IBM FlashSystem V9000 – Product Analysis

The IBM FlashSystem solid-state storage systems are a family of custom designed all Flash systems used for block storage. The FlashSystem V9000, which integrates a FlashSystem 900 with IBM’s SAN Volume Controller software (IBM Spectrum Virtualize) in a single 6U package that includes two SVC controllers. The FlashSystem storage systems come from the IBM acquisition of Texas Memory Systems in 2012. The FlashSystem V9000 originally used FlashSystem 900 with MLC technology with advanced designs for increasing the lifespan of the system but introduced 3D NAND TLC technology in October 2017. The FlashSystem systems were designed for solid-state technology with the original systems based on DRAM technology.

Competitive storage solutions include the Dell EMC XtremIO, HP 3PAR 9450, Dell EMC VMAX All Flash, and Hitachi VSP family with FMDs. Additional information on these products is available in ESR to authorized subscribers.