In a groundbreaking move, IBM has introduced its latest high-capacity flash storage system in a small form factor, aiming to make enterprise-class storage accessible to businesses of all sizes and needs.
As global data creation is expected to surge to 143 zettabytes by 2024, IBM recognizes the imperative need for scalable, enterprise-class storage solutions. The ongoing digital transformation, accelerated by the pandemic, has further amplified this need. A recent study by IBM’s Institute for Business Value revealed that 59 percent of surveyed companies have expedited their digital transformation plans due to the pandemic.
IBM has introduced the FlashSystem 5200, positioned as one of the company’s most powerful storage systems designed for organizations of any size. This enterprise-class storage solution boasts greater performance and capacity compared to its predecessor, the FlashSystem 5100, yet offers a base price that is, on average, 20% less expensive. The FlashSystem 5200 supports hybrid cloud and containers, including compatibility with Red Hat OpenShift, Container Storage Interface (CSI) for Kubernetes, Ansible automation, and VMWare.
Equipped with enterprise capabilities such as IBM Storage Insights for enhanced visibility and IBM Spectrum Virtualize for consolidated storage management, the system starts with a 38TB data capacity and can scale up to deliver 1.7PB in a compact 1U form factor. Notably, it offers 66% greater maximum I/Os and 40% more data throughput at 21GB/s compared to its predecessor, making it a robust and cost-effective storage solution for organizations. IBM also introduced two additional models to the FlashSystem series, the 5015 and 5035, designed for organizations with less demanding performance and growth requirements.
Advancing Hybrid Cloud Capabilities are IBM plans to support IBM Cloud Satellite in the FlashSystem portfolio, IBM SAN Volume Controller, IBM Elastic Storage System, and IBM Spectrum Scale. IBM Cloud Satellite is set to empower companies to build, deploy, and manage cloud services anywhere, across public clouds, on premises, and at the edge. IBM plans to extend replication and migration capabilities to Microsoft Azure, starting with a beta program in the third quarter of 2021.
As IBM continues to break new ground in the storage landscape, businesses of all sizes stand to benefit from enhanced data availability, scalability, and flexibility, ultimately supporting their hybrid cloud journeys in an era of accelerated digital transformation.