Dell Equallogic Host Integration Tools [repack] Download (GENUINE - Overview)
Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools (HIT) are host-based software suites that bridge the gap between your servers and EqualLogic PS Series storage arrays. They automate management tasks, optimize I/O performance, and enable application-consistent data protection. Core Capabilities
The HIT suite is primarily divided into platform-specific editions for Microsoft Windows, VMware, and Linux environments.
Optimized Performance (MPIO): Automatically manages multiple iSCSI network paths between the server and the storage group to balance traffic, increase bandwidth, and provide seamless failover.
Application-Consistent Protection: Uses the Auto-Snapshot Manager (ASM) to create "Smart Copies" (snapshots, clones, and replicas) that are aware of the application state, ensuring data integrity for databases and file systems.
Simplified Management: Tools like the Remote Setup Wizard (RSW) automate the discovery and initialization of new arrays, while PowerShell Tools allow for extensive scripting and automation. Edition-Specific Features Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools for Microsoft v4.9.0
The Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools (HIT) remain a vital lifeline for admins maintaining the robust, though aging, PS Series storage arrays. While modern data centers have largely shifted to Dell PowerStore, the "HIT Kit" is still the secret sauce that makes legacy EqualLogic hardware play nice with modern operating systems. The Latest Version: HIT v5.5.0
The most current iteration for Windows environments is v5.5.0, which is designed to bridge the gap for older hardware. This version explicitly supports:
Operating Systems: Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, and Windows 10. dell equallogic host integration tools download
Applications: SQL Server (2016-2017), Exchange (2016-2019), and SharePoint (2016-2019).
Virtualization: Hyper-V and System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM) 2016/2019. How to Download the "HIT Kit"
Downloading the software isn't as simple as a public link; it requires a Dell Support Account with an active service contract for your array. Access the Portal: Head to eqlsupport.dell.com and log in.
Locate Downloads: Navigate to the Downloads section on the gray toolbar.
Find the Kit: Scroll to "Host Integration Tools for Microsoft" and select the latest recommended version.
Choose Your Package: You’ll typically find 32-bit and 64-bit .exe installers, along with .iso files for creating bootable media. Why You Need It
Installing the HIT kit isn't just about drivers; it automates complex backend configurations that would be a nightmare to do manually: Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools for Microsoft v5.5.0 Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools (HIT) are host-based
The Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools (HIT) are a suite of software components designed to simplify the management, performance, and data protection of Dell EqualLogic PS Series storage arrays from the servers that use them. Key Components and Functionality
The HIT kit (often referred to as the "HIT Kit") includes several essential tools for server administrators:
Auto-Snapshot Manager (ASM): Provides application-consistent snapshots, clones, and replicas for critical applications like Microsoft SQL Server, Exchange, and SharePoint.
Multipath I/O (MPIO) DSM: Dynamically balances iSCSI traffic across multiple network paths to ensure high availability and performance.
PowerShell Tools: Allows administrators to script management operations for PS Series groups.
Remote Setup Wizard (RSW): Simplifies the initial discovery and configuration of new PS Series arrays.
Storage Management Provider (SMP): Enables management through Windows Server 2012 R2 and later versions. Latest Version and Compatibility Key Components of HIT/SM (SAN Multipathing)
As of recent updates, the latest recommended version for Windows environments is v5.5.0. Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools for Microsoft v5.5.0
Key Components of HIT/SM (SAN Multipathing)
- Device Specific Module (DSM): Replaces Microsoft MPIO for Equallogic volumes, enabling load balancing and path failover.
- Host Performance Monitor (HPM): Provides real-time statistics and latency metrics per volume.
- Equallogic PowerShell Toolkit: Automates volume snapshots, clones, and replication via scripts.
- VSS and VDS Providers: For hardware-assisted shadow copies and virtual disk management on Windows.
- Auto-Snapshot Manager (ASM/ASM/ME): Manages application-consistent snapshots for Exchange, Hyper-V, and SQL Server.
The Ultimate Guide to Dell Equallogic Host Integration Tools Download: Installation, Versions, and Best Practices
Version Compatibility Matrix (Avoid Disaster!)
Installing an incompatible HIT version can cause iSCSI disconnections or BSODs. Use this table to match your OS and Equallogic firmware:
| Equallogic Firmware | Supported Windows Server | Latest HIT/SM Version | Supported ESXi | Supported Linux | |---------------------|-------------------------|-----------------------|----------------|------------------| | 8.x (PS Series) | 2012 R2, 2016, 2019 | 4.8.0 | 6.0, 6.5, 6.7 | RHEL 7, CentOS 7 | | 9.x (PS Series) | 2016, 2019, 2022* | 4.11.0 | 6.5, 6.7, 7.0 | RHEL 8, Ubuntu 18.04| | 10.x | 2019, 2022 | 5.0.1+ | 7.0, 8.0 | RHEL 9, SLES 15 SP3|
*Limited support for 2022 via HIT 5.x with legacy drivers.
Recommendation: Always run the latest HIT version that your OS supports, even if your firmware is older. But never run HIT newer than your firmware’s certified compatibility list without testing.
Recommendation for Ongoing Operations
If you need HIT today:
- Run the latest available HIT version for your OS generation (even if not the absolute latest).
- Stick to Windows Server 2019 or 2022 (last fully validated).
- For ESXi – Use the native iSCSI software adapter and round-robin; MEM is optional.
- Plan a migration – EqualLogic is 10+ years old; no critical workload should depend on new HIT features.
Troubleshooting tips
- Mismatch between HIT and array firmware is the most common cause of issues—confirm versions first.
- Reinstall or update multipathing modules if hosts lose LUN access.
- Use vendor logs and support bundles when contacting Dell support.
Common Download and Installation Issues (Troubleshooting)
Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools — Download Guide
Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools (HIT) simplify integration between Dell EqualLogic storage arrays and host servers by improving multipathing, snapshots, and storage management. This short guide explains what HIT provides, which packages to choose, and where/how to download and install them.