Paper Title: Methodologies to Enterprise Storage Architectures

Paper Abstract: IBM FlashSystem architectures have changed. Finding the right form, fit, and function of the hardware design is important in determining what are the right features to include in a storage system architecture. And it is clear one size does not fit all. Understanding the hardware design to build not only for the entry and edge but also for the enterprise with a hardware design that will allow for a single storage software stack to enable it, has driven specific design trade-offs to enable what is now the current FlashSystem product offering. This presentation will discuss the unique hardware design challenges of designing the industry-first HA 1U12 AFA as well scaling that hardware design up to 4U48 architecture. Including some of the future challenges faced by these architectures.

Paper Author: Brent Yardley, STSM, IBM

Author Bio: Brent Yardley is a Senior Technical Staff Member and Master Inventor with IBM System Storage, where he focuses on developing All Flash Arrays (AFAs). Brent is currently the overall Chief Hardware Architect responsible for the hardware architecture, design, and integration of IBM's storage hardware products and planning future generation storage platforms. He specializes in system designs that integrate multiple I/O protocols, FPGAs, and ASICs, and is an expert in both hardware and software design and system integration. A 22-year veteran of IBM, Brent holds multiple patents focused on storage architectures and solutions. He has an extensive background and understanding of the architecture, design, and implementation of highly available storage-based systems and solutions. He has earned BS degrees in both Software and Hardware Engineering from the Oregon Institute of Technology.