IBM Storwize Family Software

IBM Flex System V7000 Storage Node is an integrated storage system for IBM PureFlex System and IBM Flex System, designed to deliver performance, advanced function, HA, and modular and scalable storage capacity.

PureFlex System and Flex System represent a new category of computing that integrates multiple server architectures, networking, storage, and system management capabilities into a single system that is easy to deploy and manage. PureFlex System and Flex System have built-in virtualization support of servers, storage, and networking to speed provisioning and increase resiliency. They also support multiple open industry standards, OSs, networking and storage fabrics, virtualization, and system management protocols, to fit within existing and future data center environments. PureFlex System and Flex System are scalable and extendable systems with multi-generation upgrades to help protect and maximize IT investments.

The Flex System V7000 Storage Node is a block storage system designed to integrate into the PureFlex System or Flex System infrastructure, enabling rapid storage deployment and management simplicity. By enabling virtualization, consolidation, and tiering in businesses of all sizes, it is designed to improve application availability and resource utilization. Flex System V7000 offers easy-to-use, efficient, and cost-effective management capabilities for both new and existing storage resources in your IT infrastructure. This class of storage system combines no-compromise design along with virtualization, efficiency, and performance capabilities.

Features and capabilities available:

Larger drives
Increase the maximum internal capacity by up to 33% using 1.2TB 10K 2 RPM SAS drives instead of 900GB 10K RPM SAS drives, or up to 20% using 1.2TB 2 10K RPM SAS drives instead of 1TB NL SAS drives

Ability to use Real-time Compression
and EasyTier together
Enables users to get performance and efficiency at the same time.

Scalability enhancements
Enable the Storwize Software family to handle larger configurations with more hosts using more volumes with more VMs.

• 1,024 hosts per I/O group: Two times the previous number
• 2,048 volumes per host: Four times the previous number
• 2,048 WWPNs per I/O group: Four times the previous number

Key prerequisites
This program requires at least one Flex System V7000 (4939-A49) Control Enclosure for installation. Flex System V7000 V7.1 software (5639-NZ7, 5639-EX7, 5639-RE7, and 5639-CM7) is preinstalled and shipped on the required IBM 4939-A49 Flex System V7000 Control Enclosure.

Planned availability date
June 14, 2013