How do I compare IBM FlashSystem resellers against Dell and HPE storage resellers?

Start by making every reseller quote on equal terms. Send the same workload, capacity and performance requirements to your IBM FlashSystem, Dell EMC and HPE contacts alike. Then ask each one three things. Which consumption model applies, whether replication and encryption licensing is bundled or separate, and what their actual partner certification tier is. For IBM FlashSystem specifically, confirm the FlashCore Module generation and part number being quoted, since capacity and generation both affect price and compatibility. Confirm the installed FlashSystem model too. The newest FlashCore Module generation, FCM5, only fits the current 5600, 7600 and 9600 arrays. A quote against an older array is therefore a platform refresh conversation rather than a drive swap.