IBM today took the wraps off new data storage systems and software for businesses struggling to manage Big Data stores and cloudify their file access.
Big Blue today announced an updated IBM XIV Storage System with expanded network connectivity options and a healthy dose of flash storage. IT buyers can order the new XIV with up to 12 10 GB Ethernet ports or 22 of the 1 GB variety.
The new XIV Storage Systems are also ready to speed up big databases. The arrays now support up to 6 TB of flash-based cache. The new capabilities provide the XIV with an 5x, SSD-assisted boost on database workloads over previous generations, claims IBM.
And in a nod to the role of storage in energy efficient data centers, XIV get a little greener, too. IBM updated XIV with new power supplies that lower power consumption by up to 16 percent on fully-loaded systems.
Building bigger more capable storage systems is only part of IBM’s strategy for tackling Big Data. The tech titan wants to help organizations have less to store.
IBM unveiled version 4.1 of its STN7800 Real-Time Compression Appliance today. Meant to slot into complex IT environments, the System x server-based hardware boasts a slew of network connectivity options. It supports 10 GbE optical, 1 GbE copper or mixed 10GbE and 1GbE environments, according to the company. The appliance can deliver 5x data compression in real-time, claims IBM.
Lastly, IBM introduced new software that allows businesses to offer secure, private cloud file services to users.
In a move clearly intended to stem the unauthorized use of third-party, consumer-grade cloud storage services as corporate file repositories, IBM is releasing new SmartCloud Storage Access software. For users, the product offers a Web self-service portal that requires no IT intervention. Administrators get to balance data security with the the increasing popularity of mobile device use.
All told, the product refresh is part of IBM’s plan to bring once lofty IT projects, namely Big Data and cloud computing, down to earth for more businesses.
“Big data and cloud systems that were once only affordable to large enterprises are now available to the masses. With these new systems, IBM is forging an aggressive expansion of its Power and Storage Systems business into SMB and growth markets,” said senior vice president of IBM’s Systems and Technology Group Rod Adkins in a statement.
Pedro Hernandez is a contributing editor at Internet News, the news service of the IT Business Edge Network, the network for technology professionals. Follow him on Twitter @ecoINSITE.