How to test

To test a storage system or storage product, you will need to test with SNIA Emerald™ Specification and if plans are to submit data to a regulatory body, then you’ll also need to reference that body’s test specification for additional requirements and procedures.

Following are the steps to test with the SNIA Emerald Specification, with no additional regulatory body considerations for their test program.

See end of page for links to national body programs.

Obtain a copy of the entire testing kit, which includes the specification, user guide, where to download tools, and test scripts.
Verify that the product under consideration (called the Product Under Test, or PUT in the specification) is listed as a product for industry purchase from the original equipment manufacturer and is available in the configuration you wish to test.
Determine the taxonomy category the PUT is in, using the information in the specification is supported with the test methods and tools.
Set-up your test environment configuration with the PUT, the appropriately sized workload generator, the IO data collectors, the power meter, and temperature sensor.

SNIA recommends doing a series of trial runs to verify the PUT is optimally configured and the test harness is collecting data at the prescribed intervals.
Run the tests on the PUT following the directions in the specification
Review the test results and compare results against other test runs to ensure consistency in system behavior and data measurement.
Analyze your data and calculate the SNIA Emerald Metrics.
Industry Regulatory Bodies that have storage system programs and cross-reference the use of the SNIA Emerald Specification. Follow the directions and guidance in the specific regulatory body program specification for additional testing requirements, data submission requirements.

Regulatory Body Programs

EPA Energy Star Data Center Storage Program