best RAID monitoring utility?

[charlie205]

I am looking for recommendations on monitoring RAID array status in a "hardware RAID" setup (ie, using a RAID controller card or RAID-enabled motherboard).

Here are some clarifying points:

1. OS is CentOS 5.

2. No drive lights are visible on the exterior of the system. So periodically checking for amber lights (indicating drive failure) is not an option.

3. No SNMP manager/collector is available. This question refers to local-system options. Not network-based options.

Alternatively, please recommend any software RAID utilities you use and why you think they might be superior to hardware controllers.

Links to example configurations, howtos, guides, products, vendors, etc are always appreciated.

[charlie205]

anyone?


(aka bump)