IBM System Storage DS8000 series (M/T 2107) delivers Thin Provisioning and new functional capabilities
IBM United States Hardware Announcement 109-431July 14, 2009
 ENUS109-431.PDF (95KB)
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| At a glance |
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New functional capabilities for the DS8000™ series (Machine type 2107) include:
- Quick initialization for open volumes
- IBM® System Storage™ DS8000 Thin Provisioning for open volumes
- High Performance FICON® for System z® (zHPF) multitrack operations
For ordering, contact your IBM representative, an IBM Business Partner, or IBM Americas Call Centers at 800-IBM-CALL (Reference: YE001).
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| Overview |
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The IBM System Storage DS8000 series (Machine type 2107) delivers quick volume initialization and IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning for open system environments, which can enable clients to reduce their disk storage acquisition and operating costs by greatly increasing disk capacity utilization. Additionally, the IBM System Storage DS8000 series now supports High Performance FICON for System z (zHPF) multitrack operations to increase system performance and improve System z FICON channel efficiency.
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| Key prerequisites |
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All features and functions in this announcement are supported on the IBM System Storage DS8000 series, and require DS8000 Licensed Machine Code (LMC) level 5.4.3.xx (bundle version 64.3.xx.xx), or later.
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| Planned availability date |
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August 21, 2009
Plant and field installation:
- Quick initialization for open volumes
- IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning for open volumes
- Support for High Performance FICON for System z (zHPF) multitrack operations
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| Description |
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Quick initialization
IBM now supports quick initialization as an enhancement to device provisioning technology on DS8000 platforms. Quick initialization improves initialization speeds up to 2.6 times over previous versions of the DS8000 and allows a copy services relationship to be established after a device is created, while the provisioning of storage is in progress. These improvements allow users to create an enterprise storage environment, quickly provision new logical devices, and move the devices into production while utilizing the new Thin Provisioning technology in less time than ever before on DS8000 systems.
Quick initialization is available on Licensed Machine Code (LMC) level 5.4.3.xx (bundle version 64.3.xx.xx) and is included for no charge in that microcode release.
IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning
The DS8000 series now offers Thin Provisioning. Thin provisioning allows you to overcommit storage to specific devices and throughout the system in general. This has several key benefits. First, you can now allocate larger logical devices to users without having to provision the entire device. This allows users to consume storage allocated on the DS8000 without repeated device resizing as would be required today. The level of overcommitment can be decided by users, but as the system consumes physical storage, administrators will be notified of physical allocations as it reaches user-specified limits. Once all of the physical storage is in use, no further virtual storage can be allocated, so action must be taken before this condition occurs.
Thinly provisioned devices can be increased in size as needed if the logical size of the device becomes constrained. If the physical storage approaches full allocation within a given extent pool, then you can add additional physical capacity (via drive sets) to increase the size of the extent pool.
Users may see a reduction in their operating costs by being able to deploy fewer physical disks to provision a given set of logical devices that are underutilized. Thin provisioned devices offer performance that is comparable to standard, fully allocated, logical devices, and are effective in reducing capacity allocations. The ability to overconfigure logical device capacities may also reduce operational costs related to expanding storage allocations for host system software components such as logical volume managers, file systems, and databases. And because users are more efficiently using their storage resources, they enjoy the green effect by avoiding the need for additional floor space, reduced power and cooling requirements, and reduced carbon footprint.
For the initial release, the IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning feature is available only for open systems, excluding System i®. Support for IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning is an optional feature of the DS8000 series Models (921, 922, 9A2, 931, 932, and 9B2), and is available with the Thin Provisioning licensed feature indicator feature numbers 7070 and 0707 and corresponding DS8000 series Function Authorization (2244-OEL) Thin Provisioning feature number 7070.
High Performance FICON for System z (zHPF) enhancements
z/OS® uses the new zHPF multitrack function of the IBM System Storage DS8000 series (High Performance FICON licensed feature indicator feature number 0709 and corresponding DS8000 series Function Authorization feature number 7092) to support more than one track's worth of data in a single transfer. Applications using Media Manager for I/O with large data transfers are expected to benefit, such as those using zFS, HFS, PDSE, and striped extended format data sets. This function is available on z/OS V1.9 and z/OS V1.10 with the PTFs for APARs OA26084 and OA29017. zHPF with multitrack operations is available in the DS8000 series Licensed Machine Code (LMC) level 5.4.3.xx (bundle version 64.3.xx.xx) or later, with the purchase of feature number 7092.
Accessibility by people with disabilities
A U.S. Section 508 Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) containing details on accessibility compliance can be requested at
Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act
The IBM System Storage DS8100, IBM System Storage DS8300, and IBM System Storage DS8000 Expansion Unit are capable, as of December 3, 2004, when used in accordance with IBM's associated documentation, of satisfying the applicable requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, provided that any assistive technology used with the product properly interoperates with it. A US Section 508 Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) can be requested via IBM's Web site at
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| Reference information |
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For details, refer to the following announcements:
Hardware Announcement 106-642, dated August 22, 2006 (IBM System Storage DS8000 series provides new price/performance options)
Hardware Announcement 104-383, dated October 12, 2004 (IBM TotalStorage® DS8000 series - 2244 Function Authorizations)
Hardware Announcement 104-382, dated October 12, 2004 (IBM TotalStorage DS8000 Series - Setting new standards for on demand enterprise disk storage)
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| Product number |
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Description Machine Model Feature System Storage DS8100 2107 921 Licensed Function Indicators: - Thin Provisioning indicator 0707 IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning: - Thin Provisioning 7070 Description Machine Model Feature System Storage DS8300 2107 922 Licensed Function Indicators: - Thin Provisioning indicator 0707 IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning: - Thin Provisioning 7070
Description Machine Model Feature System Storage DS8100 2107 931 Licensed Function Indicators: - Thin Provisioning indicator 0707 IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning: - Thin Provisioning 7070
Description Machine Model Feature System Storage DS8300 2107 932 Licensed Function Indicators: - Thin Provisioning indicator 0707 IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning: - Thin Provisioning 7070
Description Machine Model Feature System Storage DS8300 2107 9A2 Licensed Function Indicators: - Thin Provisioning indicator 0707 IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning: - Thin Provisioning 7070
Description Machine Model Feature System Storage DS8300 2107 9B2 Licensed Function Indicators: - Thin Provisioning indicator 0707 IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning: - Thin Provisioning 7070
Model conversions
There are no new model conversions with this announcement. This is a reminder that model conversions are disruptive. In addition, data may not be preserved during the model conversion.
Business Partner information
If you are a Direct Reseller - System Reseller acquiring products from IBM, you may link directly to Business Partner information for this announcement. A PartnerWorld® ID and password are required (use IBM ID).
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| Publications |
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DS8000 publications are available at
Publications can be ordered from your IBM representative, by direct order, or through the Publications Center Web site at
The DS8000 information center is designed to provide comprehensive, browser-based information. It can help provide easy access to tasks, concepts, reference information, tutorials, code samples, scenarios, and other product information. It contains assistance for the tasks that users must perform and links to additional information. To find information, users can search, browse the contents, use the index, follow links from one topic to related topics, and print the topics they want to read offline. The information center is available at
The information center is available at
IBM Publications Center Portal
The Publications Center is a worldwide central repository for IBM product publications and marketing material with a catalog of 70,000 items. Extensive search facilities are provided, as well as payment options via credit card. A large number of publications are available online in various file formats, which can currently be downloaded free of charge.
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| Services |
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Global Technology Services
IBM services include business consulting, outsourcing, hosting services, applications, and other technology management.
These services help you learn about, plan, install, manage, or optimize your IT infrastructure to be an On Demand Business. They can help you integrate your high-speed networks, storage systems, application servers, wireless protocols, and an array of platforms, middleware, and communications software for IBM and many non-IBM offerings. IBM is your one-stop shop for IT support needs.
For details on available services, contact your IBM representative or visit
For details on available IBM Business Continuity and Recovery Services, contact your IBM representative or visit
For details on education offerings related to specific products, visit
Select your country, and then select the product as the category.
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| Technical information |
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Specified operating environment
Hardware requirements
Licensed Machine Code
All features and functions in this announcement are supported on the IBM System Storage DS8000 series and require DS8000 Licensed Machine Code (LMC) level 5.4.3.xx (bundle version 64.3.xx.xx), or later.
Some DS8000 series features and functions may not be available or supported in all environments. Current information on supported environments, prerequisites, and minimum operating systems levels is available at
Planning information
Customer responsibilities
Physical configuration planning
Physical configuration planning is a customer responsibility. Your disk marketing specialist can help you plan and select the DS8000 series physical configuration and features. Introductory information, including required and optional features, can be found in the IBM System Storage DS8000 Introduction and Planning Guide (GC35-0515).
Capacity and performance planning assistance is also available.
Installation planning
Installation planning is a customer responsibility. Information about planning the installation of your DS8000 series, including equipment, site, and power requirements, can be found in the IBM System Storage DS8000 Introduction and Planning Guide (GC35-0515).
Logical configuration planning and application
Logical configuration planning is a customer responsibility. Logical configuration refers to the creation of RAID ranks, volumes, and/or LUNs, and the assignment of the configured capacity to servers.
Application of the initial logical configuration and all subsequent modifications to the logical configuration is a customer responsibility. The logical configuration can be created, applied, and modified using the DS Storage Manager, DS CLI, or DS Open API.
Licensed Machine Code planning and application
IBM may release changes to the DS8000 series Licensed Machine Code. IBM plans to make most DS8000 series Licensed Machine Code changes available for download by the DS8000 series system from the IBM System Storage technical support Web site. Please note that not all Licensed Machine Code changes may be available via the support Web site. If the machine does not function as warranted and your problem can be resolved through your application of downloadable Licensed Machine Code, you are responsible for downloading and installing these designated Licensed Machine Code changes as IBM specifies. IBM has responsibility for installing changes that IBM does not make available for you to download. The DS8000 series includes many enhancements to make the Licensed Machine Code change process simpler, quicker, and more automated. If you would prefer, you may request IBM to install downloadable Licensed Machine Code changes; however, you may be charged for that service.
Calculating physical and effective capacity
Refer to the IBM System Storage DS8000 Introduction and Planning Guide (GC35-0515) for capacity calculation guidelines.
You are responsible for downloading or obtaining from IBM, and installing designated Machine Code (microcode, basic input/output system code (called "BIOS"), utility programs, device drivers, and diagnostics delivered with an IBM machine) and other software updates in a timely manner from an IBM Internet Web site or from other electronic media, and following the instructions that IBM provides. You may request IBM to install Machine Code changes; however, you may be charged for that service.
Cable orders
No cables required.
Direct customer support
Direct customer support for the DS8000 series is provided by IBM Operational Support Services - Support Line. This fee service can enhance your productivity by providing voice and electronic access into the IBM support organization. IBM Operational Support Services - Support Line will help answer questions pertaining to product and feature usage ("how to"), configuration, and product compatibility for eligible products. For a list of the products supported via Support Line, visit
For more information on services, call 800-IBM-4YOU (426-4968).
Security, auditability, and control
This product uses the security and auditability features of the host hardware, host software, and/or application software to which it is attached.
The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communications facilities.
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| IBM Electronic Services |
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IBM has transformed its delivery of hardware and software support services to help you achieve higher system availability. Electronic Services is a Web-enabled solution that offers an exclusive, no-additional-charge enhancement to the service and support available for IBM servers. These services are designed to provide the opportunity for greater system availability with faster problem resolution and preemptive monitoring. Electronic Services comprises two separate, but complementary, elements: Electronic Services news page and Electronic Services Agent.
The Electronic Services news page is a single Internet entry point that replaces the multiple entry points traditionally used to access IBM Internet services and support. The news page enables you to gain easier access to IBM resources for assistance in resolving technical problems.
The Electronic Service Agent™ is no-additional-charge software that resides on your server. It monitors events and transmits system inventory information to IBM on a periodic, client-defined timetable. The Electronic Service Agent automatically reports hardware problems to IBM. Early knowledge about potential problems enables IBM to deliver proactive service that may result in higher system availability and performance. In addition, information collected through the Service Agent is made available to IBM service support representatives when they help answer your questions or diagnose problems. Installation and use of IBM Electronic Service Agent for problem reporting enables IBM to provide better support and service for your IBM server.
To learn how Electronic Services can work for you, visit
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| Terms and conditions |
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MES discount applicable
No
Field-installable feature
Yes
Warranty period
Four years
Customer setup
No
Licensed Internal Code
Same license terms and conditions as designated machine.
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| Prices |
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For all charges, contact your IBM representative.
Machine Feature
Description Type Model Number
System Storage DS8100 2107 921
Licensed Function Indicators:
- Thin Provisioning indicator 0707
IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning:
- Thin Provisioning 7070
Machine Feature
Description type Model number
System Storage DS8300 2107 922
Licensed Function Indicators:
- Thin Provisioning indicator 0707
IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning:
- Thin Provisioning 7070
Machine Feature
Description type Model number
System Storage DS8100 2107 931
Licensed Function Indicators:
- Thin Provisioning indicator 0707
IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning:
- Thin Provisioning 7070
Machine Feature
Description type Model number
System Storage DS8300 2107 932
Licensed Function Indicators:
- Thin Provisioning indicator 0707
IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning:
- Thin Provisioning 7070
Machine Feature
Description type Model number
System Storage DS8300 2107 9A2
Licensed Function Indicators:
- Thin Provisioning indicator 0707
IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning:
- Thin Provisioning 7070
Machine Feature
Description type Model number
System Storage DS8300 2107 9B2
Licensed Function Indicators:
- Thin Provisioning indicator 0707
IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning:
- Thin Provisioning 7070
NC = No charge
Feature Change Options
Feature Install Feature Feature Feature
Description Number Type Conversion Exchange Remove
Licensed Function Indicators:
- Thin Provisioning indicator 0707 Field only No No Yes
IBM System Storage DS8000 Thin Provisioning:
- Thin Provisioning 7070 Field only No No Yes
The feature change options define the approach by which the feature number is removed from the machine and/or IBM machine-level inventory records.
- Feature Conversion: As necessary, IBM service personnel will remove components from the machine and/or install additional components required to complete the conversion.
- Feature Remove: This is an administrative transaction and only updates IBM machine
and inventory records, except under the following condition:
- IBM will remove components from the machine if the Feature Remove is ordered in conjunction with a Feature Add transaction.
| Mach Type | Model | Feature | Description | List price |
| 2107 | 921 | 707 | Thin Provisioning Indicator | $0 |
| 2107 | 921 | 7070 | Thin Provisioning | $0 |
| 2107 | 922 | 707 | Thin Provisioning Indicator | $0 |
| 2107 | 922 | 7070 | Thin Provisioning | $0 |
| 2107 | 931 | 707 | Thin Provisioning Indicator | $0 |
| 2107 | 931 | 7070 | Thin Provisioning | $0 |
| 2107 | 932 | 707 | Thin Provisioning Indicator | $0 |
| 2107 | 932 | 7070 | Thin Provisioning | $0 |
| 2107 | 9A2 | 707 | Thin Provisioning Indicator | $0 |
| 2107 | 9A2 | 7070 | Thin Provisioning | $0 |
| 2107 | 9B2 | 707 | Thin Provisioning Indicator | $0 |
| 2107 | 9B2 | 7070 | Thin Provisioning | $0 |
Maintenance charges
For additional information on maintenance and pricing, contact your IBM Sales Representative or your IBM Business Partner, or call 1-800-IBM-CALL (1-800-426-2255).
Trademarks
DS8000, System Storage and Electronic Service Agent are trademarks of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.
IBM, FICON, System z, System i, z/OS, TotalStorage and PartnerWorld are registered trademarks of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.
Terms of use
IBM products and services which are announced and available in your country can be ordered under the applicable standard agreements, terms, conditions, and prices in effect at the time. IBM reserves the right to modify or withdraw this announcement at any time without notice. This announcement is provided for your information only. Additional terms of use are located at:
For the most current information regarding IBM products, consult your IBM representative or reseller, or visit the IBM worldwide contacts page
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