IBM FlashCore Modules

Unlike previous storage generations that relied on software-based data reduction—often requiring complex management to avoid performance degradation – IBM FlashCore Modules (FCM) utilise dedicated hardware acceleration. This architecture ensures maximum usable capacity through inline compression and deduplication with zero impact on system latency or throughput.

What’s new in FCM5?

The 5th Generation FlashCore Module (FCM5) marks a significant evolution in computational storage. While maintaining the high performance of previous generations, the FCM5 introduces several industry-first advancements:

• Integrated Hardware Deduplication: For the first time, deduplication is offloaded directly to the module’s hardware, further reducing the burden on array controllers and increasing data efficiency by up to 40%.
• Enhanced Ransomware Detection: Using inline machine learning and advanced telemetry, the FCM5 monitors over 120 block-level metrics to identify ransomware and data exfiltration patterns in under sixty seconds.
• Next-Generation Density: New capacity points include 6.6 TB, 13.2 TB, 26.4 TB, 52.8 TB, and a flagship 105.6 TB module, allowing for unprecedented density in a 2U footprint.
• Agentic AI Integration: Fully optimised for FlashSystem.ai, providing autonomous threat analysis and explainable operational reasoning for storage optimisations.
  

What makes FlashCore technology unique?

• Hardware-Accelerated Architecture: Deliver extreme performance, low latency, and mission-critical reliability using IBM-designed, purpose-engineered NVMe flash storage modules.
• Data Reduction with Zero Performance Tax: Up to 3:1 inline hardware-accelerated compression and deduplication in every module. Data reduction occurs at wire speed as data is written, ensuring maximum efficiency without compromising IOPS.
• Proactive Cyber Resilience: FCM5 technology acts as a continuous security sensor, identifying anomalies and triggering autonomous safeguarding of volumes before threats can spread.
• Quantum-Safe Security: Supports FIPS 140-3 Level 2 encryption with centralized key management, providing robust protection that is transparent to the host and application.

IBM FlashCore Modules are supported across the latest IBM FlashSystem portfolio, including the 5300, 7300, 9500 and the newly released 5600, 7600, and 9600 series.

Covenco are experts in IBM infrastructure and can assist you in migrating to the latest FCM5 technology or maintaining your existing estate. Please contact us today at +44 (0)1753 732000.

Listen to what Steve Hollingsworth, Sales Director at Covenco, has to say about IBM’s 4th generation of Flash Core Module, the FCM4: