I'm running a five node 2012 R2 Hyper-V cluster with Broadcom 10G networking and NPAR in play. Each node has BACS4 v 16.4.3.0 installed to manage the NIC configs. I can also manage these NICs using BACS or by a combination of Server 2012 R2 Powershell and Dell Lifecycle Controller.
My question is this: since QLogic has a acquired ownership of both BACS and the BCM57810 product, where do I go find the latest version of BACS4? I've looked under a lot of stones and drawn a blank. Further question: what is Dell's recommendation to me on how I ought to be managing these NICs? There needs to be specific instruction as follows:
1) The lifecycle of BACS4 -- is it being phased out in favor of using Powershell and Dell Lifecycle Controller?
2) Best practice when combining NPAR bandwidth management and Server 2012 R2 bandwidth management, especially when virtual NICs are in use.
3) The M420 server hosts I'm using I plan to upgrade to vNext -- I'm concerned that there will be problems upgrading unless I find clarity now regarding Dells plan to support the management of BCM57810 and NPAR going forward.
I appreciate any insight that can be provided. I'm sure I'm not the only customer concerned about these questions.
Thanks, Anthony Murfet.
