IBM Introduces Faster, Smarter Data Handling
IBM has revamped its DS8000 mainframe arrays, making them faster and more efficient with the introduction of its tenth-generation models. The two all-flash systems feature enhanced Power9 processors and the latest gen 4 FlashCore Modules (FCM4) with built-in compression and deduplication capabilities.
The lineup includes the single-frame DS8A10 and the larger multi-frame DS8A50, replacing the DS8910F, DS8950F, and DS8980F models from 2020.
IBM highlights that the new DS8000 series is designed to handle next-generation data workloads, seamlessly managing AI tasks while integrating with analytics tools to provide valuable insights and predictive capabilities.
An IBM datasheet reveals that the new DS8000 models offer up to double the storage capacity within the same footprint using FCM4 drives.
Additionally, they deliver up to 73% more IOPS for high-volume transaction processing, thanks to the new HPFE Gen 3 flash enclosures equipped with FCM4 drives.
IBM also touts an impressive up to eight nines availability (99.999999%), an improvement from the previous generation's seven nines.
Data recoverability has seen significant enhancements, with the Recovery Point Objective (RPO) now reduced to two seconds from the previous two to four, and the Recovery Time Objective (RTO) clocking in at under 60 seconds.
Security remains top-notch with 100% data encryption, further strengthened by Fibre Channel Endpoint Security (IFCES). A side-by-side comparison highlights the clear advancements between the old and new systems.
The new DS8000 models boast an impressive array of features, including:
- Transparent Cloud Tiering (TCT): Seamlessly integrates with IBM Cloud Object Storage, Amazon S3, RSTOR, and TS7700 VTL as an object storage target.
- Safeguarded Copy: Enhances data protection with advanced copying capabilities.
- HyperSwap: Ensures high availability by enabling reads from a secondary site via both FICON and zHyperLink, providing consistent response times and improved workload balancing.
- Copy Services Manager (CSM): Offers centralized management across two, three, or four-site environments, allowing users to control and monitor Disaster Recovery, High Availability, and Cyber Resiliency features from a single interface.
- Kubernetes CSI Support: Facilitates integration with containerized applications.
- Storage Insights: Cloud-based management tool for tracking health, capacity, and performance trends.
For further details, check out the IBM blog.
