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IBM Storage FlashSystem 5015

IBM FlashSystem 5015 2072-2N4 Enterprise Storage System

The IBM FlashSystem 5015 2072-2N4 provides cost-effective entry-level storage with enhanced performance. Driven by IBM Spectrum Virtualize, it enables data virtualization across internal and external arrays for unified control. This 2U rackmount enclosure meets demanding workloads with versatile connectivity and capabilities such as AI-powered tiering.

Highlights encompass capacity for up to 392 drives, up to 64 GB cache, and robust data safeguards. It integrates into standard racks and delivers consistent performance via SAS expansions or Fibre Channel connections.

Specifications

  • Machine Type-Model: 2072-2N4 (SFF Control Enclosure)
  • Form Factor: 2U rackmount, 24 × 2.5-inch SFF drive bays
  • Processors: Dual 2-core processors per canister
  • Cache Memory: 32 GB standard (16 GB per canister); upgradable to 64 GB
  • Standard Connectivity: 1 GbE iSCSI for management and host links
  • Optional Connectivity: 4-port 16 Gb Fibre Channel, 4-port 10 Gb iSCSI (optical), 4-port 25 Gb iSCSI (iWARP or RoCE), 12 Gb SAS for hosts/expansions
  • Maximum Drives: 392 (with up to 10 × 2U expansions or 4 × 5U high-density enclosures)
  • Supported Drive Types: 2.5-inch SAS: 900 GB–2.4 TB 10K RPM, 2 TB 7.2K RPM; Flash SSD: 800 GB–30.72 TB; 3.5-inch SAS: 4 TB–18 TB 7.2K RPM (in expansions)
  • Maximum IOPS: Up to 400,000 (4K read miss, configuration dependent)
  • RAID Support: Distributed RAID 1, 5, 6
  • Software: IBM Spectrum Virtualize with virtualization, thin provisioning, UNMAP
  • Dimensions: 8.7 cm H × 48.3 cm W × 55.6 cm D
  • Weight: Empty: 19.0 kg; Fully configured: 27.3 kg
  • Power: Redundant hot-swappable supplies, 100-240 V AC

Configurations

  • Cache Upgrade: To 64 GB for enhanced handling of intensive data operations
  • 16 Gb Fibre Channel Adapter: 4-port for rapid FC networking
  • 10 Gb iSCSI Adapter: 4-port optical for optimized iSCSI environments
  • 25 Gb iSCSI Adapter: With iWARP or RoCE support for high-speed Ethernet access
  • 12 Gb SAS Adapter: For connecting hosts or expansion units
  • Easy Tier License: AI-based tiering across flash and disk layers
  • FlashCopy Upgrade: Expands snapshot limits for broader backup options
  • Remote Mirroring License: Enables Metro/Global Mirror for data replication
  • Encryption License: Provides AES-256 protection for data at rest

Core Features

  • IBM Spectrum Virtualize for comprehensive storage virtualization and oversight
  • AI-enhanced Easy Tier for automatic data placement to maximize IOPS
  • FlashCopy for instant point-in-time copies and local replication
  • Metro Mirror and Global Mirror for synchronous/asynchronous remote replication
  • Thin provisioning and UNMAP for optimized capacity usage
  • Distributed RAID 1, 5, 6 for superior data resilience
  • Encryption for secure data-at-rest (with optional license)
  • Compatibility with VMware VVols and Kubernetes container setups

These features promote high availability without single points of failure and allow maintenance without downtime.

Expansion and Scalability

Expand using SAS-linked enclosures: Models such as 2072-12G (LFF, 12 bays), 2072-24G (SFF, 24 bays), or 2072-92G (high-density, 92 bays). Mix LFF and SFF types for versatility. Reach over 1 PB raw capacity via high-capacity drives. Field upgrades to models like 5035 occur without disruption.

Software Capabilities

IBM Spectrum Virtualize handles internal drive virtualization and extends to external systems for fluid data movement. Standard functions feature thin provisioning for efficient allocation and UNMAP for freeing unused space. Add-ons like Easy Tier leverage AI to shift active data to flash, improving efficiency. FlashCopy supports quick snapshots for protection, and remote mirroring maintains continuity between locations. Volume mirroring offers internal redundancy.

Compatibilities

  • Host Protocols: 16 Gb Fibre Channel, 10/25 Gb iSCSI, 12 Gb SAS
  • Supported Operating Systems: Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, VMware ESXi, Oracle Solaris, HP-UX, Microsoft Windows Server, AIX, and others
  • Hypervisors and Containers: VMware vSphere with VVols, Microsoft Hyper-V, IBM PowerVM, Red Hat OpenShift, Kubernetes through CSI plug-in
  • Expansion Compatibility: Supports 2072-12G (LFF, 12 bays), 2072-24G (SFF, 24 bays), 2072-92G (high-density, 92 bays) in varied setups
  • External Virtualization: More than 500 storage systems for seamless migration and control

Warranty

Systems include a 60-day limited hardware warranty on key parts.