The latest Open-E JovianDSS Up33 version represents a significant step in hardening the data storage stack by introducing native ZFS encryption and updating the core Linux and ZFS foundations that we rely on for uptime and performance. The key Open-E JovianDSS Up33 version highlights include:

  • Native ZFS Encryption: Direct encryption support for ZFS volumes and datasets, providing granular security without third-party layers.
  • Enhanced SED Support: Native compatibility for Toshiba MG08, MG10, and MG11 series Self-Encrypting Drives.
  • Core Stack Updates: Integration of ZFS v2.3.5 and Linux Kernel v5.15.189 for increased performance and stability.

Native ZFS Encryption and More

The standout feature in Open-E JovianDSS Up33 is the introduction of native ZFS encryption for both volumes and datasets. Unlike block-level encryption, native ZFS encryption is integrated into the file system itself. This allows for:

  • Granular Security: Encrypt specific datasets or volumes rather than the entire pool, allowing for a mix of encrypted and unencrypted workloads on the same commodity hardware.
  • Optimized Performance: By operating at the ZFS level, encryption avoids the overhead of additional software layers, maintaining the high IOPS and low latency we demand for database and virtualization workloads.

Beyond ZFS-native encryption, Open-E JovianDSS Up33 expands its hardware-agnostic reach with support for Self-Encrypting Drives (SEDs) on Toshiba MG08, MG10, and MG11 series drives.

Check the Open-E JovianDSS HCL for the full list of supported SED drives.

Additionally, for those managing dense NVMe arrays, the support of Intel VMD 4.0, which enables the LED blinking, simplifies physical disk identification, a small but critical detail when you’re in the server room performing a hot-swap under pressure.

Building on a More Stable Core

As administrators, we know that the “fancy” features are only as good as the kernel they run on. Open-E JovianDSS Up33 upgrades the foundation to Linux Kernel v5.15.189 and ZFS v2.3.5.

  • Feature Integration: These updates bring the latest upstream patches and performance optimizations, ensuring that the software-defined storage (SDS) stack remains the most technically powerful choice for unique, customized needs.
  • Mastery over the Stack: The move to ZFS v2.3.5 ensures that we continue to benefit from the 128-bit architecture’s scalability and self-healing capabilities while gaining the latest stability fixes for high-availability clusters.

Deploy and Secure

The move to Open-E JovianDSS Up33 provides the technical autonomy and architectural flexibility required to build best-of-breed solutions without vendor lock-in. It is time to audit your current security protocols and leverage native encryption to meet increasing regulatory and performance benchmarks.

Next Steps:

  1. Support License Check: Please note that only users with an active support plan can install the system update. 
  2. Test the native ZFS encryption in a test environment to benchmark its impact on your specific workloads.
  3. Update your Open-E JovianDSS instances to Up33 version to ensure you are running on the most stable kernel and ZFS version available.

For more information, see the Open-E JovianDSS Up33 release notes.

Miroslaw Franek

Vice President of Engineering

Miroslaw Franek joined Open-E in 2001 to oversee Open-E's engineering and software development as the Vice-President of Engineering. Over 30 years of software development experience, including game development, VGA drivers, smart card reader development, and financial software for Stock Exchanges.

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