Overview

All change work completed on the SAN storage network passes through change control. The only exception to the is where a break-fix is required on the SAN and a part requires urgent replacement. This is covered by the VTech mechanisum. All servers using storage MUST have both paths available at all times, this should built into the daily procedures.
Any server not having both paths available risk service outages at any time. The best way to ensure continuity of business is to have an active monitoring process running each server, with an active email service for issues. The storage is divided into two halves, a RED fabric and BLUE fabric. We NEVER plan any changes on both fabrics during the same weekend.

Change Control

All changes are raised as far in advance as possible. They are arranged to fit in with the colour of the fabric being affected that weekend. When a change is raised the follow approval classes are always added :-

UKVMS - OpenVMS Support team.
UKHP - HP Support Team.
EUDSMM - SAN Support Management.
EETCSAM -
EUNTSATM - NT Sats Management.
EUMAINFM - Datacentres management
If datacentre access is required we add
UKINSTL - Datacentre management.

As a service provider we ensure all the groups listed above are notified of the work being performed for any given weekend. The individual groups listed above in turn supply a service to businesses. It is up to these groups to ensure the businesses are made aware of the changes being performed by us. If there are issues or concerns with this work being performed they should notify us as early as possible. We can then resolve the issues prior to the weekend work.
NB.By not signing off on a change without a valid reason could possibly cause the change to be moved will affect not only that group but everyone else on the SAN that affected. It also means we need to reschedule this work, which cost valuable time and money.