Big Blue reveals compression software offering

IBM has unveiled storage compression technology for its DB2 Viper data server that it has claimed will enable its VARs to cut end-user storage hardware costs by up to 70 per cent.

Big Blue said the compression software, which is code-named Venom, has “mainframe-like” compression capabilities, and that it can reduce CPU and memory bandwidth requirements.

Bob Picciano, vice-president of IBM data servers, said: “If it took you a terabyte to store information in another database, it will take you just half a terabyte to store to DB2 using Venom.

“No other database vendor can offer that. We expect Venom will significantly increase people’s consideration of DB2.”

IBM added that Venom, which is due for release later this year, will also enable it to compete more aggressively with EMC, which it described as a new storage hardware competitor.

Paddy Lawton, managing director of ISV Digital Union, told CRN that Venom will appeal mainly to the more price-conscious SME customer base, because it would help them keep down hardware costs.

“This will be a major hit to EMC,” he said. “It will reduce total cost of ownership, which will help IBM channel partners with sales. For us it’s a good opportunity to help to reduce the cost of end-users’ five-year hardware refresh plans.”

However, Kevin Drew, managing director of IBM VAR Triangle, warned: “The price-point and compression sounds like it will appeal to the medium- and lower-end markets, but a 70 per cent compression rate means that, theoretically, we have to sell 70 per cent more.”