The Challenge: Scaling Storage Without Disruption
In today’s cybersecurity environment, organizations generate and retain massive volumes of security data — driven by compliance mandates, forensic investigations, and long-term threat analysis. As data grows, expanding storage becomes essential.
However, many customers using QRadar software installations have faced challenges in extending key partitions, especially /store and /transient. Traditional methods of increasing disk space can be complex, time-consuming, and, in some cases, disruptive — particularly for virtualized or cloud-based deployments.
The QRadar Context: Why It Matters
IBM QRadar is at the heart of many security operations centre’s, collecting, processing, and storing critical security event data to support detection, investigation, and compliance efforts.
With the introduction of Logical Volume Management (LVM) support in QRadar software installations, storage management is now significantly more flexible and scalable. Customers can easily extend partitions like /store and /transient to accommodate rising data volumes — all while maintaining stability and operational continuity.
This added flexibility empowers security teams to manage resources more effectively, avoid interruptions, and support evolving retention needs without costly workarounds.
The Solution: Introducing LVM Support in QRadar Software Installs
QRadar now includes support for Logical Volume Management (LVM) on software-based installations — enabling more dynamic and manageable storage configurations.
Key capabilities of this enhancement include:
· Flexible Partitioning
Logical volumes for both /store and /transient partitions can now be resized easily, eliminating the need for system reinstallation or downtime.
· Storage Pooling
Multiple disks can be grouped into a single volume group, allowing administrators to treat them as one logical storage unit.
· Simplified Expansion
Storage extension becomes safer and more efficient through standard LVM commands, making it easier to scale storage on demand.
ℹ️ Note: LVM support is currently applicable to QRadar software installs only. It does not apply to pre-installed or hardware-based appliances.
Benefits and Impact: What This Means for Customers
By enabling LVM support, QRadar delivers a more efficient and scalable storage management experience. Key customer benefits include:
· ✅ Seamless extension of both /store and /transient partitions
· ✅ No reinstallation or downtime required for storage upgrades
· ✅ Simplified management using modern disk tools
· ✅ Improved support for high-volume event retention
· ✅ Reduced operational risk and increased system scalability
Conclusion
QRadar’s LVM support for software installations is a meaningful and timely enhancement. It enables flexible resizing of critical partitions, simplifies storage management, and gives customers more control over their environments — all while supporting uninterrupted security operations.
For security teams focused on scalability, uptime, and long-term retention, this feature makes everyday operations easier, smarter, and more resilient.
For more detailed information and how to apply the concepts discussed, please check out the LVM Documentation.