"These aren't the pages you are looking for"... If google brought you here from a link on the old sites, please use the local site search to find the post you were looking for… After over 12 years, and for the second time since I started blogging IBM has sunset the platform we were using... Continue Reading →
Spectrum Virtualize 8.4.x – 2021 in review – 8.4.1, 8.4.2 and 8.4.3
2021 saw the first full year of the new LTS/CD delivery mechanisms for software functionality updates within Spectrum Virtualize. With 8.4.0 initially being released this time last year, the LTS version is now classed as a recommended level and I discussed its contents, and some things to consider regarding pre-reqs, end of support etc in... Continue Reading →
Re-introducing Spectrum Virtualize 8.4
Some of you may have noticed that we haven't really posted about the new features and functions that have been introduced over the last year in Spectrum Virtualize. I figured that i the same way that we have now modified our release strategy (check out the details on LTS and CD releases) but it would... Continue Reading →
IBM Storage with Smarts – Storage Digital Platform
Earlier this year IBM introduced the FlashSystem 5200, a new form factor for FlashSystem, being only 1U in height, but with all the smarts, ease of use and performance you'd expect from a system utilising Spectrum Virtualize and FlashCore Modules (FCM). The reviews and experiences have been exceptional, and just this week IBM has launched... Continue Reading →
Clustering Combinations – Spectrum Virtualize Platforms
Supported Clustering Hardware Configurations Please note, this is aimed to provide guidance and is correct at the time of publishing. Update - 21st July 2021 - as a result of this post, my friends in support thought this a worthy topic and have created an official support document that will be kept up to date.... Continue Reading →
TechTalk – Flash Performance – 29th June 2021
As a lot of you know, IBM helps to run a set of world-wide user groups across many of its products. Pre-COVID I had the pleasure of meeting many of our Virtualize family world-wide, and over the last 18 months we've continued these events, all be it in a virtual form. The Nordic User Group,... Continue Reading →
What code level should I use? Introducing Continuous Development for Spectrum Virtualize
We often get asked what is the recommended code level that a client should use. While this isn't as difficult a question as anything performance related, I'm afraid the answer still often starts with "it depends" ! V.R.M.F - Version Release Maintenance Fix First off its worth ensuring you understand the code numbering. Everything Spectrum... Continue Reading →
Introducing IBM FlashSystem 5200
IBM's most compact, high capacity & performant entry FlashSystem to date. February 9th 2021 IBM introduced the latest member of the Spectrum Virtualize based FlashSystem family, somewhat unique in the mainstream storage industry coming in at just 1U high, but with power, performance, capacity and functionality that makes this a huge box in a tiny... Continue Reading →
The NVMe Revolution
I hope everyone is staying safe and well in these unusual times (COVID-19 year 2 if reading this in the future!). As some of you may know, one of my hobbies is writing EDM style music, having built up a synth and drum machine collection over many years. During the lockdowns and force travel restrictions... Continue Reading →
Save the date : 9th February – Revolutionize the entry-enterprise storage space.
Join us on the 9th February for a special announcement webinar where we bring you details of a brand new member of the Spectrum Virtualize and FlashSystem family... It’s time to revolutionize the entry-enterprise storage space. You are challenged to deliver more with less budget. You need to optimize your IT infrastructure to drive growth... Continue Reading →
Lets get this right, once and for all, ALUA != passive – Active/Active is not precluded by ALUA
First off, I wrote about this seven years ago... but it seems the usual suspects and some newcomers are back on the FUD spreading band-wagon trying to say that ALUA must mean active/passive ... it doesn't! Secondly lets get the main fact on the table straight away : Spectrum Virtualize, hence SVC, Storwize and FlashSystem... Continue Reading →
Barry Whyte and Andrew Martin : IBM Storage 