IBM Brings Advanced Feature Set to New FlashSystem 5045

The News: IBM announced the addition of the FlashSystem 5045 model to its existing FlashSystem product lineup. The new FlashSystem 5045 will replace the previous FlashSystem 5035 model and provides many of the advanced features found in other FlashSystem models, as an entry-level solution. See more about IBM FlashSystem 5045 here.

IBM Brings Advanced Feature Set to New FlashSystem 5045

Analyst Take: The new IBM FlashSystem 5045 will take the place of the previous 5035 model and will accompany the FlashSystem 5015 as IBM’s entry-level FlashSystem offerings. The two 5000 model offerings round out the lower level of the FlashSystem lineup, which includes FlashSystem 5200, 7300, and 9500.

The 5015, previous 5035, and new 5045 distinguish themselves from the other models by utilizing SAS devices rather than NVMe. The 5015 and 5035 models have also had limited feature sets compared to the higher-end models, including many of the cyber-resiliency features that IBM has been adding. New to the 5045 model is the inclusion of the same advanced features and cyber-resiliency capabilities of the higher end NVMe models. Features now standard on the FlashSystem 5045 include:

• IBM Safeguarded Copy
• Multi-Factor Authentication
• Two Person Integrity
• Role-Based Access Control
• FlashCopy 2.0
• Encryption at Rest
• Easy Tier

The inclusion of these features is a clear upgrade over the previous FlashSystem 5035. IBM has had a clear focus on building security and cyber-resiliency features into the FlashSystem products over the last few releases – features that I believe to be critically important. With the huge rise in ransomware and other cyber attacks, the inclusion of security and cyber-resiliency features is more important than ever – and not just in data protection or security products, but also in the primary storage systems such as FlashSystem.

By including these features into an entry-level model, IBM is providing these necessary cyber-resiliency features to organizations that may not require the additional performance capabilities – and associated cost – of their higher end NVMe systems. The 5045 provides a full featured, entry-level system and is a strong choice for small and medium sized organizations looking for entry-level SAN storage, yet still wanting the additional features and protection that IBM has included in its more advanced models.

Disclosure: The Futurum Group is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.

Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of The Futurum Group as a whole.

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