IBM FlashSystem 9500 Models Increasing Performance, Scalability, Capacity, and Connectivity

IBM FlashSystem 9500 models deliver increased performance, scalability, capacity, and connectivity

IBM FlashSystem 9500 machine type 4666 delivers 48 drives in a 4U form factor, increasing the performance, capacity, and connectivity of the high-end FlashSystem offering.

It combines the NVMe storage of IBM FlashCore Modules with Spectrum Virtualize software and is supported by IBM Storage Insights with IBM Storage Expert Care service and support options.

FlashSystem 9500R is a precabled, preconfiged rack containing a pair of FlashSystem 9500 control enclosures using the clustering technology of Spectrum Virtualize to linearly scale the system to meet the requirements of a particular environment.

FlashSystem 9500 utility model UH8 delivers a variable capacity system, where billing is based on actually provisioned space above the base. The base subscription is covered by a 3-year lease that entitles you to utilize the base capacity at no additional cost. If storage needs increase beyond the base capacity, usage is billed based on the average daily provisioned capacity per terabyte, per month, on a quarterly basis.

FlashSystem 9500 NVMe control enclosures feature:

• Two node canisters, each with 2×24-core processors and options for up to 1.5GB memory to deliver a system total of 3TB memory
• Up to 12 (6 per canister) I/O adapter features for 32Gb FC and 10/25GbE and 100GbE connectivity
• Support for up to 48 NVMe flash drive options
• 4U, 19-inch rack mount enclosure

FlashSystem 9500 supports two 12Gb SAS expansion enclosure models. FlashSystem 9000 small form factor (SFF) Expansion Enclosure Model AFF supports up to 24 2.5-inch flash drives, while FlashSystem 9000 large form factor (LFF) high-density (HD) Expansion Enclosure Model A9F supports up to 92 SSDs in a 3.5-inch carrier. SFF and LFF HD expansion enclosures can be intermixed within a FlashSystem 9500 system.

Model AH8 FlashSystem 9500 systems can scale up to 232 drives with the attachment of FlashSystem 9000 expansion enclosures. They can be clustered with another FlashSystem 9500 system to help deliver HA, greater performance, capacity, and connectivity. Attachment and intermixing of existing machine type 9846 or 9848 expansion enclosure models A9F and AFF with machine type 4666 FlashSystem 9500 controller and expansion models is supported, providing all components within a system have consistent service and support levels.

FlashSystem 9500R is available as a precabled, preconfigured rack with a dedicated FC network for clustering. Available with a pair of clustered FlashSystem 9500 systems, it can be ordered as FlashSystem 9502R and added to in the field with additional expansion enclosures.

All FlashSystem 9500 function capabilities are provided through Spectrum Virtualize software and licensed through Spectrum Virtualize Software for FlashSystem 9500 (5639-011).

FlashSystem 9500 utility models are intended for use where variable billing is required to meet a solution’s requirements. IBM Storage Insights is used to monitor the system and is required in the utility model space. The local project office will work with the Storage Insights data to determine the actual physical data provisioned in the system. This data will be compared to the base system capacity subscription, and any provisioned capacity beyond that base subscription will be billed per terabyte, per month, on a quarterly basis.

Key requirements

• Machine type 4666 FlashSystem 9500 requires Spectrum Virtualize Software for FlashSystem 9500 8.5, or later, for operation. Use of the software is entitled through the acquisition of Spectrum Virtualize software licenses.
• FlashSystem 9500 function capabilities are provided through Spectrum Virtualize software and licensed through Spectrum Virtualize Software for FlashSystem 9500 (SW PID 5639- 011) for control enclosures and Spectrum Virtualize Software for FlashSystem 9000 Expansions (SW PID 5639-EB2) for expansion enclosures.
• FlashSystem 9500 control enclosures support external storage virtualization. Use of the external virtualization capability is entitled through the acquisition of Spectrum Virtualize Software for SAN Volume Controller (PID 5641-VC8 in AAS and PID 5725-M19 in Passport Advantage).
• A 3-month registration of software maintenance (SWMA) for 5639-012 is required if IBM Storage Expert Care is not ordered with the system. IBM Storage Insightshttps://www.ibm.com/us-en/marketplace/analytics-driven-data-management is used to monitor the system and is required in the utility model space. For a list of supported environments, devices, and configurations, see the IBM System Storage Interoperation Centerhttp://www.ibm.com/systems/support/storage/ssic (SSIC) website.

Planned availability dates

• March 4, 2022: All IBM FlashSystem 9500 models and features, except as noted below
• April 15, 2022: Feature numbers AHPJ, AHPQ, AHPR, AHPS, and AHPT
• April 22, 2022: Feature numbers FSRS, 4651, AL0S, AL0B, AL0C, AL0P, AL01, AL02, AGJP, ACZA, and ACZF
• June 3: 2022: Feature number AHPU
• December 16, 2022: Feature nubmer AHPV

Availability within a country is subject to local legal requirements.