Cloud Enablers: IBM Launches New Flex Systems

New IBM Flex System products support larger clouds, even in smaller facilities. (Photo: IBM)

IBM launched major additions to its Flex System portfolio, seeking to enable businesses to build larger clouds in smaller data centers. Addressing IT consolidation efforts, the offerings combine the latest server technology with new virtualization, networking and management tools.

The IBM Flex System portfolio provides a platform for x86 and POWER market segments, providing building-block elements for IBM PureSystems. IBM Flex Systems are built-to-order offerings for clients who want to custom build and tune configurations to their specific requirements. This allows them to select the specific compute, systems networking and optional storage and management required to support their specific workloads.

Three new POWER7+ solutions address entry-level, medium sized businesses and large workloads, while a new x222 double density system is built on x86 architecture that allows support for up to 2,800 Windows 7 user images in a single chassis. For a management layer the Flex System Manager enables a single point of control and the ability to do so from any location with iOS, Android or Blackberry devices. It provides a new utilization fuel gauge to help clients monitor the status and availability of their infrastructure, and has been expanded with the ability to manage the System x HANA-optimized x3950. New switches and fabrics have also been added, to help enable Software Defined Networks (SDN) and improve connectivity and performance by increasing infrastructure bandwidth up to 40Gb.

The Flex System portfolio is backed by a deep business partner network, that has grown to over 4,500 strong. The Flex System portfolio additions give a variety of choices to partners and even allow them to select from Flex System bundles that are specifically configured and priced for their local markets.