REVEALED: IBM's new DS3000-killing Storwise storage beast

Exclusive IBM has an entry-level Storwize V3700 array coming that, we are told, effectively replaces the existing DS3500 array.

IBM's Storwize V7000 is a new array with SVC SAN virtualisation capability, an XIV-style GUI and enterprise-class features (background here.)

The DS3500 is a low-end array that is part of the DS8000-DS6000-DS5000-DS4000-DS3000 product family which has been complemented by newer products such as the XIV and Storwize arrays and had members retired. El Reg understands that the DS3500 will continue to be supplied, but the V3700 effectively signals the end of the DS3500 line.

Although IBM has not announced the V3700, you can find details about it here (PDF).

The V3700 is a 2U enclosure with dual controllers. The system can hold up to 120 disk drives. These can be 2.5-inch or 3.-5 inch disk drives (2TB, 3TB) or SSDs (200GB, 400GB). The small form factor drives can be:

• 146GB or 300GB 15,000rpm drives
• 300GB, 600GB or 900GB 10,000rpm drives
• 500GB or 1TB 7,200rpm SAS nearline drives.

A small form factor enclosure holds 24 2.5-inch drives and a large form factor one holds a dozen 3.5-inch drives. RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6 and 10 are supported.

The array software has a Storwize V7000-style GUI and supports internal virtualisation, thin provisioning, one-way data migration and FlashCopy with up to 64 targets.

IBM states: "Storwize V3700, the most recent addition to the IBM Storwize family of disk systems, delivers efficient, entry-level configurations specifically designed to meet the needs of SMBs. Designed to provide organisations with the ability to consolidate and share data at an affordable price, Storwize V3700 offers advanced software capabilities usually found in more expensive systems."

We expect an announcement in the next few weeks. ®