IBM launches new Power8 cloud systems, storage, and software

IBM aims to enable hybrid clouds with the announcement today of cloud-based Power Systems, storage systems, and new software.

Big Blue is unveiling the products and services at its IBM Edge event in Las Vegas today, all aimed at simplifying the movement of data, applications, and services across a hybrid cloud environment. The new systems use the company’s Power8 processors.

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Organizations across all industries are investing in cloud technologies for innovation, growth, and efficiency. Those customers are blending public cloud, private cloud, and traditional information technology platforms. IBM wants to deepen the integration across the hybrid environments.

“Today’s business environment is very dynamic and filled with disruption,” said Tom Rosamilia, senior vice president of IBM Systems, in a statement. “A hybrid cloud model enables clients to continuously adapt while also optimizing on-premises investments. IBM is uniquely able to support the flexibility clients need across IBM Systems and the cloud.”

The new systems offerings designed for hybrid cloud include Power Systems for the cloud. With integrated OpenStack-based cloud management and elastic consumption models, these offerings enable clients to transform their IT infrastructure to an on-premises, private cloud for AIX, IBM i, and Linux system of record workloads and extend them securely with rapid access to compute services in the IBM Cloud.

IBM is also launching Z Systems for cloud with Operational Insights and Hybrid Application Performance Management. Cloud-based services analyze Z System performance, provide recommended actions, and enable continuous benchmarking.

IBM is also unveiling IBM Spectrum Copy Data Management and Protect, which allows detailed, easy-to-use management of data copies. Additionally, IBM Spectrum Protect has expanded its extensive hybrid cloud solution integration with cloud object storage options for use in hybrid cloud deployments.

According to IBM, a survey showed that 92 percent of respondents said the most successful cloud projects enable the creation and support of new business models. They expect 45 percent of workloads to remain on dedicated on-premises systems, even as cloud use expands. And 83 percent of the highest performing organizations said cloud initiatives are integrated or highly coordinated.

IBM said it also has a number of new software solutions and partners for an open and collaborative software ecosystem in the cloud. IBM is partnering with Hortonworks, Mirantis, Nginx, and Red Hat.