Item: IBM Storage FlashSystem
Rating: 8
Author: Caden Yarbrough

Usability

The flashsystem is more than capable of allowing for a hybrid setup. While the cloud side of things requires some background and more external knowledge, the manual and online resources do a serviceable job at enabling setup.

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We were in need of a centralized storage repository that would be used across the IT department. IBM’s flashsystem showed to not only offer good speeds via our benchmarks, but the 5000 model proved to be affordable for a smaller business while also allowing us the option to scale for future growth.

Pros and Cons

Centralized storage
Cloud capabilities
Efficient

increased bandwidth
improved manual with more details on cloud capabilities
size reduction

Return on Investment

Over 100% faster than hdds in our current hybrid system
Small form factor
Containerization capabilities allows for improved CI/CD pipelines and efficiency

Performance

Even though the model is suited towards smaller or medium sized businesses, the speeds and performances seen via our benchmarks exceeded any requirements we initially had. The setup was quite simple and the additional features such as allowing for better hyrbid storage and containerization has improved the backend performance of our company immensely.

Alternatives Considered

Dell SC Series / Compellent (discontinued)

Since the dell option is end of life, the change in support and resources available with IBM’s flashsystem has been massive. The newer tech also enables much faster speeds and the box itself is much smaller.

Likelihood to Recommend

There are enough models to fit the sizing of your business. This idea allows customers to find the perfect fit for their storage needs all through IBM. If you are looking for fast and efficient storage then flashsystem is perfect. Being not entirely on the cloud, at the very least a server closet will be required to host the box itself.

The perfect entry level hybrid storage: IBM FlashSystem

Modules Used

Overall Satisfaction with IBM Storage FlashSystem