What is the main difference between IBM Storage and most of the competitors?

The Computational Storage, AKA:

IBM FlashCore modules

Imagine needing a 1TB USB memory for your files or workloads...

So I come to you and say that I have a generic USB of around 200 GB, USB 3.0 memory, and I can give you 5 times more capacity so you can have the TB you need (after many software "revisions" of the data), BUT you need a "specs like gaming computer" running special software to do it... also, this arrangement will reduce you to USB 2.0 speeds...

Sounds good for someone, but not for everyone...

IBM takes a different approach to this issue. They offer you around a 500 GB USB memory that has a processor inside. That USB embedded processor is capable of giving you 2 to 3 times the capacity without the need for a bulky and energy-thirsty computer... and not only this, you can purchase extra USB memories so you can add more capacity in the future by just plugging it into your computer. And guess what? This arrangement will give you 3.0 speeds, real-time encryption, and also ransomware detection, all embedded...

...no wonder why IBM has been here for more than 100 years, right?

Since first introduced in 2018 and now with the 4th generation of FCMs in 2024, IBM FCMs grant an extended lifespan out of QLC flash, now providing about the same endurance out of QLC flash as out of Three Layer Cell (TLC) flash, and better performance and efficiency in every way. Some examples:

1. Real time data reduction transparent to any software.
2. Offloads tasks from the CPUs, what usually leads to a more expensive "box".
3. Normal SSDs must remap and manage metadata as well as perform Garbage Collection, however, IBM FCMs Garbage Collection and remapping are done in the drive, not the box CPU.
4. Delivers a unique Ransomware detection capabilities hardware embedded.

The more you know:

What is Computational storage?

This refers to a technology that integrates computational capabilities directly into storage devices, such as solid-state drives (SSDs). Traditionally, storage devices were passive components that stored data and relied on separate computational resources (like CPUs) for data processing tasks.

Why is that relevant?

By offloading these computational tasks to the storage device itself, computational storage can significantly reduce the burden on the host CPU and accelerate data processing tasks, especially for applications with high-throughput and low-latency requirements, such as real-time analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and edge computing.

How IBM offers this?

IBM makes solutions (fully scalable in/out) of 12, 24 and 48 FCMs capacity, and offers 4 different sizes of capacity for FCMs, so you can make the combinations you need and even program your future growth without even thinking on replacing the system, just adding more drives on the go.

Learn more on:

https://www.ibm.com/flashsystem