What are the storage options on IBM Cloud?
The storage options on IBM Cloud™ offer inherent scalability and flexibility. The options are designed to support traditional and cloud-native workloads. These storage options let you adjust your capacity and optimize performance as your requirements change, paying only for what you need.
The storage options on IBM Cloud are easier to provision, deploy and access. This flexibility helps relieve the headaches caused when managing large amounts of disparate types of storage locally. Select from object, file, and block storage services, as well as cloud data migration options.
Choose storage to meet your needs
Choose object storage, block storage or file storage services that are scalable, configurable and available on demand
IBM Cloud Block Storage
Persistent iSCSI-based block storage, up to 12 TB, that’s customizable for your workloads. Choose Endurance tier with snapshot and replication, or Performance tier with up to 6,000 allocated IOPS per volume.
IBM Cloud File Storage
Upgrade to a feature-rich, NFS-based, IBM Cloud™ file-share solution, up to 12 TB, with available snapshot and replication support, or IOPS allocations for demanding performance needs.
IBM Cloud Object Storage
Store, manage and access unstructured data with a secure, scalable and global storage solution based on S3-compatible interfaces.
IBM Cloud Object Storage Archive
Archive data in durable, low cost storage. IBM Cloud Object Storage Archive includes simple API for transition lifecycle and restores, seamless integration with storage tiers, and data encrypted automatically at rest.
IBM Cloud for VMware Solutions
Improve business outcomes with new technologies like AI and blockchain, integrate existing VMware-based applications into a hybrid cloud strategy, and innovate freely between containers and VMware VMs.
Find the right cloud storage solution:
| If you need | Consider |
|---|---|
| Persistent cloud storage for relational databases, data warehousing, and enterprise applications such as SAP. | IBM Cloud Block Storage |
| A simple, scalable, elastic file system for NFS-based workloads in the cloud, including VMware environments. | IBM Cloud File Storage |
| A scalable, durable, secure platform for unstructured data. | IBM Cloud Object Storage |
| Highly affordable long-term storage that can replace tape for archive and regulatory compliance, and storage for deep archive for cold data. | IBM Cloud Object Storage |
| A low-latency backup system for enterprise applications running in IBM Cloud for which you need quick recovery. | IBM Cloud Block Storage |
| Data protection, backup and restore between on-premises systems and IBM Cloud, with integration with IBM and third-party products | IBM Cloud Object Storage |
| Scalable, low-cost persistent storage for big data analytics, HDFS clusters, AI training models, and IoT pipelines. | IBM Cloud Object Storage |
| Storage for cloud-native applications such as web and mobile apps that require compute runtimes, microservices, or S3 API. | IBM Cloud Object Storage |
| File services and collaboration in the cloud, or a way to securely share files in the cloud, with integration with IBM and third-party products. | IBM Cloud Object Storage |
| An alternative to transferring data over-the-network, using physical devices to quickly, securely, and affordably transfer large amounts of data to IBM Cloud. | IBM Cloud Mass Data Migration |
| A high-speed, integrated and secure method to transfer large amounts of data to IBM Cloud Storage over the network. | IBM Cloud Object Storage Aspera |
Block storage versus file storage
IBM Cloud Block Storage is persistent and high-performing. It works with block storage-based and enterprise applications, and ensures availability and protects data during maintenance events and unplanned failures.
NFS-based IBM Cloud File Storage is scalable and backed by flash. This service is designed for use with IBM Cloud virtual machines, bare metal services and VMware solutions.
Both solutions offer tiered Endurance and customizable Performance provisioning.
IBM Cloud Object Storage
IBM Cloud Object Storage is a scalable, durable and cost-effective solution that helps archive and back up application data. It’s easily accessed and delivers persistent storage for analytics.
This IBM offering features flexible storage tiers and low-cost, long-term storage that can help you meet regulatory and compliance requirements. Data is encrypted by default. Cloud Object Storage is designed to be easily managed, supports unchangeable storage for electronic records retention, and helps keep data highly durable.
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