IBM FlashSystem 5030 Description
The IBM FlashSystem 5030 is an enterprise-grade storage system that provides both all-flash and hybrid flash solutions. It's designed to deliver enterprise-class functionality and features while maintaining affordability and performance. This system is part of the IBM FlashSystem 5000 family and is built to provide mid-range storage solutions for businesses requiring reliable and efficient storage capabilities.
Current Status
The IBM FlashSystem 5030 has been succeeded by newer models in the FlashSystem family, such as the FlashSystem 7300, which offers improved performance, enhanced connectivity options, and more advanced features while maintaining the core benefits of the FlashSystem architecture.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Numbers | 2072-3H2 (LFF) and 2072-3H4 |
| Control Enclosure Type | 2U rack-mount |
| Maximum Raw Capacity | Up to 12 drives in 2U enclosure |
| Supported Drive Types | Flash drives and HDDs (hybrid configuration) |
| Data Reduction | Compression and Deduplication |
| Network Connectivity | 16/32 Gb Fibre Channel, 10/25 Gb iSCSI/FCoE |
| System Memory | Up to 64GB cache per controller |
| RAID Support | RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 |
| Management | GUI-based management console |
| Encryption | Hardware-based encryption |
Comparative Analysis with Competitors
| Feature | IBM FlashSystem 5030 | Entry-level Enterprise Arrays | Mid-range Storage Arrays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Unified storage | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Data Services | Comprehensive | Basic to Medium | Medium to Advanced |
| Scalability | High | Limited | Medium |
| Virtualization | Built-in | Optional | Optional |
| Data Reduction | Yes (inline) | Varies | Varies |
| Remote Replication | Yes | Optional | Optional |
Model Comparison within FlashSystem 5000 Family
| Feature | FlashSystem 5010 | FlashSystem 5030 | FlashSystem 5100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Market | Entry-level | Mid-range | Higher-end |
| Data Reduction | Basic | Advanced | Advanced |
| Encryption | Optional | Standard | Standard |
| Max Performance | Good | Better | Best |
| Feature Set | Basic | Enhanced | Full |
Available Versions
- FlashSystem 5030 LFF (2072-3H2) - Large Form Factor
- FlashSystem 5030 SFF (2072-3H4) - Small Form Factor
Key Features
- IBM Spectrum Virtualize software-defined storage capabilities
- Data reduction pools with compression and deduplication
- Hardware-based encryption
- Easy Tier automated tiering
- FlashCopy and remote mirroring
- Thin provisioning
- High availability design
- Integration with major hypervisors
- AI-driven storage optimization
- IBM Storage Insights analytics and monitoring
Applications
- Enterprise database storage
- Virtual machine environments
- Cloud storage infrastructure
- Business-critical applications
- Data protection and disaster recovery
- Mixed workload consolidation
- Development and test environments
- Backup and archive solutions
- Hybrid cloud deployments
- Mission-critical storage requirements
Sources
- IBM Redbooks: https://www.redbooks.ibm.com/redbooks/pdfs/sg248449.pdf
- IBM Product Documentation: https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/flashsystem-5x00/8.7.0
- IBM Support Pages: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7092491
- IBM Technical Documentation: https://content.architecting.it/BRKSW0131_IBM_FlashSystem_Review_1_2.pdf
