IBM TS7700 5.2 Meets Hybrid Cloud Strategy

IBM TS7700 5.2 meets the hybrid cloud strategy supporting the demand for cloud storage tiering, object storage, and data security

IBM TS7700 5.2 builds upon and expands the capabilities of earlier TS7700 offerings while extending enterprise storage system leadership for IBM Z virtual tape systems.

TS7770 5.2 is comprised of:

• TS7770 Server 3957 Model VED
• TS7770 Cache Controller 3956 Model CSB and Cache Module Model XSB
• TS7770 SSD-based Cache Controller 3956 Model CFC and SSD-based Cache Expansion Model XFC
• TS7770 Tape Frame 3952 Model F07

This release of TS7770 supports all the functionality of the previous TS7770 and TS7760 solutions, and delivers the following additional enhancements:

• An SSD-based cache controller and expansion cache drawers for high-performance workloads and shorter I/O latency and response times
• Control-unit initiated reconfiguration (CUIR) for reduced management overhead through automation of cluster health diagnosis and treatment
• Ability to add SSD drive pair for POWER9 VED models for future object store grid functionality

IBM TS7700 is the seventh gen of IBM virtual tape system technology, delivering next-level cybersecurity while maintaining the reliability and availability of the mainframe enterprise storage platform. This gen was built to support businesses across hybrid cloud, grid cloud, and object store deployments with cloud storage tier enhancements around hybrid cloud pool support and cloud-based full DR capabilities. TS7700 optimizes data protection and business continuance for IBM Z data while improving storage economics, system resiliency, and data stability for mission-critical workloads.

TS7770 is built on the IBM Power Systems platform and includes the following:

• 2×10 core, 3.8GHz processors
• 64GB DDR4 memory
• 16GB ficon (up to 4 adapters, 2 ports per adapter, 512 paths per port)
• 1GB copper and 10GB longwave grid network (up to four ports total)
• 4x16Gb FC attachment to disk cache and tape drives (up to 16 ports)
• SSD or SAS for Power Systems
• Common DS8000 Power Systems hardware, I/O bays, and adapters
• Single-phase power (30A) and 3-phase 400V support
• Primary Ethernet and FC adapters integrated into Power Systems slots

Shortly after the introduction of TS7770 5.0, IBM Storage released a second expansion frame for TS7770 that delivers a maximum capacity of 3.9PB for 1 base frame with 2 populated expansion frames. In addition, the company is offering an SSD-based cache controller and expansion capacity drawer delivering up to 120TB of fast SSD-based cache capacity.

IBM has also released an iRPQ for clients to install a TS7770 into their own client-supplied 19-inch rack. This iRPQ-8B3721 (for HDD-based cache drawers) and iRPQ-8B3749 (for SDD-based cache drawers) enables clients to order one TS7770 Server 3957 Model VED, one Cache Controller 3956 Model CSB or CFC, and up to 9 Cache Module Model XSB or one additional 3957 model XFC, as well as all other associated features to be installed in their own client-supplied rack.

An additional feature code 5999, has been released specifically for ordering with Cache Controller 3956 Model CFC that bundles the key performance and functional attributes needed to build a high-performance tape or cloud media controller. This combination was primarily engineered to give our current C06/C07 tape controller clients an alternative solution for direct to tape or cloud functionality.

• Key requirements
• TS7700 servers attach to ficon channels on select IBM Z servers and require the appropriate levels of IBM Z software.
• 16Gb FC switches are required when connecting TS7770 Model VED with a TS3500 or TS4500 tape library.
• Additional features may be required on the TS7770 components or automation frames.

Planned availability date: September 3, 2021