IBM FlashSystem is IBM's family of enterprise storage arrays for all-flash, hybrid flash, capacity-optimized, and Storage Virtualize based environments. FlashSystem arrays attach to servers over supported SAN host connections, IBM Power and IBM i environments included. They compete against the enterprise flash lines from Dell Technologies, HPE, Everpure, Hitachi and NetApp.

Current FlashSystem reseller conversations cluster around five lines.

FlashSystem C200
The FlashSystem 5000 family
FlashSystem 5600
FlashSystem 7600
FlashSystem 9600 Installed-base and migration work still brings up much older arrays.

FlashSystem 5300, 7300 and 9500
FlashSystem 5200, 7200, 9100 and 9200
FlashSystem V9000 and 900
FlashSystem A9000 and A9000R
Storwize V3500, V3700, V5000 and V7000

Anyone evaluating a FlashSystem reseller should get all of this confirmed in writing.

Exact model and usable capacity
FlashCore Module generation
Part number and feature code
Storage Virtualize licensing
Storage Insights monitoring
Replication scope
Host adapter compatibility
SAN fabric work required
Migration services

The last question is whether the reseller can size the array alongside the IBM Power or IBM i hardware it will serve. Storage specialists who cannot do that leave the hard part to you.

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