This IBM® Redpaper® Product Guide describes the IBM FlashCore Module (FCM) history, a general overview and then a deeper dive on the way IBM leads the field in the adoption of high speed, low latency storage. The IBM FlashCore Module is used in the latest IBM FlashSystem® solutions, which is are next-generation IBM FlashSystem control enclosures. The IBM FlashCore Module combines the performance of flash and a Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) optimized architecture with the reliability and innovation of IBM FlashCore® technology and the rich feature set and high availability (HA) with IBM Storage Virtualize software.

This IBM® Redpaper® Product Guide publication describes the IBM Storage FlashSystem® 5200 solution, which is a next-generation IBM Storage FlashSystem control enclosure. It is an NVMe end-to-end platform that is targeted at the entry and midrange market and delivers the full capabilities of IBM FlashCore® technology. It also provides a rich set of software-defined storage (SDS) features that are delivered by IBM Storage Virtualize, including the following features: Data reduction and deduplication Dynamic tiering Thin provisioning Snapshots Cloning Replication Data copy services Transparent Cloud Tiering IBM HyperSwap® including 3-site replication for high availability (HA) Scale-out and scale-up configurations further enhance capacity and throughput for better availability. The IBM Storage FlashSystem 5200 is a high-performance storage solution that is based on a revolutionary 1U form factor. It consists of 12 NVMe Flash Devices in a 1U storage enclosure drawer with full redundant canister components and no single point of failure. It is designed for businesses of all sizes, including small, remote, branch offices and regional clients. It is a smarter, self-optimizing solution that requires less management, which enables organizations to overcome their storage challenges. Flash has come of age and price point reductions mean that lower parts of the storage market are seeing the value of moving over to flash and NVMe--based solutions. The IBM Storage FlashSystem 5200 advances this transition by providing incredibly dense tiers of flash in a more affordable package. With the benefit of IBM FlashCore Module compression and new QLC flash-based technology becoming available, a compelling argument exists to move away from Nearline SAS storage and on to NVMe. This Product Guide is aimed at pre-sales and post-sales technical support and marketing and storage administrators.

This IBM® Redpaper® Product Guide describes the IBM Storage FlashSystem® 9500 solution, which is a next-generation IBM Storage FlashSystem control enclosure. It combines the performance of flash and a Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe)-optimized architecture with the reliability and innovation of IBM FlashCore® technology and the rich feature set and high availability (HA) of IBM Storage Virtualize. Often, applications exist that are foundational to the operations and success of an enterprise. These applications might function as prime revenue generators, guide or control important tasks, or provide crucial business intelligence, among many other jobs. Whatever their purpose, they are mission critical to the organization. They demand the highest levels of performance, functionality, security, and availability. They also must be protected against the newer threat of cyberattacks. To support such mission-critical applications, enterprises of all types and sizes turn to the IBM Storage FlashSystem 9500. IBM Storage FlashSystem 9500 provides a rich set of software-defined storage (SDS) features that are delivered by IBM Storage Virtualize, including the following examples: Data reduction and deduplication Dynamic tiering Thin-provisioning Snapshots Cloning Replication and data copy services Cyber resilience Transparent Cloud Tiering IBM HyperSwap® including 3-site replication for HA Scale-out and scale-up configurations that further enhance capacity and throughput for better availability This Redpaper applies to IBM Storage Virtualize V8.6.

This IBM® Redpaper® Product Guide describes the IBM SAN Volume Controller model SV3 solution, which is a next-generation IBM SAN Volume Controller. Built with IBM Storage Virtualize software and part of the IBM Storage family, IBM SAN Volume Controller is an enterprise-class storage system. It helps organizations achieve better data economics by supporting the large-scale workloads that are critical to success. Data centers often contain a mix of storage systems. This situation can arise as a result of company mergers or as a deliberate acquisition strategy. Regardless of how they arise, mixed configurations add complexity to the data center. Different systems have different data services, which make it difficult to move data from one to another without updating automation. Different user interfaces increase the need for training and can make errors more likely. Different approaches to hybrid cloud complicate modernization strategies. Also, many different systems mean more silos of capacity, which can lead to inefficiency. To simplify the data center and to improve flexibility and efficiency in deploying storage, enterprises of all types and sizes turn to IBM SAN Volume Controller, which is built with IBM Spectrum Virtualize software. This software simplifies infrastructure and eliminates differences in management, function, and even hybrid cloud support. IBM SAN Volume Controller introduces a common approach to storage management, function, replication, and hybrid cloud that is independent of storage type. It is the key to modernizing and revitalizing your storage, but is as easy to understand. IBM SAN Volume Controller provides a rich set of software-defined storage (SDS) features that are delivered by IBM Storage Virtualize, including the following examples: Data reduction and deduplication Dynamic tiering Thin-provisioning Snapshots Cloning Replication and data copy services Data-at-rest encryption Cyber resilience Transparent Cloud Tiering IBM HyperSwap® including three-site replication for high availability (HA) This Redpaper applies to IBM Storage Virtualize V8.6.

This IBM® Redbooks® publication captures several of the preferred practices and describes the performance gains that can be achieved by implementing the IBM SAN Volume Controller powered by IBM Spectrum® Virtualize Version 8.4.2. These practices are based on field experience. This book highlights configuration guidelines and preferred practices for the storage area network (SAN) topology, clustered system, back-end storage, storage pools and managed disks, volumes, Remote Copy services and hosts. It explains how you can optimize disk performance with the IBM System Storage Easy Tier® function. It also provides preferred practices for monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting. This book is intended for experienced storage, SAN, IBM FlashSystem®, IBM SAN Volume Controller, and IBM Storwize® administrators and technicians. Understanding this book requires advanced knowledge of these environments.

IBM® Storage as a Service (STaaS) extends your hybrid cloud experience with a new flexible consumption model enabled for both your on-premises and hybrid cloud infrastructure needs, giving you the agility, cash flow efficiency, and services of cloud storage with the flexibility to dynamically scale up or down and only pay for what you use beyond the minimal capacity. This IBM Redpaper provides a detailed introduction to the IBM STaaS service. The paper is targeted for data center managers and storage administrators.

This IBM® Redpaper Product Guide describes the IBM FlashSystem® 7300 solution, which is a next-generation IBM FlashSystem control enclosure. It combines the performance of flash and a Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe)-optimized architecture with the reliability and innovation of IBM FlashCore® technology and the rich feature set and high availability (HA) of IBM Spectrum® Virtualize. To take advantage of artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced applications, real-time big data analytics, and cloud architectures that require higher levels of system performance and storage capacity, enterprises around the globe are rapidly moving to modernize established IT infrastructures. However, for many organizations, staff resources, and expertise are limited, and cost-efficiency is a top priority. These organizations have important investments in existing infrastructure that they want to maximize. They need enterprise-grade solutions that optimize cost-efficiency while simplifying the pathway to modernization. IBM FlashSystem 7300 is designed specifically for these requirements and use cases. It also delivers a cyber resilience without compromising application performance. IBM FlashSystem 7300 provides a rich set of software-defined storage (SDS) features that are delivered by IBM Spectrum Virtualize, including the following examples: Data reduction and deduplication Dynamic tiering Thin-provisioning Snapshots Cloning Replication and data copy services Cyber resilience Transparent Cloud Tiering (TCT) IBM HyperSwap® including 3-site replication for high availability Scale-out and scale-up configurations further enhance capacity and throughput for better availability With the release of IBM Spectrum Virtualize V8.5, extra functions and features are available, including support for new third-generation IBM FlashCore Modules Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) type drives within the control enclosure, and 100 Gbps Ethernet adapters that provide NVMe Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) options. New software features include GUI enhancements, security enhancements including multifactor authentication and single sign-on, and Fibre Channel (FC) portsets.

This IBM® Redpaper® Product Guide describes the IBM FlashSystem® 9500 solution, which is a next-generation IBM FlashSystem control enclosure. It combines the performance of flash and a Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe)-optimized architecture with the reliability and innovation of IBM FlashCore® technology and the rich feature set and high availability (HA) of IBM Spectrum® Virtualize. Often, applications exist that are foundational to the operations and success of an enterprise. These applications might function as prime revenue generators, guide or control important tasks, or provide crucial business intelligence, among many other jobs. Whatever their purpose, they are mission critical to the organization. They demand the highest levels of performance, functionality, security, and availability. They also must be protected against the modern scourge, cyberattacks. To support such mission-critical applications, enterprises of all types and sizes turn to the IBM FlashSystem 9500. IBM FlashSystem 9500 provides a rich set of software-defined storage (SDS) features that are delivered by IBM Spectrum Virtualize, including the following examples: Data reduction and deduplication Dynamic tiering Thin-provisioning Snapshots Cloning Replication and data copy services Cyber resilience Transparent Cloud Tiering IBM HyperSwap® including 3-site replication for HA Scale-out and scale-up configurations that further enhance capacity and throughput for better availability With the release of IBM Spectrum Virtualize V8.5, extra functions and features are available, including support for new third-generation IBM FlashCore Modules NVMe-type drives within the control enclosure, and 100 Gbps Ethernet adapters that provide NVMe Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) options. New software features include GUI enhancements and security enhancements, including multifactor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO), and Fibre Channel (FC) portsets.

IBM® SANnav Management Portal and IBM SANnav Global View empower IT administrators to be more efficient and productive by providing comprehensive visibility into the SAN environment. These tools transform information about SAN behavior and performance into actionable insights, allowing administrators to quickly identify, isolate, and correct problems before they impact the business. In addition, SANnav Management Portal and SANnav Global View accelerate administrative tasks by simplifying workflows and automating redundant steps, making it easier for organizations to realize their goal of an autonomous SAN. This IBM Redbooks® publication introduces IBM SANnav Management Portal and SANnav Global View, and covers the installation, customization, operation, and troubleshooting of the IBM SANnav Management Portal. This book is targeted at IT and network administrators.

This IBM® Redpaper Product Guide describes the IBM SAN Volume Controller model SV3 solution, which is a next-generation IBM SAN Volume Controller. Built with IBM Spectrum® Virtualize software and part of the IBM Spectrum Storage family, IBM SAN Volume Controller is an enterprise-class storage system. It helps organizations achieve better data economics by supporting the large-scale workloads that are critical to success. Data centers often contain a mix of storage systems. This situation can arise as a result of company mergers or as a deliberate acquisition strategy. Regardless of how they arise, mixed configurations add complexity to the data center. Different systems have different data services, which make it difficult to move data from one to another without updating automation. Different user interfaces increase the need for training and can make errors more likely. Different approaches to hybrid cloud complicate modernization strategies. Also, many different systems mean more silos of capacity, which can lead to inefficiency. To simplify the data center and to improve flexibility and efficiency in deploying storage, enterprises of all types and sizes turn to IBM SAN Volume Controller, which is built with IBM Spectrum Virtualize software. This software simplifies infrastructure and eliminates differences in management, function, and even hybrid cloud support. IBM SAN Volume Controller introduces a common approach to storage management, function, replication, and hybrid cloud that is independent of storage type. It is the key to modernizing and revitalizing your storage, but is as easy to understand. IBM SAN Volume Controller provides a rich set of software-defined storage (SDS) features that are delivered by IBM Spectrum Virtualize, including the following examples: Data reduction and deduplication Dynamic tiering Thin-provisioning Snapshots Cloning Replication and data copy services Data-at-rest encryption Cyber resilience Transparent Cloud Tiering IBM HyperSwap® including three-site replication for high availability (HA)

This IBM® Redbooks® publication captures several of the preferred practices and describes the performance gains that can be achieved by implementing the IBM FlashSystem® products that are powered by IBM Spectrum® Virtualize Version 8.4.2. These practices are based on field experience. This book highlights configuration guidelines and preferred practices for the storage area network (SAN) topology, clustered system, back-end storage, storage pools and managed disks, volumes, Remote Copy services, and hosts. It explains how you can optimize disk performance with the IBM System Storage Easy Tier® function. It also provides preferred practices for monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting. This book is intended for experienced storage, SAN, IBM FlashSystem, SAN Volume Controller, and IBM Storwize® administrators and technicians. Understanding this book requires advanced knowledge of these environments.

IBM® Storage as a Service (STaaS) extends your hybrid cloud experience with a new flexible consumption model enabled for both your on-premises and hybrid cloud infrastructure needs, giving you the agility, cash flow efficiency, and services of cloud storage with the flexibility to dynamically scale up or down and only pay for what you use beyond the minimal capacity. This IBM Redpaper provides a detailed introduction to the IBM STaaS service. The paper is targeted for data center managers and storage administrators.

Continuing its commitment to developing and delivering industry-leading storage technologies, IBM® introduces the IBM FlashSystem® solution that is powered by IBM Spectrum® Virtualize V8.4. This innovative storage offering delivers essential storage efficiency technologies and exceptional ease of use and performance, all integrated into a compact, modular design that is offered at a competitive, midrange price. The solution incorporates some of the top IBM technologies that are typically found only in enterprise-class storage systems, which raises the standard for storage efficiency in midrange disk systems. This cutting-edge storage system extends the comprehensive storage portfolio from IBM and can help change the way organizations address the ongoing information explosion. This IBM Redbooks® publication introduces the features and functions of an IBM Spectrum Virtualize V8.4 system through several examples. This book is aimed at pre-sales and post-sales technical support and marketing and storage administrators. It helps you understand the architecture, how to implement it, and how to take advantage of its industry-leading functions and features.

This IBM® Redbooks® publication is a detailed technical guide to the IBM System Storage™ SAN Volume Controller, which is powered by IBM Spectrum® Virtualize V8.3.1. IBM SAN Volume Controller is a virtualization appliance solution that maps virtualized volumes that are visible to hosts and applications to physical volumes on storage devices. Each server within the storage area network (SAN) has its own set of virtual storage addresses that are mapped to physical addresses. If the physical addresses change, the server continues running by using the same virtual addresses that it had before. Therefore, volumes or storage can be added or moved while the server is still running. The IBM virtualization technology improves the management of information at the block level in a network, which enables applications and servers to share storage devices on a network.

Organizations of all sizes face the challenge of managing massive volumes of increasingly valuable data. But storing this data can be costly, and extracting value from the data is becoming more difficult. IT organizations have limited resources, but must stay responsive to dynamic environments and act quickly to consolidate, simplify, and optimize their IT infrastructures. IBM® FlashSystem 5010 and FlashSystem 5030 systems provide a smarter solution that is affordable, easy to use, and self-optimizing, which enables organizations to overcome these storage challenges. The IBM FlashSystem® 5010 and FlashSystem 5030 deliver efficient, entry-level configurations that are designed to meet the needs of small and midsize businesses. Designed to provide organizations with the ability to consolidate and share data at an affordable price, the system offers advanced software capabilities that are found in more expensive systems. This IBM Redbooks® publication is intended for pre-sales and post-sales technical support professionals and storage administrators. It applies to the IBM FlashSystem 5010 and FlashSystem 5030 and IBM Spectrum® Virtualize V8.3.1. This edition applies to IBM Spectrum Virtualize V8.3.1 and the associated hardware and software detailed within. Screen captures that are included within this book might differ from the generally available (GA) version because parts of this book were written with pre-GA code. On February 11, 2020, IBM announced that it was simplifying its portfolio. This book was written by using previous models of the product line before the simplification; however, most of the general principles apply. If you are in any doubt as to their applicability, work with your local IBM representative.

Continuing its commitment to developing and delivering industry-leading storage technologies, IBM® introduces the IBM FlashSystem® solution that is powered by IBM Spectrum® Virtualize V8.3.1. This innovative storage offering delivers essential storage efficiency technologies and exceptional ease of use and performance, all integrated into a compact, modular design that is offered at a competitive, midrange price. The solution incorporates some of the top IBM technologies that are typically found only in enterprise-class storage systems, which raises the standard for storage efficiency in midrange disk systems. This cutting-edge storage system extends the comprehensive storage portfolio from IBM and can help change the way organizations address the ongoing information explosion. This IBM Redbooks® publication introduces the features and functions of an IBM Spectrum Virtualize V8.3.1 system through several examples. This book is aimed at pre-sales and post-sales technical support and marketing and storage administrators. It helps you understand the architecture, how to implement it, and how to take advantage of its industry-leading functions and features. Applicability: This edition applies to IBM Spectrum Virtualize V8.3.1 and the associated hardware and software that is detailed within. The screen captures included within this book might differ from the generally available (GA) version because parts of this book were written with pre-GA code. On 11 February 2020, IBM announced that it was simplifying its portfolio. This book was written by using previous models of the product line before the simplification; however, most of the general principles apply. If you are in any doubt as to their applicability, contact your local IBM representative. IBM Knowledge Center: In this book we provide links to Knowledge Center and a description of the relevant section that provides more information. Our starting point is the IBM FlashSystem 9200 family page, and the reader may have to select the product that applies to their environment.

Continuing its commitment to developing and delivering industry-leading storage technologies, IBM® introduces the IBM Storwize® V7000 solution powered by IBM Spectrum™ Virtualize. This innovative storage offering delivers essential storage efficiency technologies and exceptional ease of use and performance, all integrated into a compact, modular design that is offered at a competitive, midrange price. The IBM Storwize V7000 solution incorporates some of the top IBM technologies that are typically found only in enterprise-class storage systems, which raises the standard for storage efficiency in midrange disk systems. This cutting-edge storage system extends the comprehensive storage portfolio from IBM and can help change the way organizations address the ongoing information explosion. This IBM Redbooks® publication introduces the features and functions of the IBM Storwize V7000 and IBM Spectrum Virtualize™ V8.2.1 system through several examples. This book is aimed at pre-sales and post-sales technical support and marketing and storage administrators. It helps you understand the architecture of the Storwize V7000, how to implement it, and how to take advantage of its industry-leading functions and features.

Organizations of all sizes face the challenge of managing massive volumes of increasingly valuable data. But storing this data can be costly, and extracting value from the data is becoming more difficult. IT organizations have limited resources but must stay responsive to dynamic environments and act quickly to consolidate, simplify, and optimize their IT infrastructures. The IBM® Storwize® V5000 Gen2 system provides a smarter solution that is affordable, easy to use, and self-optimizing, which enables organizations to overcome these storage challenges. The Storwize V5000 Gen2 delivers efficient, entry-level configurations that are designed to meet the needs of small and midsize businesses. Designed to provide organizations with the ability to consolidate and share data at an affordable price, the Storwize V5000 Gen2 offers advanced software capabilities that are found in more expensive systems. This IBM Redbooks® publication is intended for pre-sales and post-sales technical support professionals and storage administrators. It applies to the Storwize V5030, V5020, and V5010, and to IBM Spectrum Virtualize™ V8.2.1.

Abstract Organizations of all sizes face the challenge of managing massive volumes of increasingly valuable data. But storing this data can be costly, and extracting value from the data is becoming more difficult. IT organizations have limited resources but must stay responsive to dynamic environments and act quickly to consolidate, simplify, and optimize their IT infrastructures. The IBM® Storwize® V5000 Gen2 system provides a smarter solution that is affordable, easy to use, and self-optimizing, which enables organizations to overcome these storage challenges. The Storwize V5000 Gen2 delivers efficient, entry-level configurations that are designed to meet the needs of small and midsize businesses. Designed to provide organizations with the ability to consolidate and share data at an affordable price, the Storwize V5000 Gen2 offers advanced software capabilities that are found in more expensive systems. This IBM Redbooks® publication is intended for pre-sales and post-sales technical support professionals and storage administrators. It applies to the Storwize V5030, V5020, and V5010, and to IBM Spectrum Virtualize™ V8.1.

Organizations of all sizes face the challenge of managing massive volumes of increasingly valuable data. But storing this data can be costly, and extracting value from the data is becoming more difficult. IT organizations have limited resources but must stay responsive to dynamic environments and act quickly to consolidate, simplify, and optimize their IT infrastructures. The IBM® Storwize® V5000 Gen2 system provides a smarter solution that is affordable, easy to use, and self-optimizing, which enables organizations to overcome these storage challenges. The Storwize V5000 Gen2 delivers efficient, entry-level configurations that are designed to meet the needs of small and midsize businesses. Designed to provide organizations with the ability to consolidate and share data at an affordable price, the Storwize V5000 Gen2 offers advanced software capabilities that are found in more expensive systems. This IBM Redbooks® publication is intended for pre-sales and post-sales technical support professionals and storage administrators. It applies to the Storwize V5030, V5020, and V5010. The concepts in this book also relate to the IBM Storwize V3700 where applicable.