IBM XIV Storage System

One of conceptual features of IBM XIV Storage System is virtualization at the level of data units thanks to what the virtual pool of data which is not connected with hardware infrastructure is distributed between all disks an array.

One more feature of XIV — the built-in algorithms for automatic redistribution of data between disks providing the maximum performance improvement and optimal use of available resources. Also input-output optimal resource allocation is at the same time reached.

IBM considers XIV Storage System as the universal solution which can be applied to consolidation of the data which are contained in several building block systems of data storage and also to replacement of disk arrays of the senior class. Not less important scope — support of crucial applications, including databases of ERP systems.

Specific Features

Storage system of IBM XIV Storage System – a high-performance open disk storage system of the next generation. Being an integral part of an extensive range of storage systems from IBM, system XIV is based on the innovation grid-architecture intended for ensuring the highest level of reliability, performance, scalability and functionality at low aggregate value at the same time eliminating complexity and providing unsurpassed usability.

• Unsurpassed protection and data availability thanks to reservation of components of a system according to the scheme Active-Active N+1
• Automatic adjustment and ensuring constantly high performance unique, automatic balancing of placement of data, using all key resources of a system, for elimination of "hot" points
• Revolutionary means of fast selfrecovery which allow to recover the hard drive with a capacity of 1 TB no more than in 40 minutes for the majority of workloads
• Low total cost of ownership and energy saving thanks to disks of high capacity and optimal use of capacity
• Exclusive simplicity of management using the intuitive interface of the user which simplifies setup of a system

Short description of technical means

• Up to 21 processors (CPU)
• Internal performance of switching is up to 72 Gbps
• Capacity a cache memory up to 120 GB
• Capacity at data exchange between a cache memory and a disk up to 240 Gbps
• Up to 180 hard drives VHDSR, with a capacity of 1 or 2 TB, rotational speed 7,200 RPM
• Up to 24 Fibre Channel (FC) ports providing capacity of 4, 2 or 1 Gbps with support of single-mode and multimode cables
• Up to 6 SCSI over IP ports (iSCSI) providing a possibility of creation of iSCSI-connections on Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) network.
• Source of back supply with tension on an input from 180 to 264 V of alternating current

2013: Updating of the IBM XIV system

On November 21, 2013 the IBM company announced updating in a line of storage systems of the corporate level - IBM XIV.

In the IBM XIV system positioned by the company as the solution for cloud environments thanks to its grid-architecture performance by means of a new option of flash-caching is increased.

The new controllers on the basis of IBM POWER 7+ processors installed in a system increased performance by 20%. Capacity of a system is increased almost by a third, the options of the Business Class configurations combining hi-end functionality, reliability and scalability with more available cost are announced.