IBM TS7700 5.2 Virtual Tape System Delivers Hybrid Cloud strategy

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

TS7700 from IBM Corp. is the 7th gen of firm’s virtual tape system technology, delivering next-level cybersecurity while maintaining the reliability and availability of the mainframe enterprise storage platform.

Ibm Ts7700 5.2

This gen was built to support businesses across hybrid cloud, grid cloud, and grid-wide 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 Power Systems platform and includes the following:

2×10 core, 3.8 GHz processors
64GB DDR4 memory
16GB Ficon (up to 4 adapters, 2 ports per adapter, 512 paths per port)
1GB copper and 10GB/s longwave grid network (up to 4 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`

The company released a second expansion frame for TS7770. This expansion frame delivers a maximum capacity of 3.9PB for one base frame with 2 fully populated expansion frames. In addition, the firm 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 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 current C06/C07 tape controller clients an alternative solution for direct to tape or cloud functionality.

DS8000 Object Store Enhancements, feature code 5283, deliver increased workload agility with Synch and ASynch replication improvements, simplified DR and data migration, and improved access to all data across the grid regardless of where and upon which cluster the data lives.

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. See the technical information section for details.

Planned availability date