Roadmap

Pure Server Simulator Roadmap

Phase 1: Core Infrastructure (Completed)

• CLI Interface: Functional shell for interacting with the simulator.

• Purity OS Copying & Setup: USB detection, mounting, and controller-side installation flow.

• 3D FlashArray Model:

• Visual representation of chassis, drives, and controllers.

• Optional: interactive elements like drive removal or LED indicators.

Phase 2: NDU (Non-Disruptive Upgrade)

Simulate firmware or OS upgrades without impacting active services.

Objectives:

• Emulate Purity OS upgrades while maintaining uptime.

• Demonstrate controller failover and active/passive handoff.

• Log upgrade steps and simulate rollback scenarios.

Key Components:

• Versioning System: Track current and target OS versions.

• Upgrade Engine:

• Simulate staged upgrades (e.g., controller A followed by controller B).

• Include artificial delays, logs, and status updates.

Failover Simulation:

• Swap active/passive roles during upgrade.

• Maintain CLI session continuity.

• Error Injection (Optional):

• Simulate upgrade failures and trigger rollback or alerts.

Phase 3: Consolidation

Simulate merging multiple arrays or workloads into a single system.

Objectives:

• Emulate workload migration and resource pooling.

• Show capacity rebalancing and performance impact.

• Update the 3D model to reflect consolidation.

• Key Components:

Array Discovery:

• Simulate detection of nearby arrays via CLI or visual UI.

• Workload Migration Engine:

• Transfer virtual volumes, snapshots, or metadata.

• Simulate latency and progress tracking.

Capacity and Performance Metrics:

• Update dashboard with new usage stats.

• Trigger alerts if thresholds are exceeded.

3D Model Update:

• Merge visual elements like drive count and controller load.

• Optional: animate the consolidation process.

Phase 4: Testing and Polish

Refine the simulator to feel like a real Pure Storage experience.

Enhancements:

• CLI Autocomplete and Help: Mimic Pure CLI behavior. (Completed)

• Logging System: Timestamped logs for all operations. (Completed)

• User Profiles: Save simulator state per user or test case.

• Scenario Builder: Predefined test cases combining upgrade, failover, and consolidation.

Phase 5: Stretch Goals (Optional)

• Push the simulator into advanced territory.

Ideas:

• REST API Simulation: Emulate Pure’s REST endpoints for automation.

• AI Assistant CLI: Add a helper that explains commands or suggests next steps.

• VR/AR Integration: Use the 3D model in immersive environments for training or demos.