Learn Why did IBM acquire TMS and how the acquisition allows IBM to offer clients best-in-breed flash optimized storage infrastructure by integrating flash technology into a variety of IBM solutions, including storage, servers, software and PureSystems offerings. For more information on IBM FlashSystem, visit http://ibm.co/10KodHl. Visit http://bit.ly/KWh5Dx to 'Follow' the official Twitter handle of IBM India Smarter Computing.

1. 1. What are you announcing today?
A. IBM® is announcing its flash strategy and the IBM FlashSystem
TM
Family. Storage has
reached a tipping point, new technology and improved economics make it possible to build
entire storage systems based on flash memory. We can now build all flash IT systems with
the extreme performance necessary to handle fast moving operational data in real-time. All-
flash storage is redefining the economics of data centers through reduced cost of systems
and facilities.
IBM is leading the transformation into all flash storage with the acquisition of a world class
engineering team in high-performance and highly durable flash-based storage. To further
support the transformation, IBM is investing $1B+ in innovation across systems and software
and establishing centers of competency across the regions of the world to help client
leverage the value. IBM FlashSystem delivers extreme performance, IBM MicroLatency
TM
,
macro efficiency and enterprise reliability so that clients can compete, innovate and grow in
the new era of IT.
2. Who did IBM acquire as part of the IBM flash strategy?
A. In October of 2012, IBM closed the acquisition of Texas Memory Systems, Inc., a
privately-held company based in Houston, Texas that focuses on flash optimized systems.
Texas Memory Systems, Inc., an IBM Company (TMS) designs and sells high-performance
solid state storage solutions. Over its 34-year history, TMS has developed a variety of in-
server and shared storage systems that turbocharge IT infrastructures of organizations
around the world. Today, the majority of TMS’s revenue comes from flash storage products,
including the award-winning RamSan product line.
3. Why did IBM acquire TMS?
A. Flash technology has and continues to fundamentally change the paradigm for IT
systems, enabling new use cases for numerous applications. Therefore establishing
leadership in flash optimized technology is important for IBM. TMS is a pioneer in flash
storage technology and has a comprehensive portfolio of proven products built on
generations of development. This acquisition allows IBM to offer clients best-in-breed flash
optimized storage infrastructure by integrating flash technology into a variety of IBM
solutions, including storage, servers, software and PureSystems offerings.
4. What value do flash solutions provide to its customers?
A. Flash can enhance the performance, efficiency, and design of essential enterprise
applications and solutions. IBM’s flash technology can provide fast data access for
demanding business applications, such as ERP systems, transactional databases and
analytical applications. Through Micro/latency and high bandwidth, IBM flash products help
data move faster and allow organizations to scale further by processing more data in the
same amount of time. IBM flash delivers industry-leading physical and performance density,
which can reduce overall total cost of ownership (TCO) to achieve extreme performance.
5. What value does IBM FlashSystem bring to clients?
A. Extreme Performance: enable business to unleash the power of performance, scale,
and insight to drive services and products market faster
IBM MicroLatency
TM
: facilitate the data path that will accelerate critical applications and
achieve a true market based competitive advantage

2. Macro Efficiency: driven by consolidation of hardware and software, deployment speed,
efficient use of IT staff as well as power and cooling savings
Enterprise Reliability: durable and reliable designs that use enterprise class flash and
patented data protection technology
6. How does IBM FlashSystem complement IBM Smarter Computing and IBM Smarter
Storage?
A. Smarter Computing is about designing an infrastructure that is ready for a Smarter
Planet, that is able to harness the data that’s there, use the right system, and manage IBM’s
client’s IT infrastructure in a much more cloud like fashion.
IBM Smarter Storage is IBM’s point of view on the design and deployment of storage
systems. Smarter Storage enables organizations to take control of their storage, so they can
focus on gaining more valuable insights from their data and deliver more value to the
business.
IBM FlashSystem complements the overarching concepts of both IBM Smarter Storage and
IBM Smarter Computing by introducing an all-flash array into IBM’s portfolio to help clients
enter into the next era of computing.
7. Can you provide scenarios where IBM FlashSystem solutions would be used?
A. IBM FlashSystem products are used to solve business problems and reduce complexity
by providing faster data access than traditional storage solutions. IBM FlashSystem provides
low latency and extremely high bandwidth without requiring large amounts of power or
physical space. Typical IBM FlashSystem deployments involve accelerating virtualization
platforms (server virtualization or desktop virtualization), databases (transactional/OLTP or
batch/analytical workloads), or storage infrastructure (file systems or general metadata) so
critical business applications can run faster and have less wait time. Such applications
include everything from video encoders to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to
high-performance computing (HPC) environments in organizations around the world.
8. Will TMS RamSan product still be available?
A. TMS RamSan products have reached end of service. However, IBM will continue to
support TMS RamSan products that are in the field. Meanwhile, IBM has now announced
products leveraging TMS technology under IBM FlashSystem family and clients can
continue to procure these technologies under the IBM brand.
9. Does IBM have plans to incorporate TMS technologies into any of its existing products?
A. IBM intends to integrate TMS technology into solutions we provide our customers over
time. IBM plans to leverage TMS’s technology with IBM’s Storage, System x, Power
Systems, Software Group and PureSystems offerings for the benefit of IBM’s clients.
10. Will this acquisition impact IBM’s relationship with any other Flash technology providers?
A. IBM believes that TMS’s technology will complement IBM’s current portfolio of flash
technology products. IBM plans to continue to utilize its current suppliers for flash
components such as hard drive form factor SSDs (Solid State Drives) and PCIe flash
adapters.
11. What are IBM's plans with respect to PCIe cards going forward?

3. A. IBM will ensure that we continue to offer PCIe Flash in our portfolio and support existing
clients. IBM and our partners will continue to leverage latest technologies available that
provides the best value for our clients in this segment. PCIe flash will continue to be part of
System x and Power System portfolios.
12. Can you provide a list of IBM products replacing TMS RamSan portfolio?
A. There will be continuation of product offerings under the IBM FlashSystem family.
Following are a list of corresponding offerings:
RamSan-710 – IBM FlashSystem 710
RamSan-810 – IBM FlashSystem 810
RamSan-720 – IBM FlashSystem 720
RamSan-820 – IBM FlashSystem 820
13. Where can one find the interoperability matrix for new IBM FlashSystem products?
A. Please visit http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/support/storage/ssic/interoperability.wss for
interoperability information
14. What are the differences between RamSan products and their corresponding IBM
FlashSystem counterparts?
A. The IBM FlashSystem family will provide a higher level of enterprise attributes not
available with the RamSan versions such as call home capability, centralized hardware
support and service actions. IBM FlashSystem will have a new and improved aesthetically
pleasing look with IBM logo and design. In addition, there will be new firmware versions
with high value features bundled as part of the base offering enhancing performance while
simplifying the ordering process. The IBM FlashSystem family has also gone through
rigorous testing to meet the high standards IBM maintains. IBM ordering process will allow
for optional ordering of accessories such as line cords and data cables as they fit client
needs.
15. What will be the warranty term for IBM FlashSystem products?
A. IBM will provide a 1 year warranty and allow 1 year increments of Maintenance
Agreements to get to years 2, 3, 4 and 5 for service periods