Common Array Manager 7 Powerful Facts for Easy Storage Control

Common Array Manager is a storage management tool. It was created by Sun Microsystems. Oracle later maintained it. The tool helps system administrators manage storage systems from one place. It reduces manual work and lowers errors. It is mainly used in enterprise environments. Common Array Manager is often called CAM. It works with supported Sun and Oracle storage hardware. It provides a web interface and a command line interface. Many organizations still use it for legacy systems Increditools

This article explains Common Array Manager in simple terms. It covers features usage installation and best practices. It also explains long term considerations.

What Is Common Array Manager

Common Array Manager is a centralized storage management application. It allows users to manage multiple storage arrays using one system.

Main Characteristics

Central management system
Web based user interface
Command line interface support
User role control
Monitoring and alert support
Firmware management

The main goal of CAM is to make storage administration easier and safer.

Purpose of Common Array Manager

Common Array Manager was created to solve common storage problems.

Main Goals

Reduce storage management complexity
Improve visibility of storage health
Prevent configuration mistakes
Centralize administration
Improve operational stability

CAM focuses on reliability and control rather than speed or automation.

Common Array Manager Architecture

The architecture of CAM is simple and centralized.

Core Components

Component	Description
CAM Server	Central system that runs CAM services
Storage Arrays	Supported Sun and Oracle storage hardware
CAM Agents	Optional components for enclosure management
User Interface	Web and command line access

How It Works

Administrator logs in to CAM
CAM connects to storage arrays
CAM collects health and status data
Administrator performs management tasks
CAM applies changes and records events

This design allows consistent management across devices.

Key Features of Common Array Manager

Storage Array Management

CAM allows full control of supported storage arrays.

Supported Actions

Discover storage arrays
Register arrays in the system
View array health
Monitor capacity usage
Manage controllers and disks

Administrators can manage many arrays from one interface.

Logical Unit Management

Logical units are also called LUNs. CAM provides tools to manage them safely.

LUN Functions

Create new storage volumes
Resize existing volumes
Delete unused volumes
Assign RAID levels
Track usage

CAM uses guided steps to reduce errors.

Host Management

CAM controls how servers access storage.

Host Management Features

Define individual hosts
Create host groups
Assign storage volumes
Control access permissions
Support multiple operating systems

This ensures secure and correct storage access.

Monitoring and Alerts

Monitoring is a key strength of CAM.

What CAM Monitors

Disk health
Controller status
Power supply status
Temperature conditions
Hardware faults

Alert Methods

Dashboard notifications
Email alerts
Event logs
SNMP alerts when enabled

Alerts help administrators respond early.

Firmware Management

Firmware control is critical for storage stability.

Firmware Features

Track firmware versions
Validate compatibility
Guide upgrade processes
Enforce firmware baselines
Verify upgrade success

CAM prevents unsupported firmware use.

User and Security Management

CAM uses role based access control.

Common User Roles

Administrator role
Operator role
Read only role

This limits access to sensitive actions and improves security.

System Requirements

Before installing CAM requirements must be checked.

Supported Operating Systems

CAM supports specific versions of the following systems.

Solaris
Linux
Windows for management server only

Unsupported systems cannot run CAM correctly.

Browser Requirements

CAM works with supported enterprise browsers. These are usually older versions. New browsers may not work correctly.

Hardware Support

Only supported Sun and Oracle storage hardware can be managed. Unsupported hardware cannot be added.

Network Requirements

Requirement	Description
Network Access	Reliable IP connectivity
Open Ports	Required management ports
Name Resolution	Correct IP or DNS setup

Network issues are a common cause of problems.

Installation Process

Pre Installation Checklist

Before installation complete the following steps.

Verify operating system support
Confirm hardware compatibility
Allocate enough system resources
Prepare network access
Prepare administrator credentials

Good preparation avoids installation failure.

Installation Steps

Download the correct CAM version
Start the installer
Choose installation location
Configure ports and services
Set administrator account
Complete installation

Installation time depends on system performance.

Post Installation Tasks

After installation perform these actions.

Log in to the CAM interface
Discover storage arrays
Register arrays
Configure agents if required
Apply recommended updates
Test alerts and access

These steps ensure CAM is ready for use.

Using Common Array Manager

Dashboard Overview

The dashboard shows key system information.

Dashboard Displays

Registered storage arrays
Health status indicators
Active alerts
Recent system events

This provides a quick system overview.

Storage Provisioning Process

CAM uses guided workflows for provisioning.

Provisioning Steps

Select storage array
Choose volume size
Select RAID level
Assign host access
Review configuration
Apply changes

This process reduces human error.

Enclosure and Disk Management

CAM supports enclosure monitoring for supported systems.

Enclosure Features

Disk health monitoring
FRU identification
Fault isolation guidance
Disk replacement support
Enclosure firmware management

These features improve hardware maintenance.

Maintenance and Operations

Routine Maintenance Tasks

Administrators should perform these tasks regularly.

Review alerts
Check logs
Monitor capacity usage
Verify backups
Review firmware status

Regular checks prevent major failures.

Configuration Backup

CAM configuration data should be backed up often. This allows faster recovery after failure.

Performance Management

To maintain good performance ensure the following.

CAM server has enough memory
Disk space is available
Log files are managed
Unused arrays are removed

This keeps CAM stable.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Installation Issues

Common installation problems include.

Unsupported operating system
Missing prerequisites
Port conflicts

Check logs for detailed error messages.

Discovery Issues

Discovery may fail due to.

Network connectivity problems
Incorrect credentials
Unsupported firmware versions

Verify network and compatibility first.

Firmware Upgrade Issues

Firmware upgrades may fail if.

Upgrade is interrupted
Firmware is incompatible
Permissions are insufficient

Always follow recommended procedures.

Best Practices

Follow these best practices for stable operation.

Use supported firmware versions
Limit administrator access
Schedule maintenance during low usage
Review documentation regularly
Avoid unsupported configurations

These practices reduce risk.

Common Use Cases

Common Array Manager is suitable for the following environments.

Legacy Sun storage systems
Oracle storage environments
Small to medium enterprise data centers
Stable infrastructure with low change rate

It is not ideal for modern cloud environments.

End of Life Considerations

Many CAM versions are no longer actively developed.

Risks of Continued Use

Limited security updates
Reduced vendor support
Compatibility issues with new systems

Organizations should plan long term migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Common Array Manager?

Common Array Manager is a storage management tool. It helps manage supported Sun and Oracle storage systems from one place.

What is Common Array Manager used for?

Common Array Manager is used to monitor storage health. It is also used to create volumes manage disks and control firmware.

Is Common Array Manager still in use?

Yes Common Array Manager is still used in legacy environments. It is mainly used where older Sun or Oracle storage systems are active.

Does Common Array Manager support all storage hardware?

No Common Array Manager only supports specific Sun and Oracle storage hardware. Unsupported systems cannot be managed.

Can Common Array Manager manage cloud storage?

No Common Array Manager is not designed for cloud storage. It works only with on premises supported hardware.

Does Common Array Manager have a web interface?

Yes Common Array Manager provides a web based user interface. It also provides a command line interface.

Is Common Array Manager free to use?

Common Array Manager usually requires access through Oracle support. Availability depends on the version and support agreement.

What operating systems support Common Array Manager?

Common Array Manager supports specific versions of Solaris Linux and Windows for management server only.

Can Common Array Manager send alerts?

Yes Common Array Manager can send alerts. Alerts can appear on the dashboard or be sent by email or SNMP.

Does Common Array Manager support firmware updates?

Yes Common Array Manager supports firmware tracking and upgrades. It also checks compatibility before upgrades.

Conclusion

Common Array Manager is a reliable storage management tool for legacy systems. It provides centralized control monitoring and firmware management. It reduces complexity and improves stability. While modern platforms offer advanced features CAM remains useful for supported environments. Organizations using CAM should understand its limitations and plan for the future. With proper maintenance and best practices Common Array Manager can continue to support stable storage operations.