In-Band management uses the primary data path (the SAS link) between a host and storage device for management traffic.

Out-Of-Band management occurs over an Ethernet network outside of the primary data path between the host and storage device. Other types of out-of-band management would include using the CMM ILOM to perform tasks such as module firmware upgrades, or using module LED indicators for component fault isolation.

SCSI Enclosure Services. SES is a command set that is used to manage and sense the state of non-SCSI components installed in a SAS enclosure (such as voltage and temperature sensors, and module indicators), as well as power on/off or light module LEDs. Management software that supports SES can be used to monitor and issue commands to the storage module using the in-band SAS connection. SES processes run on the expanders and execute diagnostic commands from the management software. The Sun Blade Storage Module M2 supports SES-2.

SMP (Serial Management Protocol). In addition to SES, SMP allows management software to perform storage module management functions in-band over the SAS links. It provides for management of the storage module including, zoning, hard disk and chassis LEDs, temperature and voltage sensors.

The duration of time between component status updates to the management client.

A change in the state of a device (hard disks, enclosure temperature, etc.). Alerts include a severity level to describe informational, non-critical, critical and unrecoverable device status. Alerts are displayed on the management client or an alert notification may be received by email.

Field Replaceable Unit. These are replaceable parts, such as hard disk drives, that may be monitored for faults. If they fail, these parts can be replaced. Note that all FRUs (except for the storage module itself) are also CRUs (Customer Replaceable Units).

Tasks done through the REM to create volumes, view logged disk errors, mount and unmount disks, replace faulty disks.

Tasks done through the CMM to configure host-based zoning, monitor storage module status, obtain FRU information, update firmware and reset the module.