Overview - IBM Flex system storage expansion node

Content

Planned availability date: 03 Dec 2012

Overview

The IBM Flex System Storage Expansion Node (SEN) provides alternative dedicated high-capacity storage to an IBM Flex System Compute Node expanding the Compute Nodes capability. The Flex System SEN fits into one standard-width Flex System Enterprise Chassis node and offers:

• Support for up to 12 SAS/SATA or SSD storage devices.
• Multiple RAID functions with up to 1 GB cache.
• Hot-swappable drives.
• Feature on Demand upgrades.
• Front-panel and drive-bay LED indicators.

For a list of supported Flex System Compute nodes, adapters, and operating systems, refer to the ServerProven web page

• http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/info/x86servers/serverproven/compat/us/ flex.html

• The Flex System Storage Expansion Node is ideal for a variety of application environments, such as:

• Dedicated storage solution for unstructured data analytics within a distributed database environment.
• Foundation for low-cost Network Attached Storage infrastructure solutions.

The IBM Flex System Storage Expansion Node is part of IBM PureFlex System, a new category of computing that integrates multiple server architectures, networking, storage, and system management capability into a single system that is easy to deploy and manage. IBM Flex System has full built-in virtualization support of servers storage, and networking to speed provisioning and increase resiliency. In addition, it supports open industry standards such as operating systems, networking and storage fabrics, virtualization, and system management protocols, to easily fit within existing and future datacenter environments. IBM Flex System is scalable and extendable with multigeneration investments.

The most forward thinking companies will completely rethink the way they deploy and manage their IT environments by evolving to a more open, agile, and integrated computing system that is dynamically managed from a single vantage point to simultaneously maximize efficiency and innovation.

By doing this, companies can:

• Improve efficiency and utilization through integration
• Optimize heterogeneous environments, providing the right architecture for the right workload
• Increase speed and dexterity at the enterprise level
• Improve control through simplicity, automation, compliance, and security
• Improve economics with faster time-to-value through real-time scalability
• Deliver insights faster to gain a competitive advantage

Key prerequisites

• IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis
• IBM network switch
• Appropriate PDUs and main power distribution
• Monitor, keyboard, and mouse for setup

At a glance

The IBM Flex System Storage Expansion Node provides alternative dedicated high-capacity storage to an IBM Flex System Compute Node which expands the Compute Nodes capability.

IBM Flex System is a new category of computing that integrates multiple server architectures, networking, storage, and system management capability into a single system.

Physical Specifications

Dimensions :

IBM Flex System Storage Expansion Node:

• Height: 55.5 mm (2.19 inch)
• Depth: 503.5 mm (19.82 inch)
• Width: 229.1 mm (9.20 inch)
• Maximum weight: 5.9 kg (13 lb)

The IBM Flex System Storage Expansion Node electrical specifications.

• IBM Flex System Storage Expansion Node: 12.2 (nominal) V dc.

The IBM Flex System Storage Expansion Node complies with ASHRAE Class A3 specifications.

• Power on:
  • Temperature: 5 - 40 degrees C (41 - 104 degrees F)
  • Humidity, noncondensing: - 12 degrees C dew point (10.4 degrees F) and 8% - 85% relative humidity
  • Maximum dew point: 24 degrees C (75 degrees F)
  • Maximum altitude: 3048 m (10,000 ft)
  • Maximum rate of temperature change: 5 degrees C/hr (41 degrees F/hr)
• Power off:
  • Temperature: 5 degrees C to 45 degrees C (41 degrees F - 113 degrees F)
  • Relative humidity: 8% - 85%
  • Maximum dew point: 27 degrees C (80.6 degrees F)
• Storage (nonoperating):
  • Temperature: 1 degrees C to 60 degrees C (33.8 degrees F - 140 degrees F)
  • Altitude: 3050 m (10,006 ft)
  • Relative humidity: 5% - 80%
  • Maximum dew point: 29 degrees C (84.2 degrees F)
• Shipment (non-operating):
  • Temperature: - 40 degrees C to 60 degrees C (-40 degrees F - 140 degrees F)
  • Altitude: 10,700 m (35,105 ft)
  • Relative humidity: 5% - 100%
  • Maximum dew point: 29 degrees C (84.2 degrees F)
  • Particulate contamination

Marketing and replacement part number information

Warranty

• One year

Hardware Requirements

None

Software Requirements

None

Compatibility

Contact your IBM representative or IBM Business Partner, or refer to the IBM Sales Manual for information on the compatibility of hardware and software for System x servers. The Sales Manual is updated periodically as new features and options are announced that support these servers.

Limitations

Regarding the use of solid-state disk drives, solid-state memory cells have an intrinsic, finite number of write cycles that each cell can incur. As a result, each solid-state device has a maximum amount of write cycles to which it can be subjected, documented as TBW (Total Bytes Written). IBM is not responsible for replacement of hardware that has reached the maximum guaranteed number of write cycles. This limit may be revealed as the device failing to respond to system-generated commands or becoming incapable of being written to. Additional information is available at

• http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/x/options/storage/solidstate/index.html