Storage requirements

Before you install IBM Cloud Pak® for Data, review the storage requirements for the control plane, the shared cluster components, and the services that you plan to install.

Cloud Pak for Data platform storage requirements

A Cloud Pak for Data deployment requires several types of storage:

Storage for images in the private container registry
Depending on your environment, you might need to store images in a private container registry rather than pulling them directly from the IBM Entitled Registry.

If you use a private container registry, you must have sufficient space for the Cloud Pak for Data components that you plan to install.

Sizing
A minimum of 300 GB of storage space in the private container registry.
Best practices:
Local storage for container images
Each node on your cluster must have local storage for the container images that are running on that node.
Storage location
The container images are stored in the root file system on the nodes.

On Red Hat® OpenShift® Container Platform, local copies of the images are stored in /var/lib/containers. For details, see Data storage management in the Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform documentation:

Sizing
A minimum of 300 GB of storage space per node.
Persistent storage
Cloud Pak for Data supports and is optimized for several types of persistent storage:
Storage option Version Notes
OpenShift Data Foundation
  • Version 4.8 or later fixes

    4.6.0 - 4.6.2 only

  • Version 4.10 or later fixes

    4.6.x

  • Version 4.12 or later fixes

    4.6.4 or later

 Available in either:
  • IBM Storage Fusion
  • Red Hat OpenShift Platform Plus

Ensure that you install a version of OpenShift Data Foundation that is compatible with the version of Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform that you are running. For details, see https://access.redhat.com/articles/4731161.
IBM Storage Fusion
  • Version 2.4.0 or later fixes
  • Version 2.5.2 or later fixes (Recommended)
 Available in IBM Storage Fusion.
IBM Storage Scale Container Native (with IBM Storage Scale Container Storage Interface) Version 5.1.5 or later fixes

CSI Version 2.6.x or later fixes

 Available in either:
  • IBM Storage Fusion
  • IBM Storage Suite for IBM Cloud® Paks
Portworx
  • Version 2.9.1.3 or later fixes
  • Version 2.12.2 or later fixes
  
NFS Version 3 or 4 Version 3 is recommended if you are using any of the following services:
  • Db2®
  • Db2 Big SQL
  • Db2 Warehouse
  • Watson™ Knowledge Catalog
  • Watson Query

If you use Version 4, ensure that your storage class uses NFS Version 3 as the mount option. For details, see Setting up dynamic provisioning.
Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS) Not applicable In addition to EBS storage, your environment must also include EFS storage.
Amazon Elastic File System (EFS) Not applicable It is recommended that you use both EBS and EFS storage.
IBM Cloud Block Storage Not applicable In addition to IBM Cloud Block Storage, your environment must also include IBM Cloud File Storage.
IBM Cloud File Storage Not applicable It is recommended that you use both IBM Cloud Block Storage and IBM Cloud File Storage storage.
NetApp Trident Version 22.4.0 or later fixes  
When you plan your environment, ensure that you review the storage types that are supported by the components that you plan to install:
Tip: The preceding storage options have been evaluated by IBM. You can run the Cloud Pak for Data storage validation tool to assess storage that is provided by other vendors. However, this tool does not guarantee support for other types of storage. You can use other storage environments at your own risk.
Sizing
The minimum amount of storage depends on the type of storage that you plan to use. For details, see the Resource requirements section under Storage comparison.

As a general rule, Cloud Pak for Data with all services installed can use up to 700 GB of storage space. Review the Storage comparison to ensure that you have sufficient storage space available for user data based on the type of storage that you select. You can add additional capacity depending on your user data volume requirements.

Cloud Pak for Data control plane persistent storage requirements

The Cloud Pak for Data control plane supports all of the persistent storage options that are supported by the platform. When you install the control plane you must specify a block storage class and a file storage class for your environment.

The following table lists the recommended block storage classes and file storage classes for each type of storage. If you use different storage class names on your cluster, ensure that you specify equivalent storage classes.
  • Block storage supports ReadWriteOnce (RWO) access
  • File storage supports ReadWriteMany (RWX) access
Storage option Recommended block storage class Recommended file storage class Notes
OpenShift Data Foundation ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd ocs-storagecluster-cephfs The default storage class names are different if you use external mode.
IBM Storage Fusion ibm-spectrum-scale-sc ibm-spectrum-scale-sc IBM Storage Fusion supports both ReadWriteMany (RWX access) and ReadWriteOnce (RWO access) with the same storage class.

Specify the same storage class for block storage and file storage.
IBM Storage Scale Container Native ibm-spectrum-scale-sc ibm-spectrum-scale-sc IBM Storage Scale Container Native supports both ReadWriteMany (RWX access) and ReadWriteOnce (RWO access) with the same storage class.

Specify the same storage class for block storage and file storage.
Portworx portworx-metastoredb-sc portworx-rwx-gp3-sc For more information about the recommended Portworx storage classes, see Creating Portworx storage classes.
NFS managed-nfs-storage managed-nfs-storage NFS supports both ReadWriteMany (RWX access) and ReadWriteOnce (RWO access) with the same storage class.

Specify the same storage class for block storage and file storage.
Amazon Elastic Block Store gp2-csi or gp3-csi Not applicable. Your environment must include Amazon Elastic File System storage in addition to Amazon Elastic Block Store.
Amazon Elastic File System Not applicable. efs-nfs-client It is strongly recommended that you use both Amazon Elastic Block Store storage and Amazon Elastic File System storage.
  • The Cloud Pak for Data control plane is more performant when you provide both file and block storage.
  • You can install services that require both file and block storage.

If you use only Amazon Elastic File System, specify efs-nfs-client for both file and block storage.
IBM Cloud Block Storage ibmc-block-gold Not applicable. Your environment must include IBM Cloud File Storage in addition to IBM Cloud Block Storage.
IBM Cloud File Storage Not applicable. ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid It is strongly recommended that you use both IBM Cloud Block Storage and IBM Cloud File Storage.
  • The Cloud Pak for Data control plane is more performant when you provide both file and block storage.
  • You can install services that require both file and block storage.

If you use only IBM Cloud File Storage, specify the appropriate storage class for both file and block storage.
NetApp Trident ontap-nas ontap-nas NetApp Trident supports both ReadWriteMany (RWX access) and ReadWriteOnce (RWO access) with the same storage class.

Specify the same storage class for block storage and file storage.

Shared component persistent storage requirements

The following table indicates the type of storage that each component supports. For information about the recommended storage classes for each component, see Recommended storage classes for the shared components.

  • File req indicates that a service can use the specified block storage only if file storage is also provided.
  • -- indicates that the service does not use persistent storage.
Component OpenShift Data Foundation IBM Storage Fusion IBM Storage Scale Container Native Portworx NFS Amazon Elastic Block Store Amazon Elastic File System IBM Cloud Block Storage IBM Cloud File Storage NetApp Trident
IBM Cloud Pak foundational services ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
scheduling service -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Common core services ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ File req ✓ File req ✓ ✓

Recommended storage classes for the shared components

If you use different storage class names on your cluster, ensure that you specify equivalent storage classes.

Note: The scheduling service is not included in this list because it does not require persistent storage.
IBM Cloud Pak foundational services

See Storage options in the IBM Cloud Pak foundational services documentation.

Common core services

Common core services use file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for common core services. The storage classes are used when the common core services are installed by a service with a dependency on the common core services.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation  
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion IBM Storage Fusion supports both ReadWriteMany (RWX access) and ReadWriteOnce (RWO access) with the same storage class.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native IBM Storage Scale Container Native supports both ReadWriteMany (RWX access) and ReadWriteOnce (RWO access) with the same storage class.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx  
  • File storage:
    • portworx-rwx-gp3-sc

      (Equivalent to portworx-shared-gp3 in older installations)

  • Block storage:
    • portworx-couchdb-sc
    • portworx-elastic-sc
    • portworx-gp3-sc
NFS NFS supports both ReadWriteMany (RWX access) and ReadWriteOnce (RWO access) with the same storage class.
  • File storage: managed-nfs-storage
  • Block storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage On Amazon Elastic storage, this service can use either:
  • File storage only
  • File storage and block storage (recommended)

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage On IBM Cloud storage, this service can use either:
  • File storage only
  • File storage and block storage (recommended)

File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: ibmc-block-gold
NetApp Trident

NetApp Trident supports both ReadWriteMany (RWX access) and ReadWriteOnce (RWO access) with the same storage class.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas

Service persistent storage requirements

The following table indicates the type of storage that each component supports. Additional information about the recommended storage classes for each component are provided after the table.

  • Combo pref indicates that a service can be installed with only the specified block storage but it is not recommended. A combination of file storage and block storage is preferred.
  • Block pref indicates that the service can be installed with either file storage or block storage but that block storage is preferred over file storage.
  • Block req indicates that a service can use the specified file storage only if block storage is also provided.
  • File req indicates that a service can use the specified block storage only if file storage is also provided.
  • CCS indicates that the service uses the storage only to install the common core services.
    Remember: Common core services require a combination of block and file storage.
  • Reuse indicates that a service uses the storage that is provisioned by another service.
Component OpenShift Data Foundation IBM Storage Fusion IBM Storage Scale Container Native Portworx NFS Amazon Elastic Block Store Amazon Elastic File System IBM Cloud Block Storage IBM Cloud File Storage NetApp Trident
AI Factsheets Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse
Anaconda Repository for IBM Cloud Pak for Data N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Analytics Engine Powered by Apache Spark ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓   ✓   ✓ ✓
Cognos® Analytics ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ File req Block req File req Block req ✓
Cognos Dashboards ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ CCS ✓ CCS ✓ ✓
Data Privacy Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse
Data Refinery Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse
Data Replication ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ File req Block req     ✓
DataStage® ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ CCS ✓ CCS ✓ ✓
Db2 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Combo pref ✓   ✓ ✓
Db2 Big SQL ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓   ✓   ✓ ✓
Db2 Data Gate ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Block pref ✓ Block pref ✓
Component OpenShift Data Foundation IBM Storage Fusion IBM Storage Scale Container Native Portworx NFS Amazon Elastic Block Store Amazon Elastic File System IBM Cloud Block Storage IBM Cloud File Storage NetApp Trident
Db2 Data Management Console ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ File req ✓ File req ✓ ✓
Db2 Warehouse ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Combo pref ✓   ✓ ✓
Decision Optimization Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse
EDB Postgres ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓   ✓   ✓    
Execution Engine for Apache Hadoop ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓   ✓     ✓
IBM Match 360 with Watson ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ File req Block req File req Block req ✓
Informix® ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓   ✓     ✓
MongoDB ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓   ✓   ✓    
OpenPages® ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ File req ✓     ✓
Planning Analytics ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓     ✓
Product Master ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ File req Block req File req Block req ✓
RStudio® Server Runtimes Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse
Component OpenShift Data Foundation IBM Storage Fusion IBM Storage Scale Container Native Portworx NFS Amazon Elastic Block Store Amazon Elastic File System IBM Cloud Block Storage IBM Cloud File Storage NetApp Trident
SPSS® Modeler Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse
Voice Gateway ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓         ✓  
Watson Assistant ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓   File req Block req File req Block req ✓
Watson Discovery ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓   File req Block req File req Block req ✓
Watson Knowledge Catalog ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ File req ✓ File req ✓ ✓
Watson Knowledge Studio ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓   File req Block req File req Block req ✓
Watson Machine Learning ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ File req ✓ File req ✓ ✓
Watson Machine Learning Accelerator ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓   ✓     ✓
Watson OpenScale ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ File req ✓ File req ✓ ✓
Watson Pipelines Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse
Watson Query ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ CCS ✓ CCS ✓ ✓
Watson Speech services ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓   File req Block req File req Block req ✓
Watson Studio ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ CCS ✓ CCS ✓ ✓
Watson Studio Runtimes Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse Reuse

Recommended storage classes for services

If you use different storage class names on your cluster, ensure that you specify equivalent storage classes.

AI Factsheets

AI Factsheets leverages the storage that is provisioned when you install Watson Knowledge Catalog or Watson Studio.

Analytics Engine Powered by Apache Spark

Analytics Engine Powered by Apache Spark uses file storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Analytics Engine Powered by Apache Spark. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you provision an instance of Analytics Engine Powered by Apache Spark.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation   File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
IBM Storage Fusion   File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native   File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx   File storage: portworx-rwx-gp3-sc

(Equivalent to portworx-shared-gp3 in older installations)
NFS   File storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. File storage: efs-nfs-client
IBM Cloud storage File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
NetApp Trident   File storage: ontap-nas
Cognos Analytics

Cognos Analytics uses file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Cognos Analytics. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you install the service.

* indicates that the storage class is used only if common core services needs to be installed.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx When you install the service, the --storage_vendor=portworx option ensures that the service uses the correct storage classes.
  • File storage: portworx-rwx-gp3-sc

    (Equivalent to portworx-shared-gp3 in older installations)

  • Block storage:
    • portworx-couchdb-sc *
    • portworx-elastic-sc *
    • portworx-gp3-sc
NFS When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: managed-nfs-storage
  • Block storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.

File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: ibmc-block-gold
NetApp Trident When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas
Cognos Dashboards

Cognos Dashboards uses file storage. However, this service might install common core services, which requires both file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Cognos Dashboards. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you install the service.

* indicates that the storage class is used only if common core services needs to be installed.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd *
IBM Storage Fusion When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc *
IBM Storage Scale Container Native When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc *
Portworx When you install the service, the --storage_vendor=portworx option ensures that the service uses the correct storage classes.
  • File storage: portworx-rwx-gp3-sc

    (Equivalent to portworx-shared-gp3 in older installations)

  • Block storage:
    • portworx-couchdb-sc *
    • portworx-elastic-sc *
    • portworx-gp3-sc *
NFS When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: managed-nfs-storage
  • Block storage: managed-nfs-storage *
Amazon Elastic storage When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi * or gp3-csi *
IBM Cloud storage When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.

File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: ibmc-block-gold *
NetApp Trident When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas *
Data Privacy

Data Privacy leverages the storage that is provisioned when you install Watson Knowledge Catalog.

Data Refinery

Data Refinery leverages the storage that is provisioned when you install Watson Knowledge Catalog or Watson Studio.

Data Replication

Data Replication uses block storage. However, this service might install common core services, which requires both file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Data Replication. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you install the service.

* indicates that the storage class is used only if common core services needs to be installed.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs *
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc *
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc *
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx When you install the service, the --storage_vendor=portworx option ensures that the service uses the correct storage classes.
  • File storage: portworx-rwx-gp3-sc *

    (Equivalent to portworx-shared-gp3 in older installations)

  • Block storage:
    • portworx-couchdb-sc *
    • portworx-elastic-sc *
    • portworx-gp3-sc
NFS When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: managed-nfs-storage *
  • Block storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi * or gp3-csi *
IBM Cloud storage Not supported. Not applicable.
NetApp Trident When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ontap-nas *
  • Block storage: ontap-nas
DataStage

DataStage uses file storage. However, this service might install common core services, which requires both file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for DataStage. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you install the service.

* indicates that the storage class is used only if common core services needs to be installed.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd *
IBM Storage Fusion When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc *
IBM Storage Scale Container Native When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc *
Portworx When you install the service, the --storage_vendor=portworx option ensures that the service uses the correct storage classes.
  • File storage: portworx-rwx-gp3-sc

    (Equivalent to portworx-shared-gp3 in older installations)

  • Block storage:
    • portworx-couchdb-sc *
    • portworx-elastic-sc *
    • portworx-gp3-sc *
NFS When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: managed-nfs-storage
  • Block storage: managed-nfs-storage *
Amazon Elastic storage
When you install the service, you can specify:
  • File storage only
  • File storage and block storage (recommended)

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi * or gp3-csi *
IBM Cloud storage
When you install the service, you can specify:
  • File storage only
  • File storage and block storage (recommended)

File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: ibmc-block-gold *
NetApp Trident When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas *
Db2

Db2 uses file storage and block storage on most storage environments.

The following storage classes are recommended for Db2. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you provision an instance of Db2.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation
  • Use ocs-storagecluster-cephfs for system data and backup data.
  • Use ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd for user data, archive logs transaction logs, and table space data.

    Ensure that you select the 4K sector size option in the web client or specify DB2_4K_DEVICE_SUPPORT: "ON" in the instance custom resource.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion Use ibm-spectrum-scale-sc for all data.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native Use ibm-spectrum-scale-sc for all data.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx
  • Use portworx-db2-rwx-sc for system data and backup data.
  • Use portworx-db2-rwo-sc for user data, archive logs transaction logs, and table space data.

    Ensure that you select the 4K sector size option in the web client or specify DB2_4K_DEVICE_SUPPORT: "ON" in the instance custom resource.
  • File storage: portworx-db2-rwx-sc
  • Block storage: portworx-db2-rwo-sc
NFS Use managed-nfs-storage for all data.
  • File storage: managed-nfs-storage
  • Block storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage
When you deploy the service you can specify:
  • Block storage only
  • File storage and block storage (recommended)
If you use both file and block storage:
  • Use efs-nfs-client for system data and backup data.
  • Use gp2-csi or gp3-csi for user data, archive logs transaction logs, and table space data.

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage.

Block storage, provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage, is not supported.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: Not supported.
NetApp Trident Use ontap-nas for all data.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas
Db2 Big SQL

Db2 Big SQL uses block storage on most storage environments.

The following storage classes are recommended for Db2 Big SQL. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you provision the Db2 Big SQL instance.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation   Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion   Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native   Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx   Block storage: portworx-db2-rwx-sc
NFS   Block storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System.

Block storage, provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage, is not supported.

 File storage: efs-nfs-client
IBM Cloud storage File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage.

Block storage, provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage, is not supported.

 File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
NetApp Trident   Block storage: ontap-nas
Db2 Data Gate

Db2 Data Gate can use either file storage or block storage. However, in some environments, one type of storage is recommended over the other.

The following storage classes are recommended for Db2 Data Gate. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you install the service.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation On OpenShift Data Foundation, Db2 Data Gate uses file storage. File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
IBM Storage Fusion On IBM Storage Fusion, Db2 Data Gate uses ibm-spectrum-scale-sc to provision storage with ReadWriteOnce access. Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native On IBM Storage Scale Container Native, Db2 Data Gate uses ibm-spectrum-scale-sc to provision storage with ReadWriteOnce access. Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx On Portworx, Db2 Data Gate uses file storage. File storage: portworx-db2-rwx-sc
NFS On NFS, Db2 Data Gate uses managed-nfs-storage to provision storage with ReadWriteOnce access. Block storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage On Amazon Elastic storage, block storage is preferred.

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage On IBM Cloud storage, block storage is preferred.

File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: ibmc-block-gold
NetApp Trident On NetApp Trident, Db2 Data Gate uses ontap-nas to provision storage with ReadWriteOnce access. Block storage: ontap-nas
Db2 Data Management Console

Db2 Data Management Console uses file storage or file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Db2 Data Management Console. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you provision the Db2 Data Management Console instance.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation
  • If you provision a Db2 Data Management Console service instance from the UI, you must specify file storage.
  • If you provision a Db2 Data Management Console by creating a custom resource, you can specify:
    • File storage only

      Use the storageClass parameter.

    • File storage and block storage (recommended)

      Use the fileStorageClass and blockStorageClass parameters.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion
  • If you provision Db2 Data Management Console service instance from the UI, ibm-spectrum-scale-sc is used as file storage.
  • If you provision a Db2 Data Management Console by creating a custom resource, you can specify:
    • File storage only

      Use the storageClass parameter.

    • File storage and block storage (recommended)

      Use the fileStorageClass and blockStorageClass parameters.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native
  • If you provision Db2 Data Management Console service instance from the UI, ibm-spectrum-scale-sc is used as file storage.
  • If you provision a Db2 Data Management Console by creating a custom resource, you can specify:
    • File storage only

      Use the storageClass parameter.

    • File storage and block storage (recommended)

      Use the fileStorageClass and blockStorageClass parameters.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx
  • If you provision a Db2 Data Management Console service instance from the UI, you must specify file storage.
  • If you provision a Db2 Data Management Console by creating a custom resource, you can specify:
    • File storage only

      Use the storageClass parameter.

    • File storage and block storage (recommended)

      Use the fileStorageClass and blockStorageClass parameters.
  • File storage: portworx-rwx-gp3-sc

    (Equivalent to portworx-shared-gp3 in older installations)

  • Block storage: portworx-db-gp3-sc
NFS
  • If you provision Db2 Data Management Console service instance from the UI, managed-nfs-storage is used as file storage.
  • If you provision a Db2 Data Management Console by creating a custom resource, you can specify:
    • File storage only

      Use the storageClass parameter.

    • File storage and block storage (recommended)

      Use the fileStorageClass and blockStorageClass parameters.
  • File storage: managed-nfs-storage
  • Block storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage
  • If you provision a Db2 Data Management Console service instance from the UI, you must specify file storage.
  • If you provision a Db2 Data Management Console by creating a custom resource, you can specify:
    • File storage only

      Use the storageClass parameter.

    • File storage and block storage (recommended)

      Use the fileStorageClass and blockStorageClass parameters.

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage
  • If you provision a Db2 Data Management Console service instance from the UI, you must specify file storage.
  • If you provision a Db2 Data Management Console by creating a custom resource, you can specify:
    • File storage only

      Use the storageClass parameter.

    • File storage and block storage (recommended)

      Use the fileStorageClass and blockStorageClass parameters.

File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: ibmc-block-gold
NetApp Trident
  • If you provision Db2 Data Management Console service instance from the UI, ontap-nas is used as file storage.
  • If you provision a Db2 Data Management Console by creating a custom resource, you can specify:
    • File storage only

      Use the storageClass parameter.

    • File storage and block storage (recommended)

      Use the fileStorageClass and blockStorageClass parameters.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas
Db2 Warehouse

Db2 Warehouse uses file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Db2 Warehouse. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you provision an instance of Db2 Warehouse.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation
  • Use ocs-storagecluster-cephfs for system data and backup data.
  • Use ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd for user data, archive logs transaction logs, and table space data.

    Ensure that you select the 4K sector size option in the web client or specify DB2_4K_DEVICE_SUPPORT: "ON" in the instance custom resource.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion Use ibm-spectrum-scale-sc for all data.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native Use ibm-spectrum-scale-sc for all data.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx
  • Use portworx-db2-rwx-sc for system data and backup data.
  • Use portworx-db2-rwo-sc for user data, archive logs transaction logs, and table space data.

    Ensure that you select the 4K sector size option in the web client or specify DB2_4K_DEVICE_SUPPORT: "ON" in the instance custom resource.
  • File storage: portworx-db2-rwx-sc
  • Block storage: portworx-db2-rwo-sc
NFS Use managed-nfs-storage for all data.
  • File storage: managed-nfs-storage
  • Block storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage
When you deploy the service you can specify:
  • Block storage only
  • File storage and block storage (recommended)
If you use both file and block storage:
  • Use efs-nfs-client for system data and backup data.
  • Use gp2-csi or gp3-csi for user data, archive logs transaction logs, and table space data.

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage.

Block storage, provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage, is not supported.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: Not supported.
NetApp Trident Use ontap-nas for all data.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas
Decision Optimization
Decision Optimization leverages the storage that is provisioned when you install Watson Studio.
EDB Postgres

EDB Postgres uses block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for EDB Postgres. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you provision an instance of EDB Postgres.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation   Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion   Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native   Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx   Block storage: portworx-db-gp
NFS Not supported. Not applicable.
Amazon Elastic storage Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store. Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage. Block storage: ibmc-block-gold
NetApp Trident Not supported. Not applicable.
Restriction: This service does not support the backup and restore methods provided by the underlying storage. For example,
  • If you use IBM Storage Fusion for storage, the service cannot use IBM Spectrum® Protect Plus for backups.
  • If you use Portworx for storage, the service cannot use PX-Backup for backups
For information on backing up this service, see Services that support backup and restore.
Execution Engine for Apache Hadoop

Execution Engine for Apache Hadoop uses file storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Execution Engine for Apache Hadoop. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you install the service.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation When you install the service, specify file storage. If you specify block storage, the service ignores this information. File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
IBM Storage Fusion When you install the service, specify file storage. If you specify block storage, the service ignores this information. File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native When you install the service, specify file storage. If you specify block storage, the service ignores this information. File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx When you install the service, the --storage_vendor=portworx option ensures that the service uses the correct storage classes. File storage: portworx-rwx-gp3-sc

(Equivalent to portworx-shared-gp3 in older installations)
NFS When you install the service, specify file storage. If you specify block storage, the service ignores this information. File storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage When you install the service, specify file storage. If you specify block storage, the service ignores this information.

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System.

 File storage: efs-nfs-client
IBM Cloud storage Not supported. Not applicable.
NetApp Trident When you install the service, specify file storage. If you specify block storage, the service ignores this information. File storage: ontap-nas
IBM Match 360 with Watson

IBM Match 360 with Watson uses file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for IBM Match 360 with Watson. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you install the service.

* indicates that the storage class is used only if common core services needs to be installed.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx When you install the service, the --storage_vendor=portworx option ensures that the service uses the correct storage classes.
  • File storage: portworx-shared-gp3
  • Block storage: portworx-db-gp3-sc
NFS When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: managed-nfs-storage
  • Block storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.

File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: ibmc-block-gold
NetApp Trident When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas
Informix

Informix uses file storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Informix. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you provision an instance of Informix.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation   File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
IBM Storage Fusion   File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native   File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx   File storage: portworx-informix-sc
NFS   File storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. File storage: efs-nfs-client
IBM Cloud storage Not supported. Not applicable.
NetApp Trident   File storage: ontap-nas
MongoDB

MongoDB uses block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for MongoDB. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you provision an instance of MongoDB.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation   Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion   Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native   Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx   Block storage: portworx-db-gp
NFS Not supported. Not applicable.
Amazon Elastic storage Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store. Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage. Block storage: ibmc-block-gold
NetApp Trident Not supported. Not applicable.
Restriction: This service does not support the backup and restore methods provided by the underlying storage. For example,
  • If you use IBM Storage Fusion for storage, the service cannot use IBM Spectrum Protect Plus for backups.
  • If you use Portworx for storage, the service cannot use PX-Backup for backups
For information on backing up this service, see Services that support backup and restore.
OpenPages

OpenPages uses file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for OpenPages. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you provision the OpenPages instance.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation
  • For deployments that use an internal database:
    • Use ocs-storagecluster-cephfs for metadata storage, backup storage, and application file storage.
    • Use ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd for data storage.
  • For deployments that use an external database, use ocs-storagecluster-cephfs for application file storage.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion Use ibm-spectrum-scale-sc for all storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native Use ibm-spectrum-scale-sc for all storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx
  • For deployments that use an internal database:
    • Use portworx-rwx-gp3-sc or portworx-shared-gp3 for application file storage.
    • Use portworx-db2-rwx-sc for metadata storage and backup storage.
    • Use portworx-db2-rwo-sc for data storage
  • For deployments that use an external database, use portworx-rwx-gp3-sc or portworx-shared-gp3 for application file storage.
  • File storage:
    • portworx-rwx-gp3-sc

      (Equivalent to portworx-shared-gp3 in older installations)

    • portworx-db2-rwx-sc
  • Block storage: portworx-db2-rwo-sc
NFS Use managed-nfs-storage for all storage.
  • File storage: managed-nfs-storage
  • Block storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage When you deploy the service, you can specify:
  • File storage only

    In this scenario, use efs-nfs-client for all storage.

  • File storage and block storage (recommended)
    In this scenario, choose the appropriate storage based on your environment:
    • For deployments that use an internal database:
      • Use efs-nfs-client for metadata storage, backup storage, and application file storage.
      • Use gp2-csi or gp3-csi for data storage.
    • For deployments that use an external database, use efs-nfs-client for application file storage.
File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage Not supported. Not applicable.
NetApp Trident Use ontap-nas for all storage.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas
Planning Analytics

Planning Analytics uses file storage or a combination of file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Planning Analytics. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you provision the Planning Analytics instance.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation
  • Use ocs-storagecluster-cephfs for TM1® storage.
  • Use either ocs-storagecluster-cephfs or ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd for Workspace storage.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion Use ibm-spectrum-scale-sc for TM1 and Workspace storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native Use ibm-spectrum-scale-sc for TM1 and Workspace storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx
  • Use portworx-rwx-gp3-sc for TM1 storage.
  • Use portworx-rwx-gp3-sc, portworx-shared-gp3, or portworx-db-gp3-sc for Workspace storage.
  • File storage: portworx-rwx-gp3-sc

    (Equivalent to portworx-shared-gp3 in older installations)

  • Block storage: portworx-db-gp3-sc
NFS Use managed-nfs-storage for TM1 and Workspace storage.
  • File storage: managed-nfs-storage
  • Block storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage
  • Use efs-nfs-client for TM1 storage.
  • Use efs-nfs-client, gp2-csi, gp3-csi for Workspace storage.

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage Not supported. Not applicable.
NetApp Trident Use ontap-nas for TM1 and Workspace storage.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas
Product Master

Product Master uses file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Product Master. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you install the service.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx When you install the service, the --storage_vendor=portworx option ensures that the service uses the correct storage classes.
  • File storage: portworx-rwx-gp3-sc

    (Equivalent to portworx-shared-gp3 in older installations)

  • Block storage: portworx-db-gp3-sc
NFS Not supported. Not applicable.
Amazon Elastic storage When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.

File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: ibmc-block-gold
NetApp Trident When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas
RStudio Server Runtimes
RStudio Server Runtimes leverages the storage that is provisioned when you install Watson Studio.
SPSS Modeler
SPSS Modeler leverages the storage that is provisioned when you install Watson Studio.
Voice Gateway

You can optionally install Voice Gateway without specifying any storage. However, if you want to retain logs or voice recordings, you can update the custom resource for the service to specify file storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Voice Gateway.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation You can use ocs-storagecluster-cephfs to store logs or voice recordings. File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
IBM Storage Fusion You can use ibm-spectrum-scale-sc to store logs or voice recordings. File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native You can use ibm-spectrum-scale-sc to store logs or voice recordings. File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx You can use portworx-rwx-gp3-sc or portworx-shared-gp3 to store logs or voice recordings. File storage: portworx-rwx-gp3-sc

(Equivalent to portworx-shared-gp3 in older installations)
NFS Not supported. Not applicable.
Amazon Elastic storage Not supported. Not applicable.
IBM Cloud storage You can use ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid to store logs or voice recordings.File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
NetApp Trident Not supported. Not applicable.
Restriction: This service does not support the backup and restore methods provided by the underlying storage. For example,
  • If you use IBM Storage Fusion for storage, the service cannot use IBM Spectrum Protect Plus for backups.
  • If you use Portworx for storage, the service cannot use PX-Backup for backups
For information on backing up this service, see Services that support backup and restore.
Watson Assistant

Watson Assistant uses file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Watson Assistant. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you install the service.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx When you install the service, the --storage_vendor=portworx option ensures that the service uses the correct storage classes.
  • File storage: portworx-shared-gp3
  • Block storage: portworx-watson-assistant-sc
NFS Not supported. Not applicable.
Amazon Elastic storage When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.

File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: ibmc-block-gold
NetApp Trident When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas
Restriction: This service does not support the backup and restore methods provided by the underlying storage. For example,
  • If you use IBM Storage Fusion for storage, the service cannot use IBM Spectrum Protect Plus for backups.
  • If you use Portworx for storage, the service cannot use PX-Backup for backups
For information on backing up this service, see Services that support backup and restore.
Watson Discovery

Watson Discovery uses file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Watson Discovery. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you install the service.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx When you install the service, the --storage_vendor=portworx option ensures that the service uses the correct storage classes.
  • File storage: portworx-rwx-gp3-sc
  • Block storage: portworx-db-gp2-sc
NFS Not supported. Not applicable.
Amazon Elastic storage When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.

File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: ibmc-block-gold
NetApp Trident When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas
Restriction: This service does not support the backup and restore methods provided by the underlying storage. For example,
  • If you use IBM Storage Fusion for storage, the service cannot use IBM Spectrum Protect Plus for backups.
  • If you use Portworx for storage, the service cannot use PX-Backup for backups
For information on backing up this service, see Services that support backup and restore.
Watson Knowledge Catalog

Watson Knowledge Catalog uses file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Watson Knowledge Catalog. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you install the service.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx When you install the service, the --storage_vendor=portworx option ensures that the service uses the correct storage classes.
  • File storage: portworx-shared-gp3
  • Block storage:
    • portworx-cassandra-sc
    • portworx-couchdb-sc
    • portworx-db2-rwo-sc
    • portworx-elastic-sc
    • portworx-gp3-sc
    • portworx-kafka-sc
    • portworx-metastoredb-sc
    • portworx-solr-sc
NFS When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: managed-nfs-storage
  • Block storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage
When you install the service, you can specify:
  • File storage only
  • File storage and block storage (recommended)

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage
When you install the service, you can specify:
  • File storage only
  • File storage and block storage (recommended)

File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: ibmc-block-gold
NetApp Trident When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas
Watson Knowledge Studio

Watson Knowledge Studio uses file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Watson Knowledge Studio. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you install the service.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: portworx-rwx-gp3-sc

    (Equivalent to portworx-shared-gp3 in older installations)

  • Block storage: portworx-db-gp3-sc
NFS Not supported. Not applicable.
Amazon Elastic storage When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.

File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: ibmc-block-gold
NetApp Trident When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas
Restriction: This service does not support the backup and restore methods provided by the underlying storage. For example,
  • If you use IBM Storage Fusion for storage, the service cannot use IBM Spectrum Protect Plus for backups.
  • If you use Portworx for storage, the service cannot use PX-Backup for backups
For information on backing up this service, see Services that support backup and restore.
Watson Machine Learning

Watson Machine Learning uses file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Watson Machine Learning. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you install the service.

* indicates that the storage class is used only if common core services needs to be installed.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx When you install the service, the --storage_vendor=portworx option ensures that the service uses the correct storage classes.
  • File storage: portworx-rwx-gp3-sc
  • Block storage:
    • portworx-couchdb-sc
    • portworx-elastic-sc *
    • portworx-gp3-sc *
NFS When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: managed-nfs-storage
  • Block storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage
When you install the service, you can specify:
  • File storage only
  • File storage and block storage (recommended)

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage
When you install the service, you can specify:
  • File storage only
  • File storage and block storage (recommended)

File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: ibmc-block-gold
NetApp Trident When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas
Watson Machine Learning Accelerator

Watson Machine Learning Accelerator uses file storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Watson Machine Learning Accelerator. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you install the service.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation When you install the service, specify file storage. If you specify block storage, the service ignores this information. File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
IBM Storage Fusion When you install the service, specify file storage. If you specify block storage, the service ignores this information. File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native When you install the service, specify file storage. If you specify block storage, the service ignores this information. File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx When you install the service, the --storage_vendor=portworx option ensures that the service uses the correct storage classes. File storage: portworx-rwx-gp3-sc

(Equivalent to portworx-shared-gp3 in older installations)
NFS When you install the service, specify file storage. If you specify block storage, the service ignores this information. File storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage When you install the service, specify file storage. If you specify block storage, the service ignores this information.

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System.

 File storage: efs-nfs-client
IBM Cloud storage Not supported. Not applicable.
NetApp Trident When you install the service, specify file storage. If you specify block storage, the service ignores this information. File storage: ontap-nas
Watson OpenScale

Watson OpenScale uses file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Watson OpenScale. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you install the service.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx When you install the service, the --storage_vendor=portworx option ensures that the service uses the correct storage classes.
  • File storage: portworx-shared-gp3
  • Block storage: portworx-gp3-sc
NFS When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: managed-nfs-storage
  • Block storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage
When you install the service, you can specify:
  • File storage only
  • File storage and block storage (recommended)

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage
When you install the service, you can specify:
  • File storage only
  • File storage and block storage (recommended)

File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: ibmc-block-gold
NetApp Trident When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas
Watson Pipelines
The Watson Pipelines leverage the storage that is provisioned when you install Watson Studio.
Watson Query
Important: If the common core services are not installed when you install Watson Query, the common core services are installed. Ensure that the cluster has the appropriate storage classes. For details, see Common core services.

Watson Query uses block storage on most environments. However, on some environments, Watson Query uses file storage or a combination of file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Watson Query. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you provision the Watson Query instance.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation On OpenShift Data Foundation, Watson Query uses block storage. Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion On IBM Storage Fusion, Watson Query uses block storage. Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native On IBM Storage Scale Container Native, Watson Query uses block storage. Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx On Portworx, Watson Query uses file storage and block storage.
  • Use portworx-db2-rwx-sc for caching storage.
  • Use portworx-db2-rwo-sc for node storage.
  • File storage: portworx-db2-rwx-sc
  • Block storage: portworx-db2-rwo-sc
NFS On NFS, Watson Query uses block storage. Block storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage On Amazon Elastic storage, Watson Query uses file storage.

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System.

Block storage, provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store, is not supported.

 File storage: efs-nfs-client
IBM Cloud storage File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage.

Block storage, provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage, is not supported.

 File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
NetApp Trident On NetApp Trident, Watson Query uses block storage. Block storage: ontap-nas
Watson Speech services

Watson Speech services use file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Watson Speech services. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you install the service.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx When you install the service, the --storage_vendor=portworx option ensures that the service uses the correct storage classes.
  • File storage: portworx-shared-gp3
  • Block storage: portworx-db-gp3-sc
NFS Not supported. Not applicable.
Amazon Elastic storage When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.

File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: ibmc-block-gold
NetApp Trident When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas
Restriction: This service does not support the backup and restore methods provided by the underlying storage. For example,
  • If you use IBM Storage Fusion for storage, the service cannot use IBM Spectrum Protect Plus for backups.
  • If you use Portworx for storage, the service cannot use PX-Backup for backups
For information on backing up this service, see Services that support backup and restore.
Watson Studio

Watson Studio uses file storage and block storage.

The following storage classes are recommended for Watson Studio. You must specify information about the storage you want to use when you install the service.

Storage Notes Storage classes
OpenShift Data Foundation When you install the service, specify file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ocs-storagecluster-cephfs
  • Block storage: ocs-storagecluster-ceph-rbd
IBM Storage Fusion When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
IBM Storage Scale Container Native When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
  • Block storage: ibm-spectrum-scale-sc
Portworx When you install the service, the --storage_vendor=portworx option ensures that the service uses the correct storage classes.
  • File storage: portworx-rwx-gp3-sc

    (Equivalent to portworx-shared-gp3 in older installations)

  • Block storage:
    • portworx-couchdb-sc
    • portworx-elastic-sc
    • portworx-gp3-sc
NFS When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: managed-nfs-storage
  • Block storage: managed-nfs-storage
Amazon Elastic storage
When you install the service, you can specify:
  • File storage only
  • File storage and block storage (recommended)

File storage is provided by Amazon Elastic File System. Block storage is provided by Amazon Elastic Block Store.
  • File storage: efs-nfs-client
  • Block storage: gp2-csi or gp3-csi
IBM Cloud storage
When you install the service, you can specify:
  • File storage only
  • File storage and block storage (recommended)

File storage is provided by IBM Cloud File Storage. Block storage is provided by IBM Cloud Block Storage.
  • File storage: ibmc-file-gold-gid or ibm-file-custom-gold-gid
  • Block storage: ibmc-block-gold
NetApp Trident When you install the service, specify the same storage class for both file storage and block storage.
  • File storage: ontap-nas
  • Block storage: ontap-nas
Watson Studio Runtimes
The Watson Studio Runtimes leverage the storage that is provisioned when you install Watson Studio.