Storage Pool vs. Datastore Cluster

[StageCoach20111]

What is the difference between a "storage pool" and a "datastore cluster"?

[sparrowangelste]

storage pool is the disks  on the storage side. while a  datastore cluster is a defined (by user or storage api) collection of datastores under vcenter.

so a storage pool could conssist of the disks of in a EMC clarion and a  datastore cluster under vcenter could contain for example, a EMC clarion and a  Equalloigc ps6500.

[StageCoach20111]

OK thanks.  However, I'm still not clear about the exact definition of a storage pool within the storage system.  In addition, different storage vendors use different terminology, and implement collections of disks, and logical layers of storage in different ways.

So would a "storage pool" consist of:

-An aggregate of physical disks with a defined raid level configuration, such as is used by NetApp?

-A collection of aggregates, pooled together into a volume on the storage array?

-A collection of LUNs on the storage array, which are backed by disks with similar characteristics, or grouped together on the storage array itself?

I'm still not clear on exactly what we are referring to by "storage pool"

[mcowger]

There's no standardized meaning for the term.  Your 1st, 2nd and 3rd definitions have all been used by various vendors.