## 2.4 Support matrix 

IBM FlashSystem 900 Model AE3 supports various operating systems (Windows Server 2008 and 2012, Linux, IBM AIX and VMware vSphere/ESXi), hardware platforms (IBM System x, IBM Power Systems, and x86 servers not from IBM), host bus adapters (HBAs), and SAN fabrics. 

For more information, see the IBM System Storage Interoperation Center (SSIC). 

Also, consider the use of the IBM SAN Volume Controller as a front-end, host-facing interface for the IBM FlashSystem 900 Model AE3. If the IBM FlashSystem 900 Model AE3 is used with the IBM SAN Volume Controller, the host interoperability matrix for the IBM SAN Volume Controller is relevant. For more information about IBM SAN Volume Controller interoperability, see the IBM System Storage Interoperation Center (SSIC). 

Contact your IBM sales representative or IBM Business Partner for assistance or questions about the IBM FlashSystem 900 Model AE3 or IBM SAN Volume Controller interoperability. 

## 2.5 Product integration overview 

IBM FlashSystem 900 Model AE3 is an all-flash storage system that can enhance the performance of almost any application. A high-level overview of how the IBM FlashSystem 900 Model AE3 works with a list of IBM products and applications is described in this section. 

In addition to the products that are described here, the IBM FlashSystem 900 Model AE3 also works with various other IBM software applications and hardware products, and products from third-party vendors. For more information about incorporating the IBM FlashSystem 900 Model AE3 into any of these or other applications, contact with your IBM salesperson or IBM Business Partner. 

For more information about deploying the IBM FlashSystem 900 Model AE3 with the IBM products that are described here, see Chapter 9, “Product integration” on page 337. For more information about the use of the IBM FlashSystem with other IBM and third-party solutions and applications, see the IBM Storage website. 

## 2.5.1 IBM Spectrum Virtualize: SAN Volume Controller 

The IBM FlashSystem 900 Model AE3 all-flash storage array provides clients with storage that is fast and features low latency. 

IBM SAN Volume Controller delivers the functions of IBM Spectrum Virtualize, which is part of the IBM Spectrum Storage family. It improved infrastructure flexibility and data economics for more than 10 years. 

Its innovative data virtualization capabilities provide the foundation for the entire IBM Storwize family. IBM SAN Volume Controller provides the latest storage technologies for unlocking the business value of stored data, including virtualization and Real-time Compression. 

IBM SAN Volume Controller enriches any storage environment by adding storage management functions and the following features: 

GLYPH<SM590000> IBM FlashCopyfi point-in-time copies 

GLYPH<SM590000> Local and remote mirroring 

GLYPH<SM590000> Thin provisioning 

