The IBM FlashSystem solid-state storage systems are a family of custom designed all Flash systems used for block storage. The FlashSystem V9000 and A9000 integrate a FlashSystem 900 with IBM’s SAN Volume Controller software (IBM Spectrum Virtualize) and IBM Spectrum Accelerate software respectively. The FlashSystem 900 storage systems come from the IBM acquisition of Texas Memory Systems in 2012. The 840 and the earlier 810 and 820 models use eMLC and the previous generation 710 and 720 models use SLC flash modules, both with a custom flash controller with an embedded PowerPC processor. The FlashSystem 900 originally used MLC technology with advanced designs for increasing the lifespan of the system but introduced 3D NAND TLC technology in October 2017. The FlashSystem systems were designed for solid-state technology with the original systems based on DRAM technology.
Competitive storage solutions include the Dell EMC XtremIO, HP 3PAR 9450, Dell EMC VMAX All Flash, and Hitachi VSP family with FMDs. Additional information on these products is available in ESR to authorized subscribers.
IBM FlashSystem Product Analysis includes:
- Highlights
- Overview of system
- Hardware architecture
- Software architecture
- Reliability, availability, serviceability features
- Evaluator Group Comments on Perceived Strengths and Challenges
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