We're back with our series IBM Storage Rocks ๐ highlighting all of the great content, events, and announcements in IBM Storage. Enjoy our curated content to stay informed and in the loop!
๐ฃ Announcements & Highlights
@Mike Kieran showcases how IBM Fusion now supports the NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition and NVIDIA Hopper GPUs as integrated options in the blog IBM Fusion Supports NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition and NVIDIA Hopper GPUs
@Daniel Alexander Parkes outlines why RocksDB compression is now enabled by default on IBM Storage Ceph version 8.1 and higher in the blog We Tested RocksDB LZ4 Compression in IBM Storage Ceph, Here's Why It's a No-Brainer
๐ IBM Champions Nominations Now Open!
Nominations are now open for the IBM Champions class of 2026 through November 21! For more info check out
@Christopher Vollmar's
blog on the IBM Champions program and the nomination process.
๐ IBM TechXchange 2026
๐ก๏ธIBM Storage Defender Product Release Updates
๐IBM Storage Data Resiliency Service (DRS) 2.0.18
IBM Storage Data Resiliency Service (DRS) continues to enhance user experience with two key updates. The new "Favorites" feature in the Recovery Groups view allows users to quickly access their most critical recovery groups for faster management and monitoring. Additionally, the sensor auto-update capability is now enabled by default. All IBM Storage Defender sensors currently running version 2.0.17 will be able to upgrade to version 2.0.18 by using the On demand option. Additionally, these sensors can be configured for Automatic upgrades in future releases of IBM Storage Defender connection manager.
Review what's new in the documentation
๐IBM Storage Defender Copy Data Management v2.2.27
IBM Storage Defender expands its enterprise capabilities with powerful new features for data resilience and application continuity. Policy-based High Availability (PBHA) now supports a 2-site configuration leveraging IBM Storage FlashSystem, while Policy-based Replication (PBR) introduces advanced replication options for optimized data protection. The release also includes comprehensive support for Dell PowerMax with SRDF Metro 2-site implementations and SAP HANA System Replication (HSR) integration to minimize downtime during maintenance, faults, or disasters. Additionally, users can now perform backup and restore for SAP HANA 2.0 SPS 08 and Oracle 21c on RHEL 9.4, extending platform compatibility and flexibility. IBM Storage Defender Sentinel 1.1.11 is now qualified with IBM Storage Defender Copy Data Management 2.2.27, ensuring interoperability for enhanced data protection and operational efficiency.
Review what's new in the Defender Copy Data Management documentation
๐IBM Storage Defender Ready Nodes
IBM Storage Ready Nodes now introduces Call Home Support Capability through TLS Electronic Service Agent (ESA), enhancing proactive system monitoring and support.
๐Upcoming ATG Webinar Sessions:
๐ Accelerate with ATG: IBM Storage Ceph Object Storage Tiering & Cloud Transition โ 11/11/25 at 12:00 PM ET
Join the Advanced Technology Group for a detailed update on the latest IBM Storage Ceph 8.1 enhancements to storage tiering for S3 objects. We will explore a role play from ingesting new data into a performance tier, then age-based relocation of objects to a high-density tier. Finally, we will demonstrate end game of using Cloud Transitions to archive S3 objects to a cloud tier or tape. The session will culminate with a demonstration of transparent recall from the cloud tier back to the on-premises bucket, all within a 60 minute Accelerate with ATG webinar format. Register today!
๐ Accelerate with ATG: The IBM TS7700 and the New Release 6.1 โ 11/18/25 at 12:00 PM ET
Plan to join the Advanced Technology Group Tape Experts to learn about the new IBM Virtual Tape Library TS7700 R6.1 code level just released on September 12th. Learn about latest enhancements and features that were introduced in TS7700 Release 6.1! The session will cover features applicable to both the latest TS7780 and the widely deployed TS7770 hardware. The experts will explain how these improvements maintain the TS7700's top performance and largest install base. Register today!
๐ Accelerate with ATG: Redefining Resilience: IBM Copy Services Manager End of Year Review โ 12/2/25 at 12:00 PM ET
Invite your clients and come join the Advanced Technology Group and Expert Randy Blea, IBM Copy Services Manager Architect, to learn more about the new features that became available this year in IBM Copy Services Manager (CSM)! This includes features from 6.3.14, 6.3.15 and 6.3.16. These new features include enhancements in security, improvements in DS8000 Safeguarded Copy and continued enhancements in the support for FlashSystems Policy Based Replication and Snapshot technologies. We'll also discuss what's been done with CSM for Cyber Resiliency and where we're headed. Register today!
๐ Accelerate with ATG: Forging Ahead - IBM Storage Virtualize 9.1.1 Technical Update โ 12/9/25 at 12:00 PM ET
Join the Advanced Technology Group and Expert Byron Grossnickle for an in-depth look at the latest Non-Long Term Release of IBM Storage Virtualize 9.1.1. This update introduces expanded snapshot and Safeguarded Copy capabilities, allowing for increased target capacity. We'll also highlight new enhancements to FlashSystem grid architecture and advancements in policy-based high availability. Register today!
๐ Accelerate with ATG: IBM Z Cyber Vault Update โ 12/11/25 at 12:00 PM ET
Join IBM's Advanced Technology Group and expert David Petersen for an in-depth look at the latest IBM Z Cyber Vault enhancements. Discover newly released features, practical deployment strategies, and real-world client success stories that demonstrate how Cyber Vault strengthens resilience against cyber threats. Register today!
๐New IBM Redbooks
๐Exploring IBM Storage Ceph Block Storage: In-Depth Look at Architectures, Benchmarks, and Use Cases: This IBM Redbooksยฎ publication offers a comprehensive examination of IBM Storage Ceph Block Storage, exploring its architecture and core components to provide readers with a deep understanding of its functionality and scalability. It highlights a wide range of practical use cases, demonstrating how organizations can leverage IBM Storage Ceph to meet their block storage requirements - from cloud-native applications to virtualization environments.
๐Ecosystem Integration with IBM Storage Insights: This IBM Redpaper explores how IBM Storage Insights integrates with services like security, observability, incident management, and productivity, detailing the REST APIs and webhooks that support this crucial data dissemination.
๐ฌ Trending Discussions
Check out these discussions in IBM Storage and share your expertise:
๐FS5300 slow at low load posted in the Global Storage Forum
๐FCM array compression 1.1:1 posted in IBM FlashSystem
๐V5030 error code CMMVC8485E posted in the Global Storage Forum
๐ Events
10 - 13 November | Atlanta, Georgia - KubeCon
11 November | ATG Webcast - IBM Storage Ceph Object Storage Tiering & Cloud Transition
12 November | Defender Days: Enhanced Cyber Resiliency with IBM Storage Defender
13 November | Brussels, Belgium - IBM Storage and Power User Group - Belgium, sponsored by IBM TechXchange
16 - 21 November | St. Louis, Missouri - Supercomputing 2025
17 November | Oslo, Norway - IBM Storage User Group Meeting - Norway, sponsored by IBM TechXchange
18 November | ATG Webcast - The IBM TS7700 and the New Release 6.1
18 November | Copenhagen, Denmark - IBM Storage User Group Meeting - Copenhagen, sponsored by IBM TechXchange
19 - 20 November | Stockholm, Sweden - IBM Storage User Group Sweden
25 November | Amsterdam - IBM Storage User Group
2 December | ATG Webcast - Redefining Resilience: IBM Copy Services Manager End of Year Review
9 December | ATG Webcast - Forging Ahead - IBM Storage Virtualize 9.1.1 Technical Update
11 December | ATG Webcast - IBM Z Cyber Vault Update
24 - 25 March 2026 | London, United Kingdom - Storage Strategy Event
๐ IBM Storage Corner
@Sanjay Patel shares a blog on IBM Storage's upcoming presence at Supercomputing 2025, happening on 16 - 21 November in St. Louis, Missouri. Attendees will be able to experience IBM technologies up close - from the Quantum Cryostat and IBM Fusion Kaon Rack to the Power 11 System and Storage Scale System. Join the Quantum Workshop and IBM Scale User Group session on 16 November to connect with IBM experts and explore what's next in performance computing!
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IBM TechXchange Community Team
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