This FAQ will be a good reading on VAAI.
using vshpere 5.1 enterprise + and a new netapp array - wanting to migrate data from an older EVA4400 to the new netapp. If we do storage vmotions, will one or the other of the storage devices do the actual work of moving data, or will the hosts have to do it up in the software layer?
in this scenario, VAAI cant do much, since the soruce and target LUNs are on different storages. To get the storage vmotion improvement by VAAI both source and target LUNs should be on same storage which is VAAI compatible.
And if the arrays will participate (thereby making the process faster and consuming fewer cpu cycles on the hosts) Is there something that I need to do, to enable VAII integration on either of these arrays?
From array side we dont need to do much. Just check with the Array vendor that the Storage OS is VAAI compatible and its enabled by default.
From Host side, by default VAAI is enabled.
To determine if VAAI is enabled using the vSphere Client:
- In the vSphere Client inventory panel, click the host.
- Click the Configuration tab, then click Advanced Settings under Software.
- Check that these options are set to 1 (enabled):
DataMover.HardwareAcceleratedMove
DataMover.HardwareAcceleratedInit
VMFS3.HardwareAcceleratedLocking
Refer the KB mentioned above to enable VAAI if its not enabled by any chance.