A new attribute type, a multi-object attribute, replaces the way that attributes functioned in previous releases. This mult-object attribute enables creation of a single attribute that will be available for all objects, such as hosts, arrays, and switches.

Prior to Version 10, object-specific attributes were required. For example, if you wanted a Location attribute for both host and array objects, you needed to create a separate Location attribute for each object. Now, with multi-object attributes, a single attribute can be used for all objects (for example, arrays, hosts, LUNs and switches).

System Attributes were introduced in Version 10. System attributes provide a set of popular attributes that you can populate with your own enterprise-specific values. These new system attributes are multi-object attributes with the following names: Application, Business_Unit, Data_Center, Department, Environment, Location, Organization, Owner, and Region. These system attributes cannot be deleted.

The naming convention for attributes was also changed in Version 10. Attribute names must begin with an alpha character. Use only alpha, numeric, or underscore characters in the name. Spaces and special characters are not allowed. This may mean that you will need to modify attribute names after you upgrade so that you can modify and save the list of values.