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New Feature Updates
IBM FlashSystem is continuing to revolutionize block storage across key capabilities including FlashCore Module technology, FlashSystem grid, Storage Insights Pro and Cyber Resilience.
Earlier this month, we updated block storage features across high availability (HA), asynchronous replication, partition management, and snapshots.
Updated Replication Methods for Safeguarding Data Including Uptime Resilience
Bolstering data storage resilience with both high availability and asynchronous replication, IBM FlashSystem creates a comprehensive disaster-resistant data strategy. High availability ensures local uptime, while asynchronous replication handles long-distance DR by providing frequent snapshots that can be restored quickly in case of a catastrophic event at the primary site.
The latest updates enhance flexibility of managing replicated and highly-available volumes. This includes expanding replicated and HA volumes, with automatic expansion across all systems, as well as providing more control of object naming and host cluster management within a storage partition.
Partitioning and Snapshots on FlashSystem grid
Multiple FlashSystems can be curated to form a grid for increasing speed, scalability and capacity. Administrators configure logical partitions (or storage pools) across the grid for more granular control, allowing dynamic allocation of storage space to meet varying application demands.
The most recent updates further improve the scalability of FlashSystem grid, increasing the number of systems and number of partitions in a single grid, enabling movement of volumes between groups in the same partition.
When connected to IBM Storage Insights, users can receive AI-based target system recommendations for storage partition migrations, significantly reducing the time spent on complex storage migration tasks.
To simplify management of FlashSystem grid in a VMware environment, a new version of the IBM Storage Virtualize Plugin for vSphere enables users to view and manage their storage partitions and FlashSystem grid.
Simple Block Storage Configuration and Management
IBM FlashSystem offers a user-friendly interface for managing complex block storage systems. It allows administrators to effectively monitor and manage their storage resources, reducing reliance on command-line interfaces and detailed manuals.
Setup Guide
- Accessing the UI: Navigate to the IP address of your FlashSystem array via a web browser.
- Setting Up HA: Under System > Active-Passive Configuration, select the controllers and initialize the partnership.
- Configuring Asynchronous Replication: Specify the remote FlashSystem array under Replication > Asynchronous Replication, establish relationships, and define replication schedules.
- Managing Partitions and Snapshots: Use Storage > Storage Pools to create partitions, and Monitoring > Snapshots to handle snapshot-related operations.
API-Driven Configuration and Management
IBM FlashSystem enables automation through open APIs and integrations with leading enterprise automation platforms, including RedHat Ansible™. This allows for seamless integration with data center automations for effective management and configuration at scale. The latest updates include automation support for managing storage partitions, complementing existing support for snapshots, replication and high-availability configurations.
Use Cases & Best Practices
Real-world Applications Organizations in various sectors utilize FlashSystem, from finance to healthcare. Healthcare organizations use it for ensuring continuous data access for critical patient records, whereas financial firms leverage it for high-speed transactions and stringent compliance requirements.
Block Storage Best Practices
- Regularly review and update your organizations HA/replication strategies to adapt to changing business needs.
- Implement rigorous snapshot policies to balance data protection and storage overhead.
- Utilize the UI’s reporting features for capacity planning and performance including Storage Insights Pro for performance monitoring and AI powered capacity forecasting
Conclusion
IBM FlashSystem's new feature updates enhance already existing capabilities including high availability and asynchronous replication. API-driven partitions across the grid, and snapshot management offer a powerful, adaptable data storage solution. By understanding and implementing these features effectively, businesses can bolster their operational resilience and agility, making FlashSystem block storage a pivotal part of their modern IT infrastructure strategies.
For detailed, step-by-step guidance, always refer to IBM's official documentation and consider training sessions offered for deeper expertise. Learn more about recent updates here.