Introduction to IBM FlashSystem
This chapter introduces the IBM FlashSystem storage subsystem range that is supported by the new IBM Spectrum Virtualize software v8.4. It describes all of the relevant models, their key features, benefits, and technology.
This chapter includes the following topics:
1.1 IBM FlashSystem supported product range
This section describes the IBM FlashSystem products that are supported by the new IBM Spectrum Virtualize software v8.4 (see Figure 1-1).
Figure 1-1 Products that support IBM Spectrum Virtualize software v8.4
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Note: The IBM Storwize models that are shown in Figure 1-1 support IBM Spectrum Virtualize V 8.4.0.x, but not 8.4.1.x or 8.4.2.x.
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1.1.1 New in V8.4
IBM Spectrum Virtualize 8.4 provides more features and updates to the IBM Spectrum Virtualize family of products of which IBM FlashSystem is part.
Software changes in version 8.4.2
The following software changes are featured in IBM Spectrum Virtualize version 8.4.2:
•Support for:
– Increased number of volumes on the system:
• Max volumes changed from 10.000 to 15.864.
• Only applies to systems that have 10 K volumes (for example, V7000, FS7200, FS9100, FS9200, and IBM SAN Volume Controller).
– Expanding and shrinking volumes in FlashCopy mappings:
Volumes that are associated with User-Defined FlashCopy mappings can now be expanded. The process for expanding such volumes includes the following basic rules:
• Source or Target volume can be expanded at any time.
• For incremental FlashCopy maps, the Target VDisk must be expanded before the Source volume can be expanded.
• Source and Target must be same size when mapping is prepared or started.
• Source can be shrunk, but only to the size of the largest copying-or-stopping Target.
• Target volume cannot be shrunk.
– Safeguarded Copy function
IBM FlashSystem Safeguarded Copy feature prevents point-in-time copies of data from being modified or deleted because of user errors, malicious destruction, or ransomware attacks.
– Multiple IP partnerships + multiple IP addresses and VLANs:
• Enhanced Spectrum Virtualize Ethernet support with more than 1 IPv4 and 1 IPv6 address to be defined per port for use by Ethernet host attach protocols, such as iSCSI, iSER, and NVMeF (in the future).
• VLAN separation for individual IP address or as wanted.
• New Portset based configuration model for Ethernet and IP connectivity.
• For iSCSI, iSERHost Attach, and IP Replication. Extensible to NVMeF and Fibre Channel in the future.
• OBAC based per-tenant administration and partitioning model for multi tenant cloud environments.
• New CLI model for Ethernet network configuration.
– Non-disruptive system migration:
• Nondisruptive volume migration between independent clusters. Enables nondisruptive migration between non-clustering platforms for example, IBM SAN Volume Controller to FS9200.
• Can migrate volumes away from a cluster that is, for example, reaching max limits.
• Uses enhancements to SCSI (ALUA) path states. Migration is based upon Remote Copy (Metro Mirror) functions.
– Throttling on child pools
Up to the version 8.4.2.0, creating a throttle for a child pool was blocked. Now, the throttle can be created. As in other throttling types, an I/O obeys the most restrictive throttling that applies to it, and each I/O is counted against all the throttling that applies to it. That is, the throttling is hierarchical: An I/O to a VDisk in a child pool counts against parent pool and child pool throttle.
– Downloading code through eSupport
Allows the migration of the code download function to use the Call Home Using Rest API (CHURA) infrastructure, with the addition of the optional ability to use a HTTP proxy to download packages from esupport.ibm.com. The main value here is the ability to download selected code bundles (including prerequisites, drive firmware, or ifixes) without the need for the firewall hole to FixCentral and more importantly, by way of a HTTP proxy.
•RESTful API improvements.
•Improved web forwarding with remote support assistance.
•Improved HyperSwap scalability
A HyperSwap volume can now be expanded by using the expand volume command when the volume copies are part of user-defined FlashCopy® mappings.
•Support for 32GB Cavium Fibre Channel adapter.
Version 8.4 major software changes
The following software changes were made in Spectrum Virtualize version 8.4:
•Data Reduction Pool (DRP) improvements:
– A DRP allows for more flexibility, such as multi-tenancy.
– FlashCopy with redirect-on-write support: Uses DRP’s internal deduplication referencing capabilities to reduce overhead by creating references instead of copying the data. Redirect-on-write (RoW) is an alternative to the copy-on-write (CoW) capabilities.
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Note: At the time of writing, this capability might be used only for volumes with supported deduplication without mirroring relationships and within the same pool and I/O group. The mode selection (RoW/CoW) is automatic based on these conditions.
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– Compresstimator always on; This improvement allows the systems to sample each volume at regular intervals, providing the ability to display the compressibility of the data in the GUI and IBM Storage Insights at any time.
– RAID Reconstruct Read; This improvement increases reliability and availability by reducing chances of DRP going offline because of fixable array issues, leveraging RAID capabilities, DRP asks for a specific data block reconstruction when detecting a potential corruption.
•Distributed RAID 1 (DRAID 1) support provides the ability to extend distributed RAID advantages to smaller pools of drives. This improves performance over traditional RAID 1 implementations, allowing a better use of flash technology. These distributed arrays can support as few as two drives, with no rebuild area, and 3 - 16 drives, with a single rebuild area.
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Note: At the time of writing, DRAID 1 is supported on IBM FlashSystems 5015, 5035, 5200, 7200, and 9200 only. It is not available for FlashCore Modules (FCM-XL) of 38.4 TB.
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•With 8.4 FlashSystem 5100, 5200, 7200, and 9200, systems can support up to 12 Storage Class Memory (SCM) devices per enclosure with no slot restrictions. Previously, the limit for all SCM drives was four per enclosure in drive slots 21 - 24.
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Note: With 8.4 code FlashSystem 5100, 5200, 7200, and 9200, systems can now support up to 12 zSSD SCM drives or Optane SCM drives.
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•Expansion of mirrored volumes (also known as vDisks) allows the volumes capacity to be expanded or reduced online, without requiring an offline format and sync. This improves the availability of the volume because the new capacity is available immediately.
•Three-site replication with HyperSwap® support provides improved availability for data in three-site implementations. This improvement expands on the disaster recovery capabilities that are inherent in this topology.
•Host attachment support with FC-NVMe in HyperSwap systems.
•DNS support for LDAP and NTP with full DNS length (that is, 256 characters).
•Updates to maximum configuration limits. This doubles FlashCopy mapping from 5,000 to10,000 and increases HyperSwap volumes limit from 1,250 to 2,000.
•Password and login changes on the IBM FlashSystem v8.4 GUI to meet today’s extra regulatory compliance with expiry and security enhancements.
•Support for internal proxy servers (also known as customer web proxy) uses IBM Call Home with cloud services and log upload features.
1.1.2 Supported products
In this section, the IBM FlashSystem and IBM Storwize products are supported to run the IBM Spectrum Virtualize software v8.4 software are described. Listed are the IBM Storwize and IBM FlashSystem series name and then, the hardware machine type and model for extra clarity.
Storwize products
The following Storwize products are supported:
•IBM Storwize V5100:
– 2077-AF4
– 2077-424
– 2077-U5B
– 2078-AF4
– 2078-424
– 2078-U5B
•IBM Storwize V7000:
– 2076-724
– 2076-U7B
– 2076-U7A
– 2076-AF6
– 2076-624
– 2076-524
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Note: Models 2076-AF6, 2076-624, and 2076-524 support 8.4.0.x, but not 8.4.1.x or 8.4.2.x.
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FlashSystem products
The following FlashSystem products are supported:
•IBM FlashSystem 5000:
– IBM FlashSystem 5010 and IBM FlashSystem 5030 (formerly known as IBM Storwize V5010E and Storwize V5030E):
• 2072-2H2
• 2072-U12
• 2072-2H4
• 2072-U24
2072-3H2
2072-3H2
• 2072-V12
• 2072-3H4
• 2072-V24
– IBM FlashSystem 5015 and IBM FlashSystem 5035:
• 2072-2N2
• 2072-U12
• 2072-2N4
• 2072-U24
• 2072-3N2
• 2072-V12
• 2072-3N4
• 2072-V24
•IBM FlashSystem 5100:
– 2077-4H4
– 2078-4H4
– 2078-UHB
•IBM FlashSystem 5200:
– 4662-6H2
– 4662-UH6
•IBM FlashSystem 7200:
– 2076-824
– 2076-U7C
– 4664-824
– 4664-U7C
•IBM FlashSystem 9100:
– 9846-AF7
– 9848-AF7
– 9848-UF7
– 9846-AF8
– 9848-AF8
– 9848-UF8
•IBM FlashSystem 9200:
– 9846-AG8
– 9848-AG8
– 9848-UG8
– 4666-AG8
– 4666-UG8
1.2 IBM FlashSystem high-level features
This IBM Redbooks publication describes and focuses on the best practices and options to gain the optimum performance from the product, including the set of software-defined storage features.
It also describes data-reduction techniques, including deduplication, compression, dynamic tiering, thin provisioning, snapshots, cloning, replication, data copy services, Safeguarded Copy and IBM HyperSwap for high availability.
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Note: The detailed technical explanations, and theory of operations, of these features are not covered in this publication. For more information about this area, see the following IBM Redbooks publications:
•Implementing the IBM FlashSystem with IBM Spectrum Virtualize Version 8.4.2, SG24-8506
•Implementing the IBM SAN Volume Controller with IBM Spectrum Virtualize Version 8.4.2, SG24-8507
•IBM FlashSystem 9200 Product Guide, REDP-5586
•IBM FlashSystem 9100 Product Guide, REDP-5524
•IBM FlashSystem 7200 Product Guide, REDP-5587
•IBM FlashSystem 5200 Product Guide, REDP-5617
•IBM FlashSystem 5000 and 5100 for Mid-Market, REDP-5594
•IBM Flashsystem 5000 and 5200 for Mid-Market, REDP-5630
•IBM Spectrum Virtualize HyperSwap SAN Implementation and Design Best Practices, REDP-5597
•IBM DS8870 Easy Tier Heat Map Transfer, REDP-5015
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The following two types of enclosures are part of the IBM FlashSystem products that run Spectrum Virtualize:
•A control enclosure manages your storage systems, communicates with the host, and manages interfaces. In addition, it can also house up to 24 drives. These drives can be Storage Class Memory (SCM), industry-standard NVMe type, the exclusive IBM NVMe FlashCore Modules (FCM), standard flash (SSD) Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) type drives, or hard disk drives (HDD), depending on which model of control enclosure is ordered.
Each control enclosure is either a standard 2U high, or 1U high for the IBM FlashSystem 5200, 19”rack-mounted unit.
•An expansion enclosure enables you to increase the available capacity of the IBM FlashSystem cluster communicates with the control enclosure by way of a pair of
12 Gbps SAS connections. These expansion enclosures can house many flash (SSD) SAS type drives or hard disk drives (HDD), depending on which model of expansion enclosure is ordered.
12 Gbps SAS connections. These expansion enclosures can house many flash (SSD) SAS type drives or hard disk drives (HDD), depending on which model of expansion enclosure is ordered.
Expansion enclosures are generally of the three following types:
– Large form factor (LFF). Figure 1-2 shows the LFF expansion enclosure that can hold 12 3.5-inch drives and is 2U high.
Figure 1-2 LFF expansion enclosure
– Small form factor (SFF). Figure 1-3 shows the SFF expansion enclosure that can hold 24 2.5-inch drives and is 2U high.
Figure 1-3 SFF expansion enclosure
– Large form factor high density (LFF HD). Figure 1-4 shows the large form factor high density (LFF HD) expansion enclosure that can hold 92 3.5-inch drives (or 92 2.5-inch drives in carriers) and is 5U high.
Figure 1-4 LFF HD expansion enclosure
The type and models of expansion enclosures that can attach to the relevant control enclosure is model-dependent. For more information, see 1.3, “IBM Storwize and IBM FlashSystem product range”.
1.3 IBM Storwize and IBM FlashSystem product range
In this section, we describe the various IBM Storwize and IBM FlashSystem products that are supported in IBM Spectrum Virtualize software v8.4. It includes in-depth information about each product, its capabilities, features, and functions.
Also supplied for each product range are links to information about the configuration limits and restrictions. The customer can research information or values that are needed for optimum performance and adhere to the best practices.
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Note: Spectrum Virtualize V 8.4 or later does not support Storwize V5015, V5020, or V5030 systems.
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IBM Storwize V5100
The IBM Storwize 5100 is a virtualized, software-defined storage system that is composed of hardware components and a requisite licensed software product, IBM Spectrum Virtualize Software. All functional capabilities for the IBM Storwize 5100 are provided through IBM Spectrum Virtualize software v8.4.
Figure 1-5 shows the front view of the IBM Storwize 5100 control enclosure.
Figure 1-5 IBM Storwize V5100 front view
IBM IBM Storwize 5100 models AF 4 and 424 are designed to meet modern high-performance storage requirements, including ultra-low latency, cost-effectiveness, operational efficiency, and mission-critical reliability. It is built on a flash-optimized design, with an end-to-end NVMe strategy to bring extremely low latencies to organizations of all sizes:
•IBM Storwize 5100 model AF4
– All-flash storage system that supports Storage Class Memory drives (up to 12), NVMe FlashCore Modules, and industry-standard NVMe flash drives in the control enclosure.
– Model AF4 attaches to expansion enclosure models AFF and A9F that support SAS Flash drives.
•IBM Storwize 5100 model 424
– Hybrid storage system that supports Storage Class Memory drives (up to 12), NVMe FlashCore Modules, and industry-standard flash NVMe drives in the control enclosure.
– Model 424 attaches to expansion enclosure models 12F, 24F, and 92F that support SAS Flash drives and SAS HDD Drives.
•IBM Storwize 5100 model U5B
IBM Storwize 5100 hardware component to be used in the Storage Utility Offering space. It is physically and functionally identical to V5100 models 424 and AF4 except for target configurations and variable capacity billing. The variable capacity billing uses IBM Storage Insights to monitor the system usage, which enables allocated storage use that exceeds a base subscription rate to be billed per terabyte, per month.
Machine types 2077 and 2078 expansion enclosure models 12F, 24F, and 92F can be attached to a IBM Storwize 5100 model 424. Models AFF and A9F can be attached to a IBM Storwize 5100 model AF4.
IBM Storwize 5100 systems can be clustered with another IBM Storwize 5100. All systems within a cluster must use the same version of IBM Storwize 5100 software.
For a comprehensive list of supported environments, devices, and configurations, see IBM System Storage Interoperation Center (SSIC).
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Note: Consider the following points:
•The IBM Storwize 5100 systems are withdrawn from Marketing (WFM) since April 2020, and as such are no longer available to purchase from IBM. They are included in this book for completeness because they support running the Spectrum Virtualize software v8.4.
•The IBM Storwize V5100 supports Safeguarded Copy (the FlashCopy License is required).
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Table 1-1 lists the IBM IBM Storwize 5100 host, drive capacity, and functions.
Table 1-1 IBM Storwize 5100 host, drive capacity, and functions summary
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Feature/Function
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Description
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Host interface
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•10 Gbps Ethernet (iSCSI)
•25 Gbps Ethernet (iSCSI, iWARP, RoCE)
•16 Gbps Fibre Channel (FC, FC-NVMe)
•32 Gbps Fibre Channel (FC-NVMe
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Control Enclosure Supported drives
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•2.5-inch NVMe FCMs: 4.8 TB, 9.6 TB, and 19.2 TB compressing FCMs
•2.5-inch NVMe flash drives: 800 GB, 1.92 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, and 15.36 TB
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SAS expansion enclosures
Maximum Drives: 760 per control enclosure; 1,520 per clustered system
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•Control enclosure model 424 supports the following expansions:
– Model 12F/24F 2U 12 or 24 drive
– Model 92F 5U 92 drive
– 2.5-inch Storage Class Memory: 375 GB, 750 GB, 800GB and 1.6 TB
– 2.5-inch flash drives supported: 800 GB, 1.6 TB, 1.92 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, 15.36 TB, and 30.72 TB
– 2.5-inch disk drives supported:
• 600 GB and 900 GB 15k SAS drive
• 600 GB, 900 GB, 1.2 TB, 1.8 TB, and 2.4 TB 10k SAS disk
• 2 TB 7.2k nearline SAS disk
– 3.5-inch disk drives supported: 4 TB, 6 TB, 8 TB, 10 TB, 12 TB, and 14 TB 7.2k nearline SAS disk
•Control enclosure model AF4 supports the following expansions:
– Model AFF 2U 24 drive
– Model A9F 5U 92 drive
– 2.5-inch Storage Class Memory: 375 GB, 750 GB, 800GB and 1.6 TB
– 2.5-inch flash drives supported: 800 GB, 1.6 TB, 1.92 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, 15.36 TB, and 30.72 TB
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RAID levels
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•DRAID 5 (CLI-only) and 6, TRAID 10
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Advanced features included with each system
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•Virtualization of internal storage
•Data migration
•DRPs with thin provisioning
•UNMAP
•Compression and deduplication
•Metro Mirror (synchronous) and Global Mirror (asynchronous)
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Additional available advanced features
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•Remote mirroring
•Easy Tier compression
•External virtualization
•Encryption
•FlashCopy
•IBM Spectrum Control
•IBM Spectrum Protect Snapshot
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For more information, see this IBM Support web page.
IBM Storwize V7000
IBM Storwize V7000 is a virtualized storage system to complement virtualized server environments that provides unmatched performance, availability, advanced functions, and highly scalable capacity never seen before in midrange disk systems.
IBM Storwize V7000 is a powerful midrange disk system that was designed to be easy to use and enable rapid deployment without extra resources. IBM Storwize V7000 is virtual storage that offers greater efficiency and flexibility through built-in SSD optimization and thin provisioning technologies.
The following three generations of systems in the IBM Storwize V7000 are supported by Spectrum Virtualize software v8.4.0:
•IBM Storwize V7000 Generation 2 (2076-524)
•IBM Storwize V7000 Generation 2+ (2076-624 and 2076-U7A)
•IBM Storwize V7000 Generation 3 (2075-724 and 2076 -U7B)
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Important: Consider the following points:
•The V7000 systems are Withdrawn from Marketing (WFM) since October 2020, and no longer are available to purchase from IBM. They are included in this book for completeness because they support running the Spectrum Virtualize software v8.4.
•Spectrum Virtualize software v8.4.2 supports only IBM Storwize V7000 Generation 3 (2075-724 and 2076 -U7B.
V8.4.2, or later, does not support V7000 Generation 2 or Generation 2+ systems. Customers with V7000 Generation 2 or Generation 2+ I/O groups cannot upgrade to v8.4.2.x or later.
•IBM Storwize V7000 Generation 3 (2075-724 and 2076 -U7B) supports Safeguarded Copy function, which requires a FlashCopy license.
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Figure 1-6 shows the IBM Storwize V7000 Generation 2 (2076-524) and IBM V7000 Generation 2+ (2076-624) front view.
Figure 1-6 IBM Storwize V7000 Generation 2 (2076-524) and Generation2+ (2076-624) SFF
Figure 1-7 shows the IBM Storwize V7000 Generation 3 (2076-724) front view.
Figure 1-7 IBM Storwize V7000 Generation 3 (2076-724)
Figure 1-8 shows the rear view of the IBM Storwize V7000 Generation 3 (2076-724).
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Figure 1-8 Rear view of the IBM Storwize V7000 Generation 3 (2076-724)
The IBM 2076 SFF Control Enclosure Model 524 and 624 includes the following features:
•Two node canisters and up to 256 GB cache (system total) in a 2U, 19-inch rack mount enclosure.
•1 Gb iSCSI connectivity is standard, with options for 16 Gb FC, 10 Gb iSCSI/FCoE, and 25 Gb iSCSI connectivity.
•It holds up to twenty-four 2.5-inch SAS flash drives and supports the attachment of up to 20 Storwize V7000 expansion enclosures.
The IBM 2076 Model 724 SFF NVMe Control Enclosure includes the following features:
•Two node canisters and up to 1 TB cache (system total) in a 2U, 19-inch rack mount enclosure.
•10 Gb iSCSI connectivity is standard, with options for 32 Gb FC, 16 Gb FC, and 25 Gb iSCSI connectivity.
•It holds up to twenty-four 2.5-inch NVMe FlashCore Modules or industry-standard flash drives and supports the attachment of up to 20 Storwize V7000 expansion enclosures.
The IBM 2076 Models U7A and U7B are the Storwize V7000 hardware components to be utilized in the Storage Utility Offering space. They are physically and functionally identical to the V7000 model 624 and 724 respectively, except for target configurations and variable capacity billing. The variable capacity billing uses IBM Spectrum Control Storage Insights to monitor the system usage, allowing allocated storage usage that exceeds a base subscription rate to be billed per TB, per month.
Table 1-2 lists the host connections, drive capacities, features, and standard options that are available with Spectrum Virtualize that are available on the IBM Storwize V7000.
Table 1-2 IBM Storwize V7000 host, drive capacity and functions summary
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Feature/Function
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Description
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Host interface
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•Gen 2 and Gen 2+
1 Gb iSCSI connectivity is standard, with options for 16 Gb FC, 10 Gb iSCSI/FCoE, and 25 Gb iSCSI connectivity
•Gen 3
10 Gb iSCSI connectivity is standard, with options for 16 Gb FC and 25 Gb iSCSI connectivity
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Control enclosure supported drives
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•Gen 2 / Gen2+
– NL SAS 7.2K RPM: 2 TB, 4 TB, 6 TB, 8 TB, and 10 TB
– Flash (SSD) drives: 400 GB, 800 GB, 1.6 TB, 1.92 TB, 3.2 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, and 15.36 TB
– Enterprise class disk drives:
• 15K RPM - 300 GB, 600 GB, and 900 GB 15,000 rpm
• 10K RPM _ 900 GB, 1.2 TB, 1.8 TB, and 2.4 TB
•Gen 3:
– 2.5-inch SFF NVMe FlashCore Modules (FCM):
• 4.8 TB, 9.6 TB, and 19.2 TB
• 2.5-inch SFF NVMe industry-standard drives
• 800 GB 2.5-inch 3DWPD
– NVMe flash drive: 1.92 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, and 15.36 TB
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SAS expansion enclosures:
•Storwize V7000 LFF Expansion Enclosure Model 12F: 12 slots for 3.5-inch SAS drives
•Storwize V7000 SFF Expansion Enclosure Model 24F: 24 slots for 2.5-inch SAS drives
•Storwize V7000 HD LFF Expansion Enclosure Model 92F: 92 slots for SAS drives in a 3.5-inch carrier
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•NL SAS 7.2K RPM
– 2 TB, 4 TB, 6 TB, 8 TB, and 10 TB
•Flash (SSD) drives: 400 GB, 800 GB, 1.6 TB, 1.92 TB, 3.2 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, and 15.36 TB
•Enterprise class disk drives:
– 15K RPM - 300 GB, 600 GB, and 900 GB 15,000 rpm
– 10K RPM _ 900 GB, 1.2 TB, 1.8 TB and 2.4 TB
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RAID levels
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•Gen 2 and 2+: RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10
•Gen 3:
– DRAID5, DRAID6, TRAID0, TRAID1, and TRAID10.
– For compressed drives only, DRAID5 and DRAID6 are supported.
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Advanced features included with each system
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•IBM System Storage Easy Tier
•IBM FlashCopy
•Thin provisioning
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Other available advanced features
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•Remote Mirroring
•External Virtualization
•IBM FlashCopy Manager
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Important: V8.4.2, or later, does not support V7000 Generation 2 or Generation 2+ systems. Customers with V7000 Generation 2 or Generation 2+ I/O groups cannot upgrade to v8.4.2.x or later.
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For more information about the V8.4.2.x Configuration Limits and Restrictions for IBM Storwize V7000 Generation 2 and 2+ and IBM Storwize V7000 Generation 3, see this IBM Support web page.
IBM FlashSystem 5000
The IBM FlashSystem 5000 is a member of the IBM FlashSystem family of storage solutions. The IBM FlashSystem 5000 delivers increased performance and new levels of storage efficiency with superior ease of use. This entry storage solution enables organizations to overcome their storage challenges.
The solution includes technologies to complement and enhance virtual environments, which deliver a simpler, more scalable, and cost-efficient IT infrastructure. The IBM FlashSystem 5000 features two node canisters in a compact, 2U 19-inch rack mount enclosure.
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Note: At the time of writing, the IBM FlashSystem 5010 and IBM FlashSystem 5030 are End of Marketing (EOM) and have been replaced by the IBM FlashSystem 5015 and IBM FlashSystem 5035 respectively. The IBM FlashSystem 5015/5035 offer superior CPU power and memory options, but the features and functions remain the same. The IBM FlashSystem 5015/5035 charts are included only as a reference.
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The new IBM FlashSystem 5015 and IBM FlashSystem 5035 are similar to the older 5010 and 5030 models, but with higher-specification CPU and memory options. The new models also include all-flash and hybrid-flash solutions that provide enterprise-grade functions without compromising afford ability or performance, and are built with the rich features of IBM Spectrum Virtualize 8.4. The IBM FlashSystem 5000 helps make modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence, accessible to enterprises of all sizes.
IBM FlashSystem 5015
IBM FlashSystem 5015 is an entry-level solution that is focused on afford ability and ease of deployment and operation, with powerful scale-up features. It includes many IBM Spectrum Virtualize features and offers multiple flash and disk drive storage media and expansion options.
Figure 1-9 shows IBM FlashSystem 5015 and 5035 SFF control enclosure front view.
Figure 1-9 IBM FlashSystem 5015 and 5035 SFF control enclosure front view
Figure 1-10 shows IBM FlashSystem 5015 and 5035 LFF control enclosure front view.
Figure 1-10 IBM FlashSystem 5015 and 5035 LFF control enclosure front view
This next section provides hardware information about the IBM FlashSystem 5000 models and the feature set of each one.
Table 1-3 lists the model comparison chart for the IBM FlashSystem 5000 range.
Table 1-3 Machine type and model comparison for the IBM FlashSystem 5000
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MTM
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Full name
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2072-2N2
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IBM FlashSystem 5015 LFF Control Enclosure
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2072-2N4
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IBM FlashSystem 5015 SFF Control Enclosure
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2072-3N2
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IBM FlashSystem 5035 LFF Control Enclosure
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2072-3N4
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IBM FlashSystem 5035 SFF Control Enclosure
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2072-12G/F12
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IBM FlashSystem 5000 LFF Expansion Enclosure
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2072-24G/F24
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IBM FlashSystem 5000 SFF Expansion Enclosure
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2072-92G/F92
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IBM FlashSystem 5000 High-Density LFF Expansion Enclosure
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Table 1-4 lists the host connections, drive capacities, features, and standard options with Spectrum Virtualize that are available on the IBM FlashSystem 5015.
Table 1-4 IBM FlashSystem 5015 host, drive capacity and functions summary
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Feature / Function
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Description
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Host interface
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•1 Gb iSCSI (On the motherboard
•16 Gbps Fibre Channel
•12 Gbps SAS
•25 Gbps iSCSI (iWARP or RoCE)
•10 Gbps iSCSI
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Control Enclosure and SAS expansion enclosures supported drives
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Cache per control enclosure/ clustered system
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32 GB or 64 GB
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RAID levels
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distributed DRAID 1, 5 and 6
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Maximum expansion enclosure capacity
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•Up to 10 standard expansion enclosures per controller
•Up to 4 high-density expansion enclosures per controller
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Advanced functions included with each system
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•Virtualization of internal storage
•DRPs with thin provisioning and UNMAP
•One-way data migration
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Additional available advanced features
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•Easy Tier
•FlashCopy
•Remote mirroring
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Table 1-5 lists the capacity for the 2.5-inch supported drives for the IBM FlashSystem 5000.
Table 1-5 2.5 inch supported drives for the IBM FlashSystem 5000
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2.5-inch (SFF)
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Capacity
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Tier 1 Flash
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800 GB
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1.9 TB
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3.84 TB
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7.68 TB
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15.36 TB
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30.72 TB
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High Performance, Enterprise Disk Drives (10k rpm)
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900 GB
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1.2 TB
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1.8 TB
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2.4 TB
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High Capacity Nearline Disk Drives (7.2k rpm)
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2 TB
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Table 1-6 lists the speed and capacity for the 3.5-inch supported drives for the IBM FlashSystem 5000.
Table 1-6 3.5 inch supported drives for the IBM FlashSystem 5000
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3.5-inch (LFF)
|
Speed
|
Capacity
| |||||||
|
High-Performance, Enterprise class Disk Drives
|
10,000
RPM
|
900 GB
|
1.2 TB
|
1.8 TB
|
2.4 TB
|
|
|
|
|
|
High Capacity, Archival class Nearline Disk Drives
|
7,200 RPM
|
4 TB
|
6 TB
|
8 TB
|
10 TB
|
12 TB
|
14 TB
|
16 TB
|
18 TB
|
IBM FlashSystem 5035
IBM FlashSystem 5035 provides greater functionality, including powerful encryption capabilities and DRPs with compression, deduplication, thin provisioning, and the ability to cluster for scale-up and scale-out.
Available with the IBM FlashSystem 5035 model, DRPs help transform the economics of data storage. When applied to new or existing storage, they can significantly increase usable capacity, while maintaining consistent application performance. This can help eliminate or drastically reduce costs for storage acquisition, rack space, power, and cooling, and can extend the useful life of existing storage assets. Capabilities include:
•Block deduplication that works across all the storage in a DRP to minimize the number of identical blocks
•New compression technology that provides guaranteed consistent 2:1 or better reduction performance across a wide range of application workload patterns
•SCSI UNMAP support that de-allocates physical storage when operating systems delete logical storage constructs such as files in a file system
Table 1-7 lists the host connections, drive capacities, features, and standard options with Spectrum Virtualize that are available on the IBM FlashSystem 5035.
Table 1-7 IBM FlashSystem 5035 host, drive capacity and functions summary
|
Feature / Function
|
Description
|
|
Host interface
|
•10 Gb iSCSI (On the motherboard
•16 Gbps Fibre Channel
•12 Gbps SAS
•25 Gbps iSCSI (iWARP or RoCE)
•10 Gbps iSCSI
|
|
Control Enclosure and SAS expansion enclosures Supported drives
|
|
|
Cache per control enclosure / clustered system
|
32 GB or 64 GB / 64 GB or 128 GB
|
|
RAID levels
|
Distributed DRAID 1, 5 (CLI Only), and 6
|
|
Maximum expansion enclosure capacity
|
•Up to 20 standard expansion enclosures per controller
•Up to eight high-density expansion enclosures per controller
|
|
Advanced functions included with each system
|
•Virtualization of internal storage
•DRPs with thin provisioning
•UNMAP, compression, and deduplication
•One-way data migration
•Dual-system clustering
|
|
Additional available advanced features
|
•Easy Tier
•FlashCopy
•Remote mirroring
•Encryption
|
For more information about the V8.4.2.x Configuration Limits and Restrictions for IBM FlashSystem 5015 and 5035, see this VIBM Support web page.
IBM FlashSystem 5100
The IBM FlashSystem 5100 supports the following enhanced features, capacities, and enclosures:
•NVMe-accelerated flash arrays with control enclosures that are 100 percent, end-to-end NVMe-enabled, and Storage Class Memory (SCM)-capable.
•The systems offer industry-leading performance and scalability and support physical, virtual, and Docker environments.
•Hybrid-flash array enabled with multiple expansion enclosure options based on 12 Gbs SAS that support both SSDs and hard disk drives.
•AI-enhanced with the IBM Storage Insights analytics, resource management, and support platform. Also, IBM Spectrum Virtualize functions include AI-based data placement for optimal data center performance and zero-downtime data migration.
•Hybrid-cloud ready and can support private, hybrid, or public cloud deployments. The solutions include ready-to-use, proven, validated “cloud blueprints” with support for cloud API automation, replication, and secondary data orchestration software.
•Safeguarded Copy function supports the ability to create cyber-resilient point-in-time copies of volumes that cannot be changed or deleted through user errors, malicious actions, or ransomware attacks. The system integrates with IBM Copy Services Manager to provide automated backup copies and data recovery. This integration requires FlashCopy license.
The IBM FlashSystem 5100 control enclosure supports up to 24 2.5” NVMe capable flash drives in a 2U high form factor.
The IBM FlashSystem 5100 has two standard models (2077-4H4 and 2078-4H4) and one utility model (2078-UHB).
Figure 1-11 shows the IBM FlashSystem 5100 control enclosure front view.
Figure 1-11 IBM FlashSystem 5100 front view showing the 24 NVMe drives installed
Table 1-8 lists the host connections, drive capacities, features, and standard options with Spectrum Virtualize that are available on the IBM FlashSystem 5100.
Table 1-8 IBM FlashSystem 5100 host, drive capacity, and functions summary
|
Feature/Function
|
Description
|
|
Host interface
|
•10 Gbps Ethernet (iSCSI)
•25 Gbps Ethernet (iSCSI, iSER - iWARP, RoCE)
•16 Gbps Fibre Channel (FC, FC-NVMe)
•32 Gbps Fibre Channel (FC, FC-NVMe)
|
|
Control enclosure supported drives
|
•2.5-inch Storage Class Memory: 375 GB, 750 GB, 800GB and 1.6 TB
•2.5-inch NVMe self-compressing FCM 2.5-inch: 4.8 TB, 9.6 TB, 19.2 TB, and 38.4 TB
•NVMe flash drives: 800 GB, 1.92 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, and 15.36 TB
|
|
SAS expansion enclosures
760 per control enclosure;
1520 per clustered system
Model 12G 2U 12 drives
Model 24G 2U 24 drives
Model 92G 5U 92 drives
|
•2.5-inch flash drives supported: 800 GB, 1.6 TB, 1.92 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, 15.36 TB, and 30.72 TB
•2.5-inch disk drives supported:
– 600 GB, 900 GB, 1.2 TB, 1.8 TB, and 2.4 TB 10k SAS disk
– 2 TB 7.2k nearline SAS disk
•3.5-inch disk drives supported: 4 TB, 6 TB, 8 TB, 10 TB, 12 TB, 14 TB, 16 TB, and 18 TB 7.2k nearline SAS disk
|
|
RAID levels
|
Distributed RAID 5 and 6, TRAID 1 and 10
|
|
Advanced features included with each system
|
•Virtualization of internal storage
•Data migration
•DRPs with thin provisioning
•UNMAP
•Compression and deduplication
•Metro Mirror (synchronous) and Global Mirror (asynchronous)
|
|
Additional available advanced features
|
•Remote mirroring
•Easy Tier compression
•External virtualization
•Encryption
•FlashCopy
•IBM Spectrum Control
•IBM Spectrum Protect Snapshot
|
For more information about the V8.4.2.x Configuration Limits and Restrictions for IBM FlashSystem 5100, see this IBM Support web page.
IBM FlashSystem 5200
IBM FlashSystem 5200 allows you to be ready for the technology transformation without sacrificing performance, quality, or security while simplifying your data management. This powerful and compact solution is focused on afford ability with a wide range of enterprise-grade features of IBM Spectrum Virtualize that can easily evolve and extend as businesses grows.
This system also has the flexibility and performance of flash and Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) end-to-end, the innovation of IBM FlashCore technology, and Storage Class Memory (SCM) to help accelerate your business execution.
The innovative FlashSystem family is based on a common storage software platform, IBM Spectrum Virtualize, that provides powerful all-flash and hybrid-flash solutions, offering feature-rich, cost effective, enterprise-grade storage solutions.
The industry-leading capabilities of IBM Spectrum Virtualize include a wide range of data services that can be extended to more than 500 heterogeneous storage systems, as shown in the following examples:
•Automated data movement.
•Synchronous and asynchronous copy services on-premises or to the public cloud.
•High availability configurations.
•Storage automated tiering.
•Data reduction technologies, including deduplication.
•Safeguarded Copy, which supports the ability to create cyber-resilient point-in-time copies of volumes that cannot be changed or deleted through user errors, malicious actions, or ransomware attacks. The system integrates with IBM Copy Services Manager to provide automated backup copies and data recovery.
Available on IBM Cloud® and AWS, IBM Spectrum Virtualize for Public Cloud works with IBM FlashSystem 5200 to deliver consistent data management between on-premises storage and public cloud: for example:
•Moving data and applications between on-premises and public cloud
•Implementing new DevOps strategies
•Using public cloud for disaster recovery without the cost of a second data center
•Improving cyber resiliency with “air gap” cloud snapshots
IBM FlashSystem 5200 offers world-class customer support, product upgrade, and guarantee programs:
•The IBM Storage Expert Care service and support is simple. You can easily select the level of support and period that best fits your needs with predictable and up-front pricing that is a fixed percentage of the system cost.
•The IBM Data Reduction Guarantee helps reduce planning risks and lower storage costs with baseline levels of data compression effectiveness in IBM Spectrum Virtualize-based offerings.
•The IBM Controller Upgrade Program enables customers of designated all-flash IBM storage systems to reduce costs while maintaining leading-edge controller technology for essentially the cost of ongoing system maintenance.
The IBM FlashSystem 5200 control enclosure supports up to 12 x 2.5-inch NVMe capable flash drives or 12 x SCM drives in a 1U high form factor.
The IBM FlashSystem 5200 has one standard model (4662-6H2) and one utility model (4662-UH6).
Figure 1-12 shows the IBM FlashSystem 5200 control enclosure front view with 12 NVMe drives and a 3/4 ISO view.
Figure 1-12 IBM FlashSystem 5200 control enclosure front and 3/4 ISO view
Table 1-9 lists the host connections, drive capacities, features, and standard options with Spectrum Virtualize that are available on the IBM FlashSystem 5200.
Table 1-9 IBM FlashSystem 5200 host, drive capacity, and functions summary
|
Feature/Function
|
Description
|
|
Host interface
|
•10 Gbps Ethernet (iSCSI)
•25 Gbps Ethernet (iSCSI, iSER - iWARP, RoCE)
•16 Gbps Fibre Channel (FC, FC-NVMe)
•32 Gbps Fibre Channel (FC, FC-NVMe)
|
|
Control Enclosure Supported drives (12 maximum)
|
•2.5-inch Storage Class Memory: 375 GB, 750 GB, 800GB and 1.6 TB
•2.5-inch NVMe self-compressing FCMs: 4.8 TB, 9.6 TB, 19.2 TB, and 38.4 TB
•NVMe flash drives: 800 GB, 1.92 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, and 15.36 TB
|
|
SAS expansion enclosures
760 per control enclosure, 1,520 per clustered system
Model 12G 2U 12 drives
Model 24G 2U 24 drives
Model 92G 5U 92 drives
|
•2.5-inch flash drives supported: 800 GB, 1.6 TB, 1.92 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, 15.36 TB, and 30.72 TB
•2.5-inch disk drives supported
– 600 GB, 900 GB, 1.2 TB, 1.8 TB, and 2.4 TB 10k SAS disk
– 2 TB 7.2k nearline SAS disk
•3.5-inch disk drives supported: 4 TB, 6 TB, 8 TB, 10 TB, 12 TB, 14 TB, 16 TB, and 18 TB 7.2k nearline SAS disk
|
|
RAID levels
|
Distributed RAID 5 and 6, TRAID 1 and 10
|
|
Advanced features included with each system
|
•Virtualization of internal storage
•Data migration
•DRPs with thin provisioning
•UNMAP
•Compression and deduplication
•Metro Mirror (synchronous) and Global Mirror (asynchronous)
|
|
Additional available advanced features
|
•Remote mirroring
•Easy Tier compression
•External virtualization
•Encryption
•FlashCopy
•IBM Spectrum Control
•IBM Spectrum Protect Snapshot
|
For more information about the V8.4.2.x Configuration Limits and Restrictions for IBM FlashSystem 5200, see this IBM Support web page.
IBM FlashSystem 7200
Enterprises around the globe are rapidly moving to modernize older IT infrastructures to take advantage of artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced applications, real-time big data analytics, and cloud architectures that require higher levels of system performance and storage capacity.
For many organizations, staff resources and expertise are not abundant, and cost-efficiency is a top priority. These organizations made important investments in their infrastructure that they want to maximize. They need enterprise-grade solutions that optimize cost-efficiency while simplifying the pathway to modernization.
The following new IBM FlashSystem 7200 models are designed specifically for these requirements and use cases:
•FlashSystem 7200 Models: 2076-824 or 4667-824
•FlashSystem 7200 Utility Models: 2076-U7C or 4664-U7C
The IBM FlashSystem 7200 includes the following highlights:
•Deploy enterprise-grade functions.
•Use NVMe performance in one cost efficient system.
•Build easy-to-manage, high-performance hybrid cloud environments.
•Extend data services across more than 500 heterogeneous systems.
•Transform data economics by using sophisticated data reduction.
•Use AI to optimize storage management and streamline issue resolution.
•Deploy leading-edge storage solutions with confidence by using IBM FlashWatch.
•Increase cost-efficiency with IBM Storage Utility programs.
•Safeguarded Copy function supports the ability to create cyber-resilient point-in-time copies of volumes that cannot be changed or deleted through user errors, malicious actions, or ransomware attacks. The system integrates with IBM Copy Services Manager to provide automated backup copies and data recovery.
Figure 1-13 IBM FlashSystem 7200 control enclosure front view
Table 1-10 lists the host connections, drive capacities, features, and standard options with Spectrum Virtualize that are available on the IBM FlashSystem 7200.
Table 1-10 IBM FlashSystem 7200 host, drive capacity and functions summary
|
Feature/Function
|
Description
|
|
Host interface
|
Per control enclosure
•Up to 24 x 16 Gbps Fibre Channel (FC, NVMeoF)
•Up to 24 x 32 Gbps Fibre Channel (FC, NVMeoF)
•8 x 10 Gbps Ethernet (iSCSI)
•Up to 12 x 25 Gbps Ethernet (iSCSI, iSER - iWARP, RoCE)
|
|
Maximum drives supported
|
•24 x 2.5-inch NVMe drives per control enclosure
•12 x 3.5-inch SAS drives per 12G expansion enclosure
•24 x 2.5-inch SAS drives per 24G expansion enclosure
•92 x 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SAS drives per 92G expansion enclosure
•Up to a maximum of 760 SAS drives in expansion enclosures per control enclosure
|
|
Supported NVMe drives
|
•Storage Class Memory (SCM): 375 GB, 750 GB, 800 GB, 1.6 TB
•FlashCore Modules (FCM): 4.8 TB, 9.6 TB, 19.2 TB, and 38.4 TB with hardware compression
•Industry Standard NVMe: 800 GB, 1.92 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, and 15.36 TB
|
|
Supported SAS drives
|
•Supported SAS drives 2.5-inch SAS SSD: 800 GB, 1.6 TB, 1.92 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, 15.36 TB, and 30.72 TB
•2.5-inch SAS HDD:
– 1.2 TB, 1.8 TB, and 2.4 TB 10k SAS
– 2 TB 7.2k nearline SAS
•3.5-inch disk drives supported: 4 TB, 6 TB, 8 TB, 10 TB, 12 TB, 14 TB, 16 TB, and 18 TB 7.2k nearline SAS
|
|
RAID levels
|
DRAID 1, 5, and 6 with dynamic DRAID expansion and TRAID 1 and 10
|
|
Maximum IOPS (4K read hit)
|
2.3 million
|
|
Minimum latency (4K read hit)
|
<70 μs
|
|
Maximum IOPS (4K read miss)
|
700 k
|
|
Maximum bandwidth (256Kb read miss)
|
35 GB/s
|
|
Advanced features included with each system
|
•Virtualization of internal storage
•Data migration
•DRPs with thin provisioning
•UNMAP
•Compression and deduplication
•Metro Mirror (synchronous) and Global Mirror (asynchronous)
|
|
Additional available advanced features
|
•Remote mirroring
•Easy Tier compression
•External virtualization
•Encryption
•FlashCopy
•IBM Spectrum Control
•IBM Spectrum Protect Snapshot
|
For more information, see this IBM Support web page.
IBM FlashSystem 9100
Figure 1-14 shows the IBM FlashSystem 9100 Control Enclosure with one of the IBM NVMe drives partially removed.
Figure 1-14 IBM FlashSystem 9100 control enclosure with one NVMe drives partially removed
The IBM FlashSystem 9100 control enclosure supports up to 24 NVMe capable flash drives in a 2U high form factor.
Two standard models of The IBM FlashSystem 9100 are available: 9110-AF7 and 9150-AF8.
These numbers are the sales models, and each one is available as a one-year (hardware machine type 9846), or a three-year (hardware machine type 9848) warranty product.
The IBM FlashSystem 9100 also has two utility models: 9110-UF7 and 9150-UF8.
|
Note: Consider the following points
•The IBM 9110-UF7 and 9150-UF8 are the IBM FlashSystem 9100 with a three-year warranty only. These models are physically and functionally identical to the IBM FlashSystem 9848-AF7 and AF8, except for target configurations and variable capacity billing.
The variable capacity billing uses IBM Spectrum Control Storage Insights to monitor the system usage, which allows allocated storage usage that exceeds a base subscription rate to be billed per TB (written is considered used). For thick provisioning, total allocated volume space is considered used.
•The following IBM FS 9100 systems are now withdrawn form Marketing (WFM) since October 2020. As such, they are no longer available to purchase from IBM:
– FS9110 9848-AF7
– FS9150 9848-AF8
– FS9110 Utility Model 9848-UF7
– FS9150 Utility Model9848-UF8
These systems are included in this book for completeness only because they support running the Spectrum Virtualize software v8.4.
|
Table 1-11 lists the host connections, drive capacities, features, and standard options with Spectrum Virtualize that are available on the IBM FlashSystem 9100.
Table 1-11 IBM FlashSystem 9100 host, drive capacity, and functions summary
|
Feature/Function
|
Description
|
|
Host interface
|
•24 ports 16 Gb or 32 Gb Fibre Channel (FC, FC-NVMe)
•8 ports 10 GbE iSCSI
•12 ports 25 GbE iWARP or RoCE
|
|
Maximum drives supported
|
•2.5-inch NVMe FCMs: 4.8 TB, 9.6 TB, and 19.2 TB compressing FCMs
•2.5-inch NVMe flash drives: 1.92 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, and 15.36 TB
|
|
Control enclosure supported NVMe drives
|
•2.5-inch NVMe FCMs: 4.8 TB, 9.6 TB, and 19.2 TB compressing FCMs
•2.5-inch NVMe flash drives: 1.92 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, and 15.36 TB
|
|
Expansion enclosure supported SAS drives
|
•Model AFF 2U 24 drive
•Model A9F 5U 92 drive
•2.5-inch flash drives supported: 1.92 TB, 3.2 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, 15.36 TB, and 30.72 TB
|
|
RAID levels
|
•FCM drives: Distributed RAID 6 (recommended),: Distributed RAID5 (supported)
•NVMe flash drives: Traditional RAID 10 and Distributed RAID 6 (recommended), Distributed RAID 5 (supported)
|
|
Maximum IOPS (4K read hit)
|
3,800,000
|
|
Minimum write latency
|
120 μs
|
|
Maximum IOPS (4K read miss with hardware compression)
|
1,200,000
|
|
Maximum bandwidth (256Kb read miss)
|
34 GBps
|
|
Advanced features included with each system
|
•Virtualization of internal storage
•Data migration
•DRPs with thin provisioning
•UNMAP
•Compression and deduplication
•Metro Mirror (synchronous) and Global Mirror (asynchronous
|
|
Additional available advanced features
|
•Remote mirroring
•Easy Tier compression
•External virtualization
•Encryption
•FlashCopy
•IBM Spectrum Control
•IBM Spectrum Protect Snapshot
|
For more information, see this IBM Support web page.
IBM FlashSystem 9200
Some applications exist that are foundational to the operations and success of an enterprise. These applications might function as prime revenue generators, might guide or control important tasks, or might provide crucial business intelligence, among many other jobs. Whatever their purpose, they are mission-critical to the organization. They demand the highest levels of performance, functionality, security, and availability.
To support mission-critical applications, enterprises of all types and sizes turn to IBM FlashSystem 9200:
•FlashSystem 9200 Models: 9848-AG8 or 4666-AFF/4666-AG8/4666-A9F
•FlashSystem 9200 Utility Models: 9848-UG8 or 4664-U7C
The 46XX Models include Expert Care Support.
IBM FlashSystem 9200 combines the performance of flash and a Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe)-optimized architecture with the reliability and innovation of IBM FlashCore® technology and the rich feature set and high availability of IBM Spectrum Virtualize. This powerful new storage platform provides:
•The option to use large capacity IBM FlashCore modules (FCM) with inline-hardware compression, data protection, and innovative flash-management features; industry standard NVMe drives; or Storage Class Memory (SCM) drives.
•The software-defined storage functionality of IBM Spectrum Virtualize with a full range of industry-leading data services such as dynamic tiering,
•IBM FlashCopy management, data mobility, and high-performance data encryption.
•Innovative DRP (DRP) technology that includes deduplication and hardware-accelerated compression technology, with SCSI UNMAP support and all the thin provisioning, copy management, and efficiency you’d expect from IBM Spectrum Virtualize-based storage.
•Safeguarded Copy function supports the ability to create cyber-resilient point-in-time copies of volumes that cannot be changed or deleted through user errors, malicious actions, or ransomware attacks. The system integrates with IBM Copy Services Manager to provide automated backup copies and data recovery.
Figure 1-15 shows the IBM FlashSystem 9200 Control Enclosure with 24 NVMe FCM type drives installed.
Figure 1-15 IBM FlashSystem 9200 control enclosure
The IBM FlashSystem 9200 solutions provide a single enterprise class platform to address the full spectrum of 21st-century data storage requirements. IBM FlashSystem 9200 is designed to simplify storage and accelerate business productivity, with the following benefits:
•NVMe-powered all-flash performance and IBM FlashCore reliability
•Easy integration and almost unlimited scalability
•Data services that can transform and modernize existing systems
Table 1-12 lists the host connections, drive capacities, features, and standard options with Spectrum Virtualize that are available on the IBM FlashSystem 9200.
Table 1-12 IBM FlashSystem 9200 host, drive capacity, and functions summary
|
Feature/Function
|
Description
|
|
Host interface
|
•Up to 24 x 16 Gbps Fibre Channel (FC, NVMeoF)
•Up to 24 x 32 Gbps Fibre Channel (FC, NVMeoF)
•8 x 10 Gbps Ethernet (iSCSI)
•Up to 12 x 25 Gbps (iSCSI, iSER - iWARP, RoCE)
|
|
Maximum drives supported
|
•24 NVMe drives per control enclosure
•24 2.5-inch SAS drives per AFF expansion enclosure
•92 2.5-inch SAS drives per A9F expansion enclosure
•Up to a maximum of 760 SAS drives in expansion enclosures per control enclosure
|
|
Supported NVMe drives
|
•Storage Class Memory (SCM: 375 GB, 750 GB, 800 GB, 1.6 TB
•FlashCore Modules: 4.8 TB, 9.6 TB, 19.2 TB, and 38.4 TB with hardware compression
•Industry-standard NVMe: 800 GB, 1.92 TB, 3.84 TB, 7.68 TB, and 15.36 TB
|
|
Supported SAS drives
|
•2.5-Inch SAS SSD: 1.6 TB, 1.92 TB, 3,84 TB, 7.68 TB, 15.36 TB, and 30.72 TB
|
|
RAID levels
|
DRAID 1, 5, and 6 with dynamic DRAID expansion and TRAID 1 and 10
|
|
Maximum IOPS (4K read hit)
|
4.5 million
|
|
Minimum latency (4K read hit)
|
<70 μs
|
|
Maximum IOPS (4K read miss)
|
1.2 million
|
|
Maximum bandwidth (256Kb readmiss)
|
45 GBps
|
|
Advanced features
|
•Data reduction by way of thin provisioning
•UNMAP
•Compression and deduplication
•Data-at-rest AES-XTS 256 encryption
•Easy Tier
•Data migration
•External virtualization
|
|
Replication features
|
•FlashCopy
•Metro Mirror (synchronous)
•Global Mirror (asynchronous)
•Global Mirror with change volumes
•Three sites replication
•IBM HyperSwap (high availability)
|
|
Additional available advanced features
|
•IBM Storage Insights Pro
•IBM Spectrum Virtualize for Public Cloud
•IBM Spectrum Control
•IBM Spectrum Protect Snapshot
|
For more information, see IBM Support web page.
1.3.1 Clustering rules and upgrades
The IBM Storwize and IBM FlashSystem products can be clustered with up to four control enclosures and uses four I/O groups. The lower-level products feature some restrictions because of hardware and memory constraints, but most systems can cluster.
All of the options and rules for clustering control nodes are shown in the figures that are presented in this section. The numbers in the cells indicate the maximum control enclosures that is possible in the cluster.
IBM Storwize V5030 and IBM FlashSystem 503x clustering
Figure 1-16 shows the combinations of IBM Storwize V5030 and IBM FlashSystem 503x that can be clustered.
Figure 1-16 IBM Storwize V5030 and FlashSystem 503x Clustering
IBM Storwize V5100 and IBM FlashSystem 5x00 clustering
Figure 1-17 shows the combinations of IBM Storwize V5100 and IBM FlashSystem 5x00 that can be clustered.
Figure 1-17 IBM Storwize V5100 and FlashSystem 5x00 Clustering
IBM Storwize V7000, IBM FlashSystem 7200, and IBM FlashSystem 9xx0 clustering
Figure 1-18 shows the combinations of IBM Storwize V7000, IBM FlashSystem 7200, and IBM FlashSystem 9xx0 that can be clustered.
It also indicates the final or terminal code level for some systems and the minimum supported code level for other combinations.
Figure 1-18 IBM Storwize V7000, FlashSystem 7200 and FlashSystem 9xx0 Clustering
For more information, see this IBM Support web page.
1.3.2 Mixed clustering rules and licensing
From Spectrum Virtualize software version 8.2.0 onwards, when you cluster dissimilar models in a system, the resulting licensing scheme that is used for the system is overwritten by the licensing scheme of the most capable system. For example, V7000 is over-ridden by FS7200, which is over-ridden by FS9200.
The extended rule is that the new or highest system overrules anything else in the cluster.
The following priority order is used:
FS9200 → FS9100 → FS7200 → V7000 → FS5200
Consider the example of adding an FS7200 I/O group to an FS7200. If you then add an FS9100, the resulting cluster is an FS9100. If you then add an FS9200, the cluster reports as an FS9200.
Consider the following points:
•All systems must have the same level of IBM Spectrum Virtualize software installed to be able to cluster.
•To cluster the Storwize V7000 systems, it must have an all-inclusive license.
•Migration must be done through extra I/O groups.
•The default layer is storage, but a replication layer also is supported for clustering.
•The systems that are listed in Table 1-13 on page 32 cannot be clustered with the IBM FlashSystem V9000 or the IBM Storage Virtualization Controller.
1.3.3 IBM FlashSystem 9200R rack solution overview
IBM FlashSystem 9200R is a pre-cabled and preconfigured rack solution that includes many IBM FlashSystem 9200 Control Enclosures. It uses IBM Spectrum Virtualize to linearly scale the performance and capacity through clustering. For more information about this product, see IBM FlashSystem 9200R Rack Solution Product Guide, REDP-5593.
The IBM FlashSystem 9200R Rack Solution system features a dedicated FC network for clustering and optional expansion enclosures, which are delivered ready-assembled in a rack. Available with two, three, or four clustered IBM FlashSystem 9200 systems and up to four expansion enclosures, it can be ordered as a IBM FlashSystem 9202R, IBM FlashSystem 9203R, or IBM FlashSystem 9204R system with the last number denoting the number of AG8 controller enclosures in the rack.
The final configuration occurs on-site following the delivery of the systems. More components can be added to the rack after delivery to meet the growing needs of the business.
|
Note: Other than the IBM FlashSystem 9200 control enclosure and its expansion enclosures, the additional components of this solution are not covered under Enterprise Class Support (ECS). Instead, the components have their own warranty, maintenance terms, and conditions.
|
Rack rules
The IBM FlashSystem 9200R Rack Solution product represents a limited set of possible configurations. Each IBM FlashSystem 9200R Rack Solution order must contain the following components:
•Two, three, or four 9848 Model AG8 Control Enclosures.
•Two IBM SAN24B-6 or two IBM SAN32C-6 FC switches.
•Optionally, 0 - 4 9848 Model AFF Expansion Enclosures, with no more than one expansion enclosure per Model AG8 Control Enclosure and no mixing with the 9848 Model A9F Expansion Enclosure.
•Optionally, 0 - 2 9848 Model A9F Expansion Enclosures, with no more than one expansion enclosure per Model AG8 Control Enclosure and no mixing with 9848 Model A9F Expansion Enclosure.
•One 7965-S42 rack with the appropriate power distribution units (PDUs) that are required to power components within the rack.
•All components in the rack much include feature codes #FSRS and #4651.
•For Model AG8, AFF, and A9F Control Enclosures, the first and largest capacity enclosure includes feature code #AL01, with subsequent enclosures that use #AL02, #AL03, and #AL04 in capacity order. The 9848 Model AG8 Control Enclosure with #AL01 must also have #AL0R included.
Following the initial order, each 9848 Model AG8 Control Enclosures can be upgraded through MES.
More components can be ordered separately and added to the rack within the configuration limitations of the IBM FlashSystem 9200 system. Clients must ensure that the space, power, and cooling requirements are met. If assistance is needed with the installation of these additional components beyond the service that is provided by your IBM System Services Representative (IBM SSR), IBM Lab Services are available.
Table 1-13 lists the IBM FlashSystem 9200R Rack Solution combinations, the MTMs, and their associated feature codes.
Table 1-13 IBM FlashSystem 9200R Rack Solution combinations
|
Machine type and model
|
Description
|
Quantity
|
|
7965-S42
|
IBM Enterprise Slim Rack
|
1
|
|
8960-F24
|
IBM SAN24B-6 Fibre Channel switch (Brocade)
|
21
|
|
8977-T32
|
IBM SAN32C-6 Fibre Channel switch (Cisco)
|
2a
|
|
9848-AFF
|
IBM FlashSystem 9000 2U SFF Expansion Enclosure with 3-year Warranty and ECS
|
0 - 42
|
|
9848-AG8
|
IBM FlashSystem 9200 Control Enclosure with 3-year Warranty and ECS
|
2, 3, or 4
|
|
9848-A9F
|
IBM FlashSystem 9000 5U LFF high-density Expansion Enclosure with 3-year Warranty and ECS
|
0 - 2b
|
1 For the FC switch, choose two of machine type (MT) 8977 or two of MT 8960.
2 For extra expansion enclosures, choose model AFF, model A9F, or none. You cannot use both.
For more information about the FlashSystem 9200R solution, see the following IBM Redbooks publications:
•IBM FlashSystem 9200R Rack Solution Product Guide, REDP-5593
•Implementing the IBM FlashSystem with IBM Spectrum Virtualize V8.4, SG24-8467
1.4 Advanced functions for data reduction
The IBM FlashSystem range can function as a feature-rich, software-defined storage layer that virtualize and extends the functionality of all managed storage, including data reduction, dynamic tiering, copy services, and high-availability configurations. In this capacity, the IBM FlashSystem acts as the virtualization layer between the host and other external storage systems, providing flexibility, and extending functionality to the virtualized external storage capacity.
The IBM FlashSystem 5100, 5200, 7200, 9100, and 9200 all use several features to assist with data reduction and the ability to increase their effective capacity.
1.4.1 FlashCore Modules
All IBM FlashSystems 5100, 5200, 7200, 9100, and 9200 have the option to be supplied with FlashCore Modules (FCMs) or industry-standard NVMe drives. If the FCM option is chosen, the user can use the built-in hardware compression, which automatically attempts to compress the stored data when written to the drives. These FCMs can be used with standard pools or DRPs.
1.4.2 Data reduction pools
DRPs represent a significant enhancement to the storage pool concept. This is because the virtualization layer is primarily a simple layer that executes the task of lookups between virtual and physical extents. Now with the introduction of data reduction technology, compression, and deduplication, it is more of a requirement to have an uncomplicated way to stay “thin”. The pools enable you to automatically de-allocate (not to be confused with deduplicate) and reclaim capacity of thin-provisioned volumes containing deleted data.
1.4.3 Deduplication
Deduplication can be configured with thin-provisioned and compressed volumes in DRPs for added capacity savings. The deduplication process identifies unique chunks of data, or byte patterns, and stores a signature of the chunk for reference when writing new data chunks. If the signature of the new chunk matches an existing signature, the new chunk is replaced with a small reference that points to the stored chunk. The same byte pattern can occur many times, resulting in a sizable reduction of the amount of data that must be stored.
1.4.4 Thin provisioning
In a shared storage environment, thin provisioning is a method for optimizing the use of available storage. It relies on allocation of blocks of data on demand versus the traditional method of allocating all of the blocks up front.
This methodology eliminates almost all white space, which helps avoid the poor usage rates (often as low as 10%) that occur in the traditional storage allocation method. Traditionally, large pools of storage capacity are allocated to individual servers, but remain unused (not written to).
1.4.5 Thin-provisioned FlashCopy snapshots
Thin-provisioned IBM FlashCopy (or snapshot function in the GUI) uses disk space only when updates are made to the source or target data, and not for the entire capacity of a volume copy.
1.5 Advanced software features
The IBM FlashSystem 5100, 5200, 7200, 9100, and 9200 include the following advanced software features:
•Data Migration
•Copy services:
– Metro Mirror
– FlashCopy
– 3-site replication
– Safeguarded Copy
•Easy Tier
•External Virtualization
•HyperSwap
•Safeguarded Copy with CSM
1.5.1 Data migration
The IBM FlashSystem range provides online volume migration while applications are running, which is possibly the greatest single benefit for storage virtualization. This capability enables data to be migrated on and between the underlying storage subsystems without any effect on the servers and applications. In fact, this migration is performed without the knowledge of the servers and applications that it even occurred. The IBM FlashSystem deliver these functions in a homogeneous way on a scalable and highly available platform over any attached storage and to any attached server.
1.5.2 Copy services
Advanced copy services are a class of functionality within storage arrays and storage devices that enable various forms of block-level data duplication locally or remotely. By using advanced copy services, you can make mirror images of part or all of your data eventually between distant sites. Copy services functions are implemented within an IBM FlashSystem (FlashCopy and Image Mode Migration), or between one IBM FlashSystem and another IBM FlashSystem, or any other member of the IBM Spectrum Virtualize family, in three different modes:
•Metro Mirror is the IBM branded term for synchronous Remote Copy function.
•Global Mirror is the IBM branded term for the asynchronous Remote Copy function.
•Global Mirror with Change Volumes is the IBM branded term for the asynchronous Remote Copy of a locally and remotely created FlashCopy.
Remote replication can be implemented using both Fibre Channel and Internet Protocol (IP) network methodologies.
For more, see Chapter 6, “IBM FlashCopy services capabilities” on page 243.
FlashCopy
FlashCopy is the IBM branded name for point-in-time copy, which is sometimes called time-zero (T0) copy. This function makes a copy of the blocks on a source volume and can duplicate them on 1 - 256 target volumes.
Remote mirroring
The three remote mirroring modes are implemented at the volume layer within the IBM FlashSystem family. They are collectively referred to as Remote Copy capabilities. In general, the purpose of these functions is to maintain two copies of data.
Often, but not necessarily, the two copies are separated by distance. The Remote Copy can be maintained in one of two modes: synchronous or asynchronous, with a third asynchronous variant:
•Metro Mirror
•Global Mirror
•Global Mirror with Change Volumes
1.5.3 Easy Tier
Easy Tier is a performance function that automatically migrates or moves extents of a volume from one storage tier to another storage tier. With IBM FlashSystem, Easy Tier supports four kinds of storage tiers.
Consider the following information about Easy Tier:
•Easy Tier monitors the host volume I/O activity as extents are read, and migrates the most active extents to higher performing tiers.
•The monitoring function of Easy Tier is continual but, in general, extents are migrated over a 24-hour period. As extent activity cools, Easy Tier moves extents to slower performing tiers.
•Easy Tier creates a migration plan that organizes its activity to decide how to move extents. This plan can also be used to predict how extents will be migrated.
1.5.4 External virtualization
The IBM FlashSystem range includes data virtualization technology to help insulate hosts, hypervisors, and applications from physical storage. This enables them to run without disruption, even when changes are made to the underlying storage infrastructure. The IBM FlashSystem functions benefit all virtualized storage.
For example, Easy Tier and DRPs with compression help improve performance and increase effective capacity, where high-performance thin provisioning helps automate provisioning. These benefits can help extend the useful life of existing storage assets, reducing costs. Additionally, because these functions are integrated into the IBM FlashSystem 5100, 7200, 9100, and 9200, they can operate smoothly together, reducing management effort.
1.5.5 IBM HyperSwap
HyperSwap capability enables each volume to be presented by two IBM FlashSystem family I/O groups. The configuration tolerates combinations of node and site failures, using host multipathing driver based on the one that is available for the IBM FlashSystem family. The IBM FlashSystem provides GUI and CLI management of the HyperSwap function.
A more information about the HyperSwap function, see Appendix A, “IBM i considerations” on page 601.
For more information, see this IBM Doumentation web page.
1.5.6 Safeguarded Copy function
Safeguarded Copy function supports the ability to create cyber-resilient point-in-time copies of volumes that cannot be changed or deleted through user errors, malicious actions, or ransomware attacks. The system integrates with IBM Copy Services Manager to provide automated backup copies and data recovery.
The system supports IBM Copy Services Manager as an external scheduling application. IBM Copy Services Manager coordinates and automates Safeguarded Copy function across multiple systems.
IBM Copy Services Manager uses a Safeguarded policy to configure FlashCopy mapping and consistency groups automatically to create backup copies. When Safeguarded backups are created, IBM Copy Services Manager uses the retention time for the Safeguarded backups that are based on the settings in the Safeguarded policy. After copies expire, the IBM Spectrum Virtualize software deletes the expired copies from the Safeguarded backup location.
For more information, see Implementation Guide for SpecV/FlashSystem Safeguarded Copy, REDP-5654.
1.5.7 Licensing
The base license that is provided with the system includes the use of its basic functions. However, extra licenses can be purchased to expand the capabilities of the system. Administrators are responsible for purchasing extra licenses and configuring the systems within the license agreement, which includes configuring the settings of each licensed function on the system.
For a more information about the licensing on the IBM FlashSystem 5100, 5200, 7200, 9100, and 9200, see the “Licensing and Features” chapter in Implementing the IBM FlashSystem with IBM Spectrum Virtualize Version 8.4.2, SG24-8506.
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