Virtualizing external storage systems (Back-end Storage Systems) is a key function of the IBM Storage Virtualize family. External virtualization is supported for production usage with all IBM Storage Virtualize systems except V5000E models (V5010E, V5030E) and normal V5010 and V5020. These models support external virtualization only for data migration.

RAID arrays go as internal MDisks into IBM Storage Virtualize pools (regular or DRP). External storage systems bring their volumes as external MDisks into pools. Therefore, the same apply. External and internal MDisks of all kinds can be mixed in the same pool.