Dell Equallogic Host Integration Tools Download ^hot^

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

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

Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools (HIT) are widely praised by administrators for transforming complex SAN management into a streamlined, application-consistent experience. While the software provides significant value by automating multipathing and data protection, current reviews often highlight a frustrating download process and aging operating system support. Core Functionality and Benefits

The HIT kit serves as a bridge between the physical storage array and host servers, offering several critical features: Multipath I/O (MPIO) Optimization:

One of its most lauded features is the ability to automatically manage and load-balance iSCSI traffic across multiple network paths, which is far more efficient than manual Windows or VMware configurations. Auto-Snapshot Manager (ASM): dell equallogic host integration tools download

Reviewers frequently cite this as a "game changer" for data protection. It allows for application-consistent snapshots—meaning databases like SQL Server SharePoint

are quiesced during the snapshot process to ensure data integrity during a restore. Simplified Management: Tools like the Remote Setup Wizard (RSW) PowerShell

integration allow administrators to initialize and manage arrays directly from their primary server environment rather than jumping between different management consoles. The "Download" Experience: A Common Pain Point

A major recurring theme in user reviews is the difficulty of obtaining the software. Restricted Access:

Unlike many modern storage vendors, Dell restricts HIT kit downloads to customers with active ProSupport

agreements. Users without an active contract often find themselves "locked out" of tools they previously used. Portal Navigation: The download requires logging into the Dell EqualLogic Support Portal

, navigating to the downloads section, and specifically searching for the version compatible with your array firmware (e.g., v5.5.0 for the latest PS Series firmware). Platform Specifics and Reviews Key Strengths Common Criticisms Microsoft Edition (HIT/ME)

Seamless integration with VSS; robust PowerShell support; easy MPIO setup.

Lagging support for newer OS versions; for example, version 5.3 famously lacked Windows Server 2019 support for an extended period. VMware Edition (HIT/VE)

High-level vCenter integration; excellent scale-out performance in virtualized environments. The Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools (HIT) are

Some older components like the standalone ASM/VE application were described as "clunky" compared to integrated plugins. Linux Edition (HIT/LE)

Improved distribution support (CentOS/RHEL) and simplified installer in later versions.

Historically more complex to configure than its Windows counterpart. Final Verdict Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools for Microsoft v5.5.0

Microsoft) integrates with Microsoft ISCSI initiator and provides seamless dynamically managed OEM multipath (MPIO).

Title: Where to Download Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools (HIT) – A Quick Guide

Post:

If you’re still running a Dell EqualLogic PS Series array in your environment, you already know how reliable and feature-rich these iSCSI SANs are. However, finding the correct software packages to manage them—especially the Host Integration Tools (HIT) —can be tricky now that Dell has shifted focus to PowerStore and PowerMax.

Here’s a quick guide to downloading the correct HIT kit for your OS.

Final Checklist: Before You Download and Install

✅ Have you confirmed your EqualLogic group’s firmware version?
✅ Is your operating system on the HIT version’s support matrix?
✅ Do you have a valid Dell support account (or access to a legacy archive)?
✅ Have you scheduled a maintenance window (reboot is mandatory for Windows)?
✅ Do you have a rollback plan (e.g., snapshots of your boot LUN)?

Verifying the Installation

Open Device Manager → Storage Controllers → Look for “EqualLogic DSM.”
Open PowerShell and run: Get-MPIOAvailableHardware – you should see DELL and EQLOGIC entries.
Launch Auto-Snapshot Manager to verify VSS writers are recognized.

Alternative Sources for Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools Download (Legacy)

Since Dell has made downloads difficult for out-of-warranty users, here are legitimate fallback options: Title: Where to Download Dell EqualLogic Host Integration

The EqualLogic Community Archive: The storagereview.com and reddit.com/r/storage forums have pinned posts with clean copies of HIT versions 3.x and 4.x (checksum-verified).
Dell FTP (if still accessible): Some legacy paths at ftp.dell.com may still host SANtools/HIT/. Try ftp://ftp.dell.com/SANtools/ (no warranty, use at your own risk).
Your existing backups: Many administrators forgot they have the installer on old backup tapes or utility servers. Check your archives.

Security Warning: Never download HIT from torrent sites or unknown file hosts. Many contain malware. Always verify the digital signature (should be signed by Dell Inc.).

2. Automated Path Failover

The MPIO component detects link failures or switch issues and reroutes traffic to surviving paths in milliseconds—something the basic Microsoft MPIO cannot do as intelligently with EqualLogic’s unique “volume affinity” model.

Step 3: Filter by Operating System

Dell’s legacy portal will show the latest HIT version available (typically 4.2 or 4.3 for Windows, or 1.x for Linux/VMware). Use the dropdown to filter by your specific OS:

Microsoft Windows: HIT/Windows (e.g., v4.3 for 2012 R2, 2016, 2019)
Linux: HIT/Linux (RHEL, CentOS, SLES)
VMware ESXi: HIT/VMware (also called MEM – Multi-path Extension Module)
Citrix XenServer: Older HIT/XenServer versions

Important: Dell requires a valid support contract to download. If your hardware is out of contract, you may be blocked. In that case, see the “Alternative Sources” section later in this article.

VMware ESXi Installation (VIB)

For ESXi, download the offline bundle (ZIP):

Place ZIP in a datastore.
Run esxcli software vib install -d /vmfs/volumes/datastore1/HIT-VMware_*.zip
Reboot host.
Verify with esxcli storage core device list | grep "EQL"

The VMware HIT provides a native PSA (Pluggable Storage Architecture) SATP rule for Equallogic, enabling Round Robin and delayed AER.

The Version Matrix (What you need to know)

Do not just grab the newest file. Newer does not mean better for legacy gear.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide (Windows Server Example)

Once you have completed your “Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools download,” follow this guide for a clean installation.