IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe Reviews

Vendor: IBM

4.4 out of 5

21 reviews
95% willing to recommend

115 followers

What is IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe?

IBM FlashSystem 9100 combines the performance of flash and Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) end-to-end with the reliability and innovation of IBM FlashCore technology and the rich features of IBM Spectrum Virtualize - all in a powerful 2U enterprise-class storage system. Providing intensive data driven multicloud storage capacity, FlashSystem 9100 is deeply integrated with the software defined capabilities of IBM Spectrum Storage allowing you to easily add in the multicloud solutions that best support your business.

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IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe is the #7 ranked solution in best NVMe All-Flash Arrays and #15 ranked solution in best All-Flash Storage Arrays. PeerSpot users give IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe an average rating of 8.8 out of 10. IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe is most commonly compared to Dell PowerStore: IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe vs Dell PowerStore. IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 59% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 20% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe

February 2025

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Featured reviews

Mohamed-Hassan

Microfinance at a consultancy with 11-50 employees

If we add a shell, the scalability depends on a legacy protocol and not the IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe which is a setback. At the previous bank, I worked at we had approximately 9,000 users. We are using the solution at its full capacity. I rate the scalability of IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe a seven out of ten.

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MohammedIsmail

Datacenter Manager at Tracker Connect

We use IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe as a storage device in the IT industry The features I find most valuable include its use for storage and performance. The solution's compression needs to be improved, as it's not the best. Furthermore, support from the partner could also be improved as it's been…

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Mohamed_Hassan

IT manager at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees

It's a good system, but some vendors limit specific models from being upgraded to larger capacities. This forces us to migrate to a different model just for additional storage. So there are limitations in scaling the capacity within the same model. Therefore, integration with third-party vendors' products could be better. Another point is related to ransomware, which is a big issue. The storage system itself should have built-in capabilities for different ransomware attacks, not solely rely on backups as a last resort. But they shouldn't be the only line of defense. Ideally, the storage system, for example, the one hosting the server, should have built-in security features to prevent ransomware attacks in the first place.

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IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe mindshare

Product category:

As of February 2025, the mindshare of IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe in the NVMe All-Flash Storage Arrays category stands at 1.8%, down from 2.3% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

NVMe All-Flash Storage Arrays

PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	NVMe All-Flash Storage Arrays	Feb 22, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Feb 22, 2025	Download
Comparison	IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe vs Dell PowerStore	Feb 22, 2025	Download
Comparison	IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe vs NetApp AFF	Feb 22, 2025	Download
Comparison	IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe vs Dell PowerMax NVMe	Feb 22, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Dell PowerStore	4.3	23.3%	96%	80 interviews Add to research
Dell PowerMax NVMe	4.4	9.2%	97%	75 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe excels with speed, high performance, and reliability. Its unique FlashCore modules enhance architecture with computational capability. Users value easy administration via GUI or CLI and its robust maintenance cycle. The architecture supports high IOPS, efficient compression, and snapshot functionality. Its user-friendly UI and cost-effectiveness appeal to many. NVMe flash modules and cloud enablement offer significant advantages, making FlashSystem 9100 a favored choice for high-traffic and data-intensive environments.

"The features I find most valuable include its use for storage and performance."
"The FlashCore modules support more value to the architecture due to their unique characteristics."
"The storage serves the virtual environment. Most of our applications run in the virtual environment, and it serves nearly 30% of the bank's capacity."

Room for Improvement

IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe requires improvements in pricing, replication functionality, and inclusion of file systems. More ports and better connectivity options are needed. Deduplication and compression features need enhancement. Management and support could be more efficient, while volume-based encryption and software improvements are necessary. Users find the architecture complex, scalability limited, and wish for better integration and security against ransomware. Enhanced NVMe extension and affordable access are also desired.

"The solution's compression needs to be improved, as it's not the best."
"The solution's compression needs to be improved, as it's not the best."
"In the FlashSystem 5200, there were only four ports of 32 fiber channels for the architecture. This has been resolved in the new generation."

ROI

Users find ROI from IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe to be significant, with value for money in controlling failures. It provides peace of mind, though some report support issues. Data reduction technology enhances storage cost efficiency through advanced compression on each disk. This high-speed process makes it cost-efficient. Investment return appears to occur in about three years.

Pricing

Enterprise buyers find IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe competitively priced compared to rivals like Dell and Huawei, offering reasonable options from mid to high range. It's cost-effective for large firms, though sometimes perceived as slightly expensive. A one-time payment is typical, covering licenses with included software. Support incurs additional costs, priced at $25,000 for three years. While generally affordable, high-end features and long-term maintenance may increase expenses, making it less suitable for smaller businesses.

"Compared to its competitors, IBM's offering is the most cost-effective."
"The product has an average cost."
"The tool's pricing is competitive."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations use IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe for hosting applications, databases, and enterprise storage with high IOPS, particularly in banking and ERP systems like SAP HANA. It supports virtual infrastructure, VMware clusters, and functions as backup storage. Deployed on-premises, public, or hybrid clouds through AWS, Microsoft Azure, or IBM Cloud, it handles data processing for core applications, offering durability and high-speed operations. Utilized by IT, financial, and manufacturing sectors for various storage needs.

Service and Support

IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe customer service and support receive mixed feedback. Some rate technical support highly for responsiveness and expertise, while others cite issues with slow response times and complex processes. Problems such as difficulty accessing support and additional charges are frequently mentioned. Some users express dissatisfaction with reliability and effectiveness, seeking faster and more precise solutions. Consistency in addressing critical errors and improving support mechanisms remains a concern for some.

Deployment

Users describe IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe's initial setup as simple and quick, often taking around one to two days. While the configuration can vary in complexity, many find the process straightforward with clear documentation. Some rate it very highly for ease of installation. Maintenance is manageable, aided by proactive features. Challenges can arise during data migration, but IBM offers tools to facilitate this. The interface is user-friendly, contributing to an efficient deployment process.

Scalability

IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe demonstrates strong scalability, adaptable to businesses of various sizes. It supports growth through scaling up and out, with different storage capacities and configurations. Some installations manage thousands of users and numerous virtual machines. Scalability ratings range from seven to ten out of ten, and the system can reach substantial capacity depending on disk expansion. Certain limitations exist, particularly for larger companies, where cost and hardware constraints influence scaling options.

Stability

The stability of IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe is highly regarded. Users frequently report excellent stability, reliability, and minimal downtime during updates or maintenance. Issues are rare, with only occasional setup or migration challenges noted. Ratings generally fall between eight and ten out of ten, indicating high satisfaction. Despite isolated customer concerns about snapshots, improvements are being made, ensuring a stable experience for most.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our IBM FlashSystem 9100 NVMe Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.