V-Series ("V") systems and new FAS platforms released in Data ONTAP 8.2.1 and later can use array LUNs if the proper license is installed. In discussions in the Data ONTAP and FlexArray Virtualization documentation, these systems are collectively referred to as Data ONTAP systems when it is necessary to make it clear which information applies to them and what information applies to storage arrays.
The only systems released prior to Data ONTAP 8.2.1 that can use array LUNs are V-Series systems—systems with a "V" or "GF" prefix. A V-Series system is an open storage controller that virtualizes storage from storage array vendors, native disks, or both into a single heterogeneous storage pool.
Starting with Data ONTAP 8.2.1, the model for how platforms are released and the storage they can use changes. Attaching to storage arrays is no longer limited to V-Series systems.
Starting with Data ONTAP 8.2.1, all new platforms are released as a single hardware model. This single hardware model has a FAS prefix; there are no longer separate "V" and FAS models for new platforms. If the V_StorageAttach license package is installed on a new FAS model, it can attach to storage arrays. (This is the same license required on a V-Series system.)