Differences between IBM FlashSystem storage systems and SSD-based storage

Flash memory technologies appeared in the traditional storage systems some time ago. As such, they have a history of usage and implementation best practices. These technologies help to successfully address the challenge of increasing I/Os per second and the demand for lower response times in particular tasks. An implementation example is the IBM Easy Tier technology.

However, these technologies typically rely on flash technology in the format of FC, SAS, or SATA disks, placed in the same storage system as traditional spinning disks, and utilizing the same resources and data paths. This approach can abstract the advantages of flash

technology behind the limitations of traditional disk storage systems.

IBM FlashSystem storage systems provide a hardware-only data path and realize all the potential of flash memory technology. These systems are different from traditional storage systems, both in the technology and usage approaches.

Differences in technology

An SSD device with a hard disk form factor has flash memory that is put into a carrier or tray. This carrier is inserted into an array like a hard disk drive. The speed of storage access is limited by the following technology because it adds latency and cannot keep pace with flash technology:

򐂰 Array controllers and software layers

Note: The rebuild times that we achieved are for reference only. The rebuild times that you

򐂰 SAS controllers and shared bus

򐂰 Tiering and shared data path

򐂰 Form factor enclosure

IBM FlashSystem products are fast and efficient. The hardware-only data path has a minimum number of the software layers, which are firmware components mostly, as well as management software separated from the data processing. The only other family of products that have hardware-only access to flash technology are PCIe flash products intended to be installed into a dedicated server. With the appearance of the IBM FlashSystem storage systems, the benefits of the PCIe flash products to a single server can now be shared by many servers.

The benefits of the IBM FlashSystem storage systems technology are clearly evidenced in performance testing and comparison of the rebuild times of SSDs and flash modules.

For more information, see IBM SAN Volume Controller and IBM FlashSystem 820: Best

Practices and Performance Capabilities, REDP-5027.

Differences in usage

Existing hybrid (SSD+HDD) storage systems are well suited for storing the data and providing advanced functions such as snapshots and remote mirroring. IBM FlashSystem storage systems are intended to be implemented to provide the lowest I/O latency in most critical business applications.

Extreme performance

FlashSystem products increase application performance as much as 10x faster than other storage solutions. When compared to equivalent disk systems, IBM FlashStorage storage systems can deliver capacity in a single 1U rack, and are 19 times more cost efficient. These solutions include the latest in industry-standard, solid-state flash memory technology, including eMLC flash technology and SLC flash technology. Data is moved through the system as quickly as possible, with no bottlenecks.

IBM MicroLatency

FlashSystem products deliver extremely fast response time to accelerate critical applications. MicroLatency — that is, roughly 100-microsecond access time, enables faster decision making by facilitating an extreme-performance data path to accelerate critical applications and help users achieve a true competitive advantage. Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) on each module helps enable fast writes at 25 microseconds. Purpose-driven, highly parallel design maximizes host CPU efficiency and productivity.

MacroEfficiency

FlashSystem products can help consolidate hardware and software and deployment speed, and provide power and cooling savings. Benefits include:

򐂰 A 1U form factor, which has a minimal footprint for optimum ROI

򐂰 Two dual-port 8 Gb Fibre Channel controllers or dual-port 40 GB QDR InfiniBand controllers

򐂰 350 watt or less power draw

򐂰 Hot swap flash modules to enable uninterrupted operations

򐂰 Up to a petabyte of FlashSystem storage can be placed in a single rack, on a single floor tile

򐂰 IBM FlashSystem storage systems offer one of industry's best IOPS per watt ratio to maximize energy savings

򐂰 IBM FlashSystem storage systems use hexagonal ventilation holes, a part of IBM Calibrated Vectored Cooling™ technology. Hexagonal holes can be grouped more densely than round holes, providing more efficient airflow through the system.

Enterprise reliability

IBM FlashSystem products have durable and reliable designs that use enterprise class flash and patented data protection technology. IBM FlashSystem devices are designed for cost-effective, high storage performance that is used to accelerate critical business

applications. IBM FlashSystem devices feature Variable Stripe RAID, 2D Flash RAID, Active Spare support, ECC at the chip level, and other reliability technologies.

Two-dimensional Flash RAID eliminates single points of failure and provides enhanced system-level reliability. Patented Variable Stripe RAID technology helps reduce business interruptions and prevent chip failures to enhance the two-dimensional protection mechanism. It also maintains performance capacity levels. Hot-swappable flash modules and redundant components with built-in battery backup help boost data availability and IT productivity. An available integrated spare flashcard limits downtime.