IBM revamps storage approach, integrates Platform Computing technology
IBM on Monday will revamp how it designs its storage infrastructure to better accommodate big data and compress active information.
The company launched a bevy of upgrades to products and storage systems and incorporated software from the recent acquisition of Platform Computing. In IBM's fact sheet on the overhaul, the company made it clear that it was going after EMC, NetApp and HP.
In a nutshell, IBM is automating more of its storage, using real-time compression and automated tiering to get information. The game plan for IBM is to make data more accessible for real-time analytics.
Among the key items from IBM's storage overhaul:
- IBM Storwize V7000 enhancements included real-time compression of active data, support for Fibre Channel over Ethernet, 4 way clustering support and a VMWare vCenter plug-in. Those compression technologies were added to IBM's System Storage SAN Volume Controller.
- Launched a new interface for IBM Tivoli Storage Productivity Center v5.1 that supports cloud management and bolsters reporting.
- IBM System Storage DS3500 Express and DCS3700 added dynamic disk pooling, FlashCopy to cut backup time and thin provisioning.
- IBM SONAS Re1. 1.3.2 includes an aggregated view of all files whether they are on disk or tap.
- Real-time compression appliances were updated. The IBM Real-time Compression Appliances STN6500 and STN6800 will support IPv6.
- IBM System Storage DS8000 includes a 400GB solid state drive option.
- Numerous enhances to tape systems and management software.
In addition, IBM said it will extend its technical computing knowledge to mainstream customers. The company rolled out a grid manager, IBM Platform Symphony, that integrates with MapReduce software. The company also introduced new cluster software that is integrated with its HPC tools.
