IBM Unveiled Advances in All-Flash Storage Solutions and Software

IBM Corp. announced advances in its all-flash storage solutions and software to drive down the costs of data and extend its solutions for hybrid and private cloud environments.

FlashSystem A9000

Dense FlashSystem array capable of storing more data in the same footprint, contributes to lower data capacity costs by nearly 60%⁽¹⁾.
Spectrum Virtualize software allows simplified migration and DR of data to and from the IBM Public Cloud;
New software enables IBM and non-IBM storage to be used with Docker and Kubernetes containers environments;
Cloud-based software beta program integrates storage with AI and machine learning through new software to collect inventory and diagnostic information in order to help optimize the performance, capacity and health of clients’ storage infrastructure.

“Companies are seeking guidance in modernizing their data from being a passive cost center to being the central hub for their business. IBM understands that only those that extensively analyze and exploit their data will benefit from it,” said Ed Walsh, GM, storage and SDI, IBM. “To help clients make this transformation, we are introducing new all-flash solutions that will dramatically lower the cost of storage systems while making data availability – whether on-site or in the cloud – a central part of their business strategy.“

In addition to the aforementioned features, updates to the company’s storage systems and software include:

Platform speeds private cloud deployments – Spectrum Access solutions offer what storage admins users need to deploy a private cloud quickly and efficiently, delivering the economics and simplicity of the cloud with accessibility, virtualization and performance of an on-premises implementation;
Consumption-based pricing – Utility offering enables a consumption-based buying model for hybrid cloud environments leveraging most of the firm’s storage and VersaStack portfolios for users preferring to buy storage as an operating expense;
Consolidated user interface – Interface for FlashSystem 900 consolidates activity and performance information in a single dashboard. Consistent with user interfaces used in other company’s storage systems and Spectrum Storage software, the UI simplifies operations and helps improve productivity;
VersaStack with FlashSystem – incorporating the newest FlashSystem being announced an extensive refresh to the IBM/Cisco VersaStack converged infrastructure offerings;
Investment protection – several of the new all-flash storage and VersaStack solutions announced are NVMe ready, enabling them to take advantage of the NVMe offerings coming in 2018.

“IT modernization has become a business necessity for us and IBM’s newly announced provisioning of 3x more usable capacity in the same physical space presents an exciting opportunity,” said Nader El-Ramly, chief product officer, ZE PowerGroup, Inc. “We believe that maintaining the same characteristic low latency of previous FlashSystem generations without necessitating costly upgrades to rack space, cooling, and power or requiring a sacrifice of quality features like data reduction exemplifies IBM’s deep understanding of modern client needs.“

“With this announcement, IBM is demonstrating, among other things, how highly leveraged their FlashCore strategy is,” said Eric Burgener, research director, storage, IDC. “Next generation FlashCore enhancements, including higher density 3D TLC NAND-based media and hardware-assisted in-line compression and encryption, immediately improve the capabilities of multiple IBM All Flash Arrays by providing features that drive higher infrastructure density and improved security more cost-effectively.“

Availability
These features to the company’s all-flash systems and Spectrum Storage software will be available in Q4.
Clients interested in participating in the beta program for cognitive support can inquire by mail.

⁽¹⁾ Applies to systems based on IBM Spectrum Virtualize software (San Volume Controller, Storwize and FlashSystem V9000).