IBM storage explained

The IBM Storage product portfolio includes disk, flash, tape, NAS storage products, storage software and services. IBM's approach is to focus on data management.[1]

Software

IBM Spectrum Storage

IBM Spectrum Storage portfolio can centrally manage more than 300 different storage devices and yottabytes of data.

IBM Spectrum Accelerate

The functionality of Spectrum Accelerate is based on the IBM XIV, a high-end disk storage system. IBM Spectrum Accelerate and XIV run the same base software stack and interoperate with features such as management, remote replication and volume mobility.[2] [3]

IBM Spectrum Scale

See also: IBM Spectrum Scale. IBM Spectrum Scale is software-defined storage for cloud and analytics.The product is very widely used in both commercial and academic environments. It has a history going back to the mid 1990s. It was known as GPFS before IBM re-branded all storage products in 2015.[4]

IBM Spectrum Virtualize

IBM Spectrum Virtualize is a block storage virtualization system. Because the IBM Storwize V7000 uses SVC code, it can also be used to perform storage virtualization in exactly the same way as SVC. Since mid-2012 it offers real time compression with no performance impact, saving up to 80% of disk utilization. SVC can be configured on a Stretched Cluster Mode, with automatic fail over between two data centers, and can have SSD that can be used by EasyTier software to perform sub-LUN automatic tearing.[5]

IBM Spectrum Control

IBM Spectrum Control provides infrastructure management for virtualized, cloud and software-defined storage.[6] [7]

IBM Spectrum Protect

See also: IBM Tivoli Storage Manager.

IBM Spectrum Protect is a progression of the Tivoli Storage Management product.

IBM Spectrum Archive

IBM Spectrum Archive allows users to run any application designed for disk files against tape data without concern for the fact that the data is physically stored on tape.[8]

IBM offers four options:

IBM SmartCloud Storage Access

IBM SmartCloud Storage Access is a software application designed to create a private cloud storage service on existing storage devices. The software can be configured to allow users self-service, Internet-based access for account creation, storage provisioning and file management. The software offers simple management with monitoring and reporting capabilities, including storage usage by user and group definitions.[9]

Active Cloud Engine

The Active Cloud Engine (ACE) is a form of multiple site replication. ACE is designed to allow different types of cloud implementations to exchange data dynamically. ACE is designed to extend the SONAS capability for a single, centrally managed namespace, to a truly distributed, geographically dispersed, global namespace.[10]

IBM Easy Tier

IBM Easy Tier is designed to automate data placement throughout the disk pool to improve the efficiency and performance of the storage system. Easy Tier is designed to relocate data (at the extent level) across up to three drive tiers automatically and without disruption to application. IBM Easy Tier is available on the DS8000, Storwize (V7000, V7000 Unified, V5000, V3700 lines) and SAN Volume Controller.

Current hardware

After 2019, IBM dropped the HDD and SSD-based storage server series and all current lines provide only flash-oriented or tape-oriented solutions.

Flash storage

IBM FlashSystem

See main article: IBM FlashSystem. IBM FlashSystem is a range of dedicated, non-SSD "all-flash" storage systems, based on a Intel x86 platform.

IBM acquired flash storage system maker Texas Memory Systems in 2012.[11] In April 2013, IBM announced a plan for a $1 billion investment in flash storage research and development,[12] and then the product line-up was renewed in 2014 with the announcement of the FlashSystem 840[13] and FlashSystem V840.[14] IBM has been updating these models every year. The former IBM FlashSystem had 1U-size solutions only, but the current lineup contains rackable systems with 1U, 2U or 6U form-factor, and based on a 6U modules cabinet-size solution.

In 2017, FlashSystem brand replaced the XIV brand, and in 2020, FlashSystem replaced the Storwize brand.

IBM Data Engine for NoSQL is an integrated black-box device combining an IBM PowerLinux server with FlashSystem modules attached as non-volatile memory extension (not as storage).The integrated system offers large capacity NoSQL services based on pre-loaded Redis, Cassandra and Neo4J, up to 57 TB in-memory instances.

DS servers

IBM Power-based storage series, that offers specialized advanced functions optimized for IBM Power Systems and IBM Z servers; This line early known as System Storage DS series, and former TotalStorage DS series; current models slowly dropped the "System Storage" naming prior to simple line names (DS#### for flash systems, TS#### for tape storage). Currently DS series contains only DS8000 sub-line.

DS8000 series

See main article: IBM DS8000 series. The DS8000 line formerly offers only as an assembled cabinet-size solution, but current line-up contains half-rack mountable model. The DS8000 also can use self-encrypting drives for every drive tier to help secure data at rest.[15]

Tape and virtual tape systems

TS libraries and servers

Like the similar DS storage series, the tape system lines early known as System Storage TS series or former TotalStorage TS series and based on a IBM POWER controllers.

TS7000 series
  • Mainframe-oriented virtual tape library series,[16] TS7700 line released in 20## as System Storage 7700, updated in 201#, 2016,[17] 2018[18] and 2020.[19] [20]
  • Like the DS8000 series, current models can be offered as assembled rack-size solution, or as half-rack rack-mountable system.[21]
    TS4500General purpose tape library series.
    The IBM® TS4500 Tape Library is designed to help midsized and large enterprises respond to cloud storage challenges. It incorporates the latest generation of industry-leading linear tape-open (LTO) and IBM enterprise class technology that will help organizations handle the growing data demands of modern tape use cases. including data volume growth, rising storage footprint costs, data migration efforts and the increased complexity of IT training and management as staff resources shrink.
    TS4300IBM® TS4300 Tape Library is a high-density, highly scalable, easy-to-manage solution designed to keep data securely stored long-term, while helping reduce the costs associated with data center space and utilities. Its modular design enables you to increase cartridge and drive capacity as needed—scale vertically up to seven modules with expansion for Linear Tape-Open (LTO) Ultrium cartridges, drives and redundant power supplies. IBM TS4300 enhanced modern data protection helps meet security and compliance requirements.
    TS2900The IBM® TS2900 Tape Autoloader is an entry-level automated backup for rack systems and small to midsize businesses. With a low-profile, high-density storage capacity, the TS2900 is ideally suited for backup and archival operations. The TS2900 is available with half-height LTO Ultrium tape technology, with 6 Gbps SAS drive options. Web-based remote management and a bar code reader help provide ease of use. The TS2900 can be used in a rack system or on a desktop next to a server in an office.

    TS readers

    TS2230 seriesThe IBM System Storage TS2230 Tape Drive, Model Type 3580, Model H3V, is a high-performance, high-capacity data-storage device that is designed to backup and restore open systems applications. It is the third generation in the Ultrium series of products, and is available with a Serial Attached SCSI interface (SAS). This model incorporates the Linear Tape-Open (LTO) IBM Ultrium 3 Half-High Tape Drive.
    TS1150 seriesThe IBM TS1150 tape drive gives organizations an easy way to deliver fast access to data, improve security and provide long-term retention—and for less expense than disk solutions. TS1150 offers high-performance, flexible data storage with support for data encryption. This fifth-generation drive can help protect investments in tape automation by offering compatibility with existing automation. Plus, an upgrade model is available for existing IBM TS1140 tape drives. What’s more, TS1150 supports the LTFS format in IBM Spectrum Archive for direct, intuitive and graphical access to data.

    Withdrawn hardware x86 lines

    PureData servers

    Was introduced in 2012[22] for replacing the Netezza line.

    Flash storage

    IBM DeepFlash

    Other flash storage capabilities

    High IOPS PCIe Adapters – PCIe card adapters for former IBM System x servers, offering capacities up to 2.4 TB. Moved to Lenovo.

    HDD/SSD storage For entry and midrange workloads

    IBM XIV

    See main article: IBM XIV Storage System. The IBM XIV Storage System was configured as cabinet-size solution and designed to work well in cloud and virtualized environments. The last XIV Gen3 model offers 2, 3, 4 or 6 TB drives, providing up to 485 TB of usable capacity per rack. SSD caching (available as an option) adds up to 12 TB of management-free high-performance data caching capability to the entire array. The system can also connect to external storage via Fibre Channel (8 Gbit/s) and iSCSi (1 or 10 Gbit/s).[25] The XIV line was replaced by IBM FlashSystem line.[26]

    IBM Storwize family

    See main article: IBM Storwize. The Storwize family of storage controllers shares the software with the IBM SAN Volume Controller and offers the same functionality with few exceptions. Storwize systems are capable of external virtualization, and oriented for technology migration and investment protection for aging systems. Storwize advanced caching, free-of-charge Easy Tier (automatic data placement) and automatic hotspot elimination help infuse a second life to previous-generation storage systems. Modern virtualization functions like inline real-time compression for data on external systems can help delay capacity repurchase for several years.

    Transparent Cloud Tiering for Swift- and S3-compatible object datastores can be used as a cold tier for incremental volume snapshots and volume archives without live production access. This allows keeping hourly time machine copies or archiving VM images including attached volumes at a price point somewhat closer to tape media. Supported on-premise datastores include IBM Cloud Object Store (aka Cleversafe) and IBM Spectrum Scale object. Off-premise datastores would be popular S3-compatible cloud services like IBM Bluemix (aka Cleversafe cloud). Off-premise Transparent Cloud Tiering per default uses AES encryption, which is a licensed feature.

    HDD/SSD storage High density rack systems

    IBM Storwize High-Density Expansion 5U92 for Storwize V5000 Gen2, V7000 and SAN Volume Controller, attaching via 12 Gb SAS lanes.This high density carrier hosts 92 hot-swappable large form factor drives in 5U rack height. Use cases include general footprint reduction, active archives, streaming media applications, or big data warehouses.

    Peak performance figures are equivalent to four chained 2U Storwize EXP 12 Gb SAS expansions, at equal total number (and type) of drives.

    Withdrawn hardware POWER and early RISC lines

    Flash storage

    Some System Storage DS8000 Series (models DS8###F)

    HDD/SSD storage

    SONAS

    IBM Scale Out Network Attached Storage (SONAS) was the IBM enterprise x86-based storage platform based on GPFS technology, and released in 2010[31] as hardware product. This system implements NAS based protocols over a large-scale global name space. Today the system can scale out using commodity components to 30 balanced nodes and up to 21 PB of storage in 2011.[32] The 2013 lineup was based on a DCS3700 storage line.[33] GPFS gives the SONAS system with built-in ILM and tight integration with Tivoli Storage Manager helps move data to disk pools.[34]

    For enterprise workloads

    TS4500 Tape Library

    High density tape library supporting Linear Tape-Open (LTO) 5 and 6 or TS1140 and TS1150 drives. Can scale up to 35.5 PB of native capacity with 3592 cartridges and up to 11.7 PB with LTO 6 cartridges. Supports up to 5.5 PB in 10 sq ft.[35]

    TS3500 Tape Library

    Highly scalable tape library supporting Linear Tape-Open (LTO) or TS11x0 drives. Can scale up to 16 frames, 192 drives and over 20,000 cartridges capacity per library string or up to 2,700 drives per library complex.[36]

    Tape drives

    For entry and midrange workloads

    Tape libraries

    Tape drives

    Virtual tape libraries

    TotalStorageSystem Storage
    Flash:DS8000 series
    HDD/SSD:DS8000 series
    DS6000 series
    DCS3700
    DS5000, DS4000, DS3000 series
    Tape:TS7000 series
    TS3000, TS4000 series
    TS1000, TS2000 series

    See also

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: IBM Storage Announcements. IBM. 25 November 2013.
    2. Web site: IBM Knowledge Center. 2020-12-28. www.ibm.com. en-US.
    3. Web site: 2015-02-18. IBM launches Spectrum Accelerate, corrals SDS under one name and organisation. 2020-12-28. ITCandor. en-US.
    4. Web site: IBM Storage Scale - Overview . 2023-05-04 . www.ibm.com . en-us.
    5. Web site: IBM Spectrum Virtualize overview . . 28 December 2018 .
    6. Web site: Tuller. Laura. 2020-06-04. BLOG: IBM Storage Insights or Spectrum Control: Which is Right for Me?. 2020-12-28. Mainline. en-US.
    7. Web site: IBM Spectrum Control - Overview. 2020-12-28. www.ibm.com. en-us.
    8. Web site: IBM Linear Tape File System. IBM. 4 October 2012.
    9. Web site: Mearian. Lucas. IBM gives cloud storage controls to corporate users. IT World. 11 February 2013.
    10. Web site: SONAS Active Cloud Engine: Overview. SONAS Implementation and Best Practices Guide. IBM. 12 October 2012.
    11. Web site: IBM Plans to Acquire Texas Memory Systems. IBM. 2 May 2013.
    12. Web site: Henschen. Doug. IBM: Flash Storage Hits Tipping Point. InformationWeek. 2 May 2013.
    13. Web site: IBM Introduces X6 Architecture, Optimizes x86-Based Servers for Cloud, Analytics. 2017-04-28. IBM.
    14. Web site: IBM Helps Business Partners Grow With Resources for Cloud, Big Data & Analytics. 2017-04-28. IBM.
    15. Web site: DS8000 disk encryption. IBM System Storage DS8000 Information Center. IBM. 4 October 2012.
    16. Web site: IBM TS7700 Series Virtual Tape Solutions. ibm.com.
    17. Web site: 2021-02-09. Family 3957+05 IBM TS7700 R4 Model VEC. 2021-07-14. www-01.ibm.com. en-US.
    18. Web site: February 9, 2018. Evan. Koblentz. IBM continues tape progress despite cloud and flash advances. 2021-07-14. TechRepublic. en.
    19. Web site: Hill. John. 2020-05-12. BLOG: New Mainframe Virtual Tape Library – IBM TS7770. 2021-07-14. Mainline. en-US.
    20. Web site: 4 Benefits of Implementing TS7700's New Microcode Compression. 2021-05-23. IntelliMagic. en-US.
    21. Web site: Tale of the "Tape", Modernizing zStorage with IBM TS7770.
    22. Web site: 2012-10-10. ビッグデータ処理の垂直統合システム「IBM PureData System」が世界同時発表. 2021-08-07. ZDNet Japan. ja.
    23. Web site: Mellor. Chris. IBM's DeepFlash 150: Got half a million bucks for a fat, fast JBOF* box?. 2021-05-25. www.theregister.com. en.
    24. Web site: Armstrong. Adam. 2016-07-26. IBM Introduces DeepFlash 150. 2021-05-12. StorageReview.com. en-US.
    25. Web site: IBM XIV Storage System Gen3 model 281x-114 Information Center. IBM. 4 October 2012.
    26. Web site: February 27, 2018. Hardware withdrawal: IBM XIV Storage System Model 214 and 314 - Replacements available. IBM. March 31, 2020.
    27. Web site: Storwize V7000 Unified overview. IBM Storwize V7000 Unified Information Center. IBM. 4 October 2012.
    28. Web site: IBM Storwize V5000 delivers simplicity, efficiency, and flexibility for midsize organizations. 8 October 2013. IBM. 8 October 2013.
    29. Web site: New IBM Storwize V3700 Takes IBM Deeper Into SMB Storage. 6 November 2012. CRN. 7 November 2012.
    30. Web site: 2012-01-04. The IBM TotalStorage FAStT Family has been renamed the IBM TotalStorage DS4000 Series. 2021-05-12. www.ibm.com. en.
    31. Web site: 2010-02-09. IBM US Announcement Letter. 2021-05-23. www-01.ibm.com. en-US.
    32. Web site: IBM Systems and Technology Data Sheet - IBM Scale Out Network Attached Storage. spectra.com.
    33. Web site: 2018-04-24. Family 2851+03 IBM Scale Out Network Attached Storage 1.4.1. 2021-05-23. www-01.ibm.com. en-US.
    34. Web site: Product overview. IBM Scale Out Network Attached Storage (SONAS) Information Center. IBM. 4 October 2012.
    35. Web site: IBM TS4500 Tape Library. 2017-04-28. IBM.
    36. Web site: New IBM System Storage TS3500 Tape Library Models S24 and S54 support higher density. 26 August 2008. IBM. 4 October 2012.
    37. Web site: IBM System Storage TS1140 Tape Drive Model E07 delivers higher performance, reliability, and capacity. 9 May 2011. IBM. 4 October 2012.
    38. Web site: IBM System Storage TS1060 Tape Drive offers an Ultrium 6 Tape Drive for the TS3500 Tape Library. 3 October 2012. IBM. 4 October 2012.
    39. Web site: IBM System Storage TS3100 and TS3200 Tape Libraries - IBM Redbooks Product Guide. IBM. 4 October 2012.
    40. Web site: IBM System Storage TS2900 Tape Autoloader - IBM Redbooks Product Guide. IBM. 4 October 2012.
    41. Web site: IBM System Storage TS2360 Tape Drive Model S63 incorporates IBM LTO Ultrium 6 tape drive technology. 6 November 2012. IBM. 8 October 2013.
    42. Web site: IBM System Storage TS2260 Tape Drive Model H6S incorporates IBM LTO Ultrium 6 tape drive technology. 6 November 2012. IBM. 8 October 2013.
    43. Web site: IBM System Storage TS7620 Expansion Drawer provides additional repository capacities for TS7620 systems. 5 February 2013. IBM. 11 February 2013.
    44. Web site: IBM Virtualization Engine TS7700 supports disk-based encryption. 3 October 2012. IBM. 4 October 2012.
    45. Web site: Introduction to the TS7650G (Gateway). TS7650 V3.1 Customer Information Center. IBM. 4 October 2012.

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