Choosing the Storage API
to Use
The
HostStorageSystem
APIs are
low-level enough for performing VMFS provisioning operations. They require a
knowledge of partitioning details and VMFS extent composition. They do not
enforce VMFS best practices like partition alignment and optimum VMFS block
sizes, and they allow you to mix extents from different datastores on the same
LUN and to add extents even though expansion is preferable in most cases.
The
HostDatastoreSystem
APIs are
primarily used for managing VMFS volumes. They don’t require an in-depth
knowledge of storage systems, and do enforce best practices.
Figure 1
gives an overview of the different APIs. See
Managed Objects for Working with Storage
to determine which tasks are commonly performed with which API.
Storage APIs
