IBM FlashSystem modernizes storage with custom NVMe FlashCore Modules (FCM), on-drive dedupe & compression, and AI-assisted cyberthreat detection to protect data and accelerate performance by offloading key storage functions into the drive path. This delivers lower latency, higher data-reduction, and stronger cyber-resilience for virtualized, database, analytics, and AI workloads. For a step-by-step buyer’s guide, read How to Choose IBM FlashSystem.
Why IBM here?
- On-drive efficiency with FCM — IBM custom NVMe SSD FCMs compress/dedupe in hardware, cutting CPU overhead while boosting effective capacity. (dedupe, compress on flash drive; accelerate performance by offloading storage function)
- Storage with built-in cybersecurity — FCM adds AI-based ransomware/threat detection on the drive and integrates with IBM Storage Virtualize for fast recovery.
- Virtualize common storage controller — IBM storage virtualization software unifies heterogeneous arrays, supports VMware vVols, and enables policy-based replication.
- Workload mobility at scale — FlashSystem grid groups data/hosts/policies into partitions for nondisruptive migration and workload placement across systems.
- Assured experience — IBM Storage Assurance offers flat subscription storage pricing, lifecycle upgrades, performance/energy-efficiency guarantees.
Which model fits?
- FlashSystem 5300 (1U) — Compact NVMe for mixed workloads; scale across core/cloud/edge.
- FlashSystem 7300 (2U) — Enterprise mid-range for larger VM/OLTP workloads and grid scale.
- FlashSystem 9500 (4U) — Flagship platform for mission-critical DB/analytics/AI.
Note: The event page typically features 5015/5045/5300/7300 systems and IBM tape (TS4300/LTO9); inventory/pricing updates dynamically.
Storage fundamentals (quick refresher)
File storage = files/folders over NAS; simple but single-path performance. Block storage = raw volumes (SAN/cloud) for DB/VMFS and fast I/O. Object storage = objects with rich metadata for scale-out unstructured data. FlashSystem supports vVols and policy-based replication for VM-centric ops and DR.
Typical use cases
- Virtualization & containers — vVols + policy-based replication for orchestrated DR.
- Databases & analytics — Hardware data reduction and NVMe latency for OLTP/OLAP.
- Cyber-resilient ops — Threat detection on flash + immutable snapshots + rapid recovery.
- Nondisruptive growth — Grid partitions simplify migrations/upgrades/capacity rebalancing.
Programs & guarantees
IBM Storage Assurance delivers flat pricing (4/8-year terms), lifecycle refresh, and guarantees covering performance, nondisruptive migration, and energy-efficiency—so you can plan capacity and budgets with confidence.
Skim the benefits
- On-drive dedupe & compression (FCM)
- Cyberthreat detection on flash drives
- Virtualize arrays under one controller
- Grid partitions for workload mobility
- Flat subscription with guarantees