructions when their beta begins. Like other OnApp products, installation is largely automated through scripts.  

How will the beta be supported?

There is a forum for beta test participants to share information and ask questions: this will be monitored by our technical teams, who will also contribute when required. 

Can OnApp Storage be used for cloud backup as well as SAN?

In beta form, OnApp Storage will not handle backup for your cloud. This will be added in future.  

How will OnApp Storage be priced?

OnApp Storage will be bundled with the full version of OnApp Cloud and included with the standard OnApp Cloud license fee. A standalone version is also planned - pricing for that is still to be confirmed, but we expect to offer competitive "pay as you grow" pricing of a few cents per GB of allocated storage.