Rapidly growing data demands in the marketplace have required IBM Storage Area Network (SAN) hardware and software developers to continually improve data storage system designs. Their aim is always to lower operation costs and simplify system infrastructures while increasing storage system data capacities.

IBM Storage Area Network Solutions include data storage system infrastructure management plus system installation services integrating compatible IBM server, software and SAN switches hardware products.

IBM Storage Area Network (SAN) product families include the following:

1. IBM Storage Area Networks b-type family, offering a variety of network connectivity options including Fibre Channel SAN switches, Fibre Channel SAN routers and Fibre Channel over IP technology.
2. IBM Storage Area Networks m-type family products, including SAN switches and directors for enterprise mainframe server management.
3. Cisco MDS family products, offering high speed Fibre Channel connected data storage systems and remote data storage system management systems via IP router for small and mid-sized businesses and enterprises.
4. IBM Express Model SAN switches, which are easy to install and are aimed specifically at small to medium-sized business data storage networks.

Types of IBM SAN solutions and systems include the following:

1. IBM SAN switches for small and mid-sized businesses, including easy-to-use IBM System Storage products and Cisco MDS System Storage products.
2. IBM SAN switches scalable (readily expandable) for small and mid-sized businesses to enterprises, including IBM System Storage products and Cisco MDS System Storage products.
3. IBM SAN switches specifically for enterprises, including IBM System Storage products and IBM TotalStorage products.
4. IBM SAN directors for enterprises, including Cisco MDS for IBM System Storage.
5. IBM routers connecting remote SAN systems via Fibre Channel over IP.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get an overview of IBM SAN products and services

IBM Storage Area Network products include specific families of devices that provide system integration and connectivity for data storage components. These include servers, SAN switches and data management software as well as other storage devices.

I recommend: Read an understandable overview that explains the function of IBM Storage Area Network hardware and software products. Dell Storage offers another brief understandable overview of what Storage Area Network products are. For a more in-depth explanation, read the IBM white paper "Introduction to Storage Area Networks." See a full list of IBM Storage Area Network products including switches, directors and multiprotocol routers for small and mid-sized businesses as well as enterprises. Because Cisco Systems is a storage area network systems development partner with IBM, see an overview video of Cisco MDS line of SAN products for IBM.

Get an overview of the b-type family of IBM Storage Area Network (SAN) products

IBM SAN b-type family offers a variety of network connectivity options including Fibre Channel SAN switches, Fibre Channel SAN routers and Fibre Channel over IP technology.

I recommend: Read an overview of IBM System Storage and IBM TotalStorage SAN b-type family products including storage area network infrastructure systems, Fibre Channel SAN switches and multiprotocol routers. Explore the features of high-capacity open source IBM System Storage infrastructure (or fabric backbone) systems. Explore the features of IBM System Storage SAN Express, a Fibre Channel connectivity product aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. Explore the features of IBM System Storage SAN multiprotocol router, which is aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. For enterprises, explore the features of high-performance IBM TotalStorage SAN. The IBM San b-type family also offers powerful connectivity management software, including IBM System Storage Data Center Fabric for enterprises and IBM Brocade Fabric Manager for small and mid-sized businesses.

Get an overview of the m-type family of IBM Storage Area Network (SAN) products

IBM SAN TotalStorage m-type family products include SAN switches and directors for enterprise mainframe server management.

I recommend: Read an overview of IBM Storage Area Network m-type family products. See a full list of data sheets (PDF) for IBM Storage Area Network m-type family products. Explore the features of a specific IBM TotalStorage SAN m-type family product. The IBM San m-type family also offers powerful connectivity management software such as McDATA Enterprise Connectivity Manager.

Get an overview of the Cisco MDS family of IBM Storage Area Network (SAN) products

Cisco MDS family products for IBM System Storage offer high-speed Fibre Channel connected data storage systems and remote data storage system management systems via IP router for small and mid-sized businesses and enterprises.

I recommend: Read an overview of Cisco MDS family products for IBM System Storage aimed at small-, medium- and enterprise-sized businesses. Read an overview of Cisco MDS family products for IBM System Storage from the perspective of Cisco Systems itself, or watch a Flash-animated video overview of Cisco MDS family products for IBM System Storage. Explore the features of Cisco MDS for IBM System Storage systems aimed specifically at mid-sized businesses. Explore the features of Cisco MDS Express products for IBM System Storage systems for small to mid-sized businesses. Explore the features of Cisco MDS for IBM System Storage systems aimed specifically at enterprises. IBM Storage division also offers maintenance service for Cisco MDS family products.

Get an overview of the IBM Express Model SAN switches family of IBM Storage Area Network products

IBM Express Model SAN switches are easy to install and are aimed specifically at small to medium-sized business data storage networks.

I recommend: Read an overview of IBM Express Model SAN switches, including those with Fibre Channel, optical and Cisco MDS connectivity. Explore the features of IBM TotalStorage SAN Express, an IBM SAN connectivity product offering high performance and scalability for small businesses. Explore the features of IBM System Storage Express, an entry-level IBM SAN connectivity product aimed at users already connected to Fibre Channel.

Buy products, systems and services from IBM SAN suppliers

Learn how to buy IBM SAN products, systems and services directly from IBM storage area network suppliers.

I recommend: For small and medium-sized businesses, before you purchase an IBM Storage Area Network appliance and system, contact IBM storage product advisors. Read an online overview for users wanting to purchase an IBM Storage Area Network directly from IBM. Note that IBM storage area network prices may be affordable for small and mid-sized businesses through low rate IBM financing services and IBM ValuePlan Leasing. Read an overview of IBM storage area network prices for mid-sized business financing solutions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  IBM Storage Area Network products can offer networking solutions covering institutional campuses and metropolitan areas as well as widespread global businesses.