IBM 200GB to 1.6TB Enterprise MLC SSDs for System x

The IBM 200GB, 400GB, 800GB, and 1.6TB SSDs employ enterprise MLC NAND technology to bring an affordable solution with R/W performance for applications requiring enterprise workloads with a R/W mix.

The SSD drives are available in a 2.5-inch form factor with Hot Swap (HS) and Simple Swap (SS) options.

There will also be 400GB and 800GB capacities offered as Self Encrypting Drives (SED) options with HS capability.

These SSDs use a single-chip controller with 12Gb SAS interface on the system side and NAND flash internally. Packaged in an HDD replacement enclosure, these SSDs integrate into existing storage infrastructures.

They are targeted at databases that require high I/O performance in random read and random write operations, including applications such as caching and tiering.

The SED is designed to reduce the vulnerability of data at rest to potentially costly exposures of proprietary data resulting from HDDs being stolen, misplaced, or improperly disposed.

Features and functions of the MLC SAS SSDs for System x:

12Gb SAS interface to increase the read and write response times.
High capacity in 2.5-inch form factor.
Utilizes UltraStar SSD ME solid-state technology and cost-effective MLC NAND Flash technology.
Random R/W performance to fulfill client needs in the enterprise space.
High endurance to withstand applications with moderate R/W workloads.
SED capacities (400GB, 800 GB) available.
Leverages power backup circuitry designed to ensure that user data in transit is committed to flash in the event of a power failure.
Temperature management to ensure that drive does not overheat and operate out of specifications.
Absence of moving parts reduces potential failure points in the server.
Security; the SEDs include drive-level AES 256 encryption. These drives are compatible with Security Key Lifecycle Manager (SKLM) for System x, which offers centralized, automated and simple encryption key management of SEDs in local and distributed System x environments.

These drives carry a one-year limited warranty, or when installed in a server system, these drives assume the system’s base warranty.

Solid-state memory cells have an intrinsic, finite number of program/erase cycles that each cell can incur. As a result, solid-state storage has a maximum amount of program/erase cycles to which it can be subjected. IBM’s warranty for the solid-state storage is limited to devices that have not reached the maximum guaranteed number of program/erase cycles, as documented in the Official Published Specifications for the product. A drive that reaches this limit may fail to operate according to its specifications.

Key prerequisites: IBM System x or BladeCenter systems with SAS capability on selected drives.

Planned availability date: December 9, 2014