IBM Storage FlashSystems and SAN Solutions

IBM FlashSystem, SAN Solutions, and Storwize

IBM storage systems provide high-performance flash arrays and SAN connectivity. They work well with IBM Power Systems running AIX or IBM i. They also support Linux, VMware, and other platforms.

The FlashSystem family delivers all-flash NVMe speed. SAN switches and adapters connect servers to storage. Storwize systems offer flexible hybrid options.

Key Features

All-flash NVMe performance with low latency
Hardware compression and data reduction
IBM Storage Virtualize software for management and replication
Support for IBM i, AIX, Linux, and PowerVM
High availability with clustering and snapshots
Scalable from entry systems to large enterprise arrays

FlashSystem All-Flash Arrays

These systems use NVMe flash for high speed. They support databases, virtualization, and IBM i workloads.

Entry and Midrange

FlashSystem 5000 series (including 5015 and 5045)
FlashSystem 5200
FlashSystem 5300
FlashSystem 5100

Higher Performance

Current Models

Storwize Hybrid and Virtualized Storage

Storwize V3700 (control and expansion enclosures)
Storwize V5000 / V7000 systems
Flexible hybrid options with IBM Storage Virtualize

SAN Switches and Fabrics

IBM b-type (Brocade) Fibre Channel switches connect servers to storage.

SAN24B and related models
SAN48B, SAN64B, and director-class switches
8 Gb, 16 Gb, 32 Gb, and 64 Gb speeds
Fabric Vision monitoring

Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters

16 Gb and 32 Gb dual and quad-port PCIe adapters
Feature codes in the EN1x and EN2x series
Support for NPIV and boot from SAN on Power Systems

Overview

Category	Main Use	Key Strength
FlashSystem Arrays	High-speed primary storage	NVMe flash, data reduction, low latency
Storwize	Hybrid and virtualized storage	Flexible capacity and management
SAN Switches	Storage networking	High port density, low latency fabric
FC HBAs	Server-to-SAN connection	High throughput on Power Systems