Author: Rufus Credle
Publisher: IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 0738453919
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 100
Book Description
In this IBM® RedpaperTM publication, you learn how to implement the IBM subcapacity licensing functions and the IBM License Metric Tool to track and manage licenses for your IBM WebSphere® Application Server instances. It also summarizes the different licensing models that IBM employs, the advantages of using software asset management for IT companies, and explains how to save money by using these the subcapacity model for WebSphere Application Server licenses. The primary purpose of the License Metric Tool is counting the processor value units (PVU) and resource value units (RVU) for subcapacity and full-capacity licensing models. It is a no-charge metric tool that many companies use as a regular software asset manager for IBM products. This Redpaper shares installation and configuration scenarios for installing the Endpoint Manager server, the License Metric Tool server, and the IBM DB2® database on a single computer or in distributed computing infrastructures. It describes how the application server components are discovered by the License Metric Tool software, explains how to interpret the inventory reports, and provides technical details about the software detection techniques that the tool uses. You also learn about the software bundling process and how to manage the software inventory that is detected by using the Software Classification panel. You can then use the PVU Subcapacity Reports to analyze actual use of your licenses and produce the data for IBM license audits.
Simplify Software Audits and Cut Costs by Using the IBM License Metric Tool
Author: Rufus Credle
Publisher: IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 0738453919
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 100
Book Description
In this IBM® RedpaperTM publication, you learn how to implement the IBM subcapacity licensing functions and the IBM License Metric Tool to track and manage licenses for your IBM WebSphere® Application Server instances. It also summarizes the different licensing models that IBM employs, the advantages of using software asset management for IT companies, and explains how to save money by using these the subcapacity model for WebSphere Application Server licenses. The primary purpose of the License Metric Tool is counting the processor value units (PVU) and resource value units (RVU) for subcapacity and full-capacity licensing models. It is a no-charge metric tool that many companies use as a regular software asset manager for IBM products. This Redpaper shares installation and configuration scenarios for installing the Endpoint Manager server, the License Metric Tool server, and the IBM DB2® database on a single computer or in distributed computing infrastructures. It describes how the application server components are discovered by the License Metric Tool software, explains how to interpret the inventory reports, and provides technical details about the software detection techniques that the tool uses. You also learn about the software bundling process and how to manage the software inventory that is detected by using the Software Classification panel. You can then use the PVU Subcapacity Reports to analyze actual use of your licenses and produce the data for IBM license audits.
Publisher: IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 0738453919
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 100
Book Description
In this IBM® RedpaperTM publication, you learn how to implement the IBM subcapacity licensing functions and the IBM License Metric Tool to track and manage licenses for your IBM WebSphere® Application Server instances. It also summarizes the different licensing models that IBM employs, the advantages of using software asset management for IT companies, and explains how to save money by using these the subcapacity model for WebSphere Application Server licenses. The primary purpose of the License Metric Tool is counting the processor value units (PVU) and resource value units (RVU) for subcapacity and full-capacity licensing models. It is a no-charge metric tool that many companies use as a regular software asset manager for IBM products. This Redpaper shares installation and configuration scenarios for installing the Endpoint Manager server, the License Metric Tool server, and the IBM DB2® database on a single computer or in distributed computing infrastructures. It describes how the application server components are discovered by the License Metric Tool software, explains how to interpret the inventory reports, and provides technical details about the software detection techniques that the tool uses. You also learn about the software bundling process and how to manage the software inventory that is detected by using the Software Classification panel. You can then use the PVU Subcapacity Reports to analyze actual use of your licenses and produce the data for IBM license audits.
IT Service Management Best Practices Using IBM SmartCloud Control Desk
Author: Axel Buecker
Publisher: IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 0738438677
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 802
Book Description
SmartCloud Control Desk is a comprehensive IT Asset and Service Management solution that helps reduce cost and minimize service disruptions. It does so through automated service request handling, efficient change management, and optimized asset lifecycle management across IT and enterprise domains. SmartCloud Control Desk helps to reduce total cost of ownership by using one unified solution to license, install, and manage multiple ITIL processes under one price point. It can also help reduce business risk by using advanced impact analysis and defining automated change procedures that ensure integrity of existing infrastructure while supporting business agility. SmartCloud Control Desk improves efficiency and quality of service by unifying asset, change, and problem management. It lowers cost and mitigates license compliance risk by performing end to end software asset management. It also delivers an adaptive, role-based simplified UI that can be more intuitive for novice users, which reduces training costs, while allowing access from anywhere at anytime through mobile device support that includes BlackBerry, iOS, and Android. In addition, SmartCloud Control Desk supports both a profit center business model for internal IT organizations, and an external Service Provider model. It allows organizations to manage customers and customer agreements and bills for managed assets, usage, and work activities while improving utilization rates and reducing unnecessary purchases by managing the IT asset lifecycle. You can deploy SmartCloud Control Desk in a variety of ways; traditional on-premise, SaaS, VM image. This approach can make it more affordable to meet your current business needs, and seamlessly move between delivery models while keeping the same functionality. This IBM® Redbooks® publication covers IBM SmartCloud® Control Desk product configuration, customization, and implementation best practices.
Publisher: IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 0738438677
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 802
Book Description
SmartCloud Control Desk is a comprehensive IT Asset and Service Management solution that helps reduce cost and minimize service disruptions. It does so through automated service request handling, efficient change management, and optimized asset lifecycle management across IT and enterprise domains. SmartCloud Control Desk helps to reduce total cost of ownership by using one unified solution to license, install, and manage multiple ITIL processes under one price point. It can also help reduce business risk by using advanced impact analysis and defining automated change procedures that ensure integrity of existing infrastructure while supporting business agility. SmartCloud Control Desk improves efficiency and quality of service by unifying asset, change, and problem management. It lowers cost and mitigates license compliance risk by performing end to end software asset management. It also delivers an adaptive, role-based simplified UI that can be more intuitive for novice users, which reduces training costs, while allowing access from anywhere at anytime through mobile device support that includes BlackBerry, iOS, and Android. In addition, SmartCloud Control Desk supports both a profit center business model for internal IT organizations, and an external Service Provider model. It allows organizations to manage customers and customer agreements and bills for managed assets, usage, and work activities while improving utilization rates and reducing unnecessary purchases by managing the IT asset lifecycle. You can deploy SmartCloud Control Desk in a variety of ways; traditional on-premise, SaaS, VM image. This approach can make it more affordable to meet your current business needs, and seamlessly move between delivery models while keeping the same functionality. This IBM® Redbooks® publication covers IBM SmartCloud® Control Desk product configuration, customization, and implementation best practices.
Value Realization from Efficient Software Deployment
Author: Alex Louwe Kooijmans
Publisher: IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 0738435813
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 250
Book Description
Many companies have a complex process for purchasing software that is required by IT projects, or better, by the business. Usually software is purchased by a centralized procurement function, and is either purchased on a project-by-project basis or as a large periodic software contract. Unfortunately purchasing software products does not automatically mean that these products are exploited throughout the organization providing the maximum possible value to the business units. Several issues call for a structured approach that gets the most business value out of software already purchased. The objectives of this approach are to: Create maximum awareness throughout the organization of the software purchased. Track software use in IT projects and act if products are not used at all, used improperly, or insufficiently used. Facilitate use of software products in projects, especially when software products are complex and require a lot of integration. We can summarize the overall objective of this approach as ensuring that the business units in an organization obtain the maximum possible value of software products purchased, which is also the scope of this IBM® Redbooks® publication.
Publisher: IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 0738435813
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 250
Book Description
Many companies have a complex process for purchasing software that is required by IT projects, or better, by the business. Usually software is purchased by a centralized procurement function, and is either purchased on a project-by-project basis or as a large periodic software contract. Unfortunately purchasing software products does not automatically mean that these products are exploited throughout the organization providing the maximum possible value to the business units. Several issues call for a structured approach that gets the most business value out of software already purchased. The objectives of this approach are to: Create maximum awareness throughout the organization of the software purchased. Track software use in IT projects and act if products are not used at all, used improperly, or insufficiently used. Facilitate use of software products in projects, especially when software products are complex and require a lot of integration. We can summarize the overall objective of this approach as ensuring that the business units in an organization obtain the maximum possible value of software products purchased, which is also the scope of this IBM® Redbooks® publication.
Computerworld
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 120
Book Description
For more than 40 years, Computerworld has been the leading source of technology news and information for IT influencers worldwide. Computerworld's award-winning Web site (Computerworld.com), twice-monthly publication, focused conference series and custom research form the hub of the world's largest global IT media network.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 120
Book Description
For more than 40 years, Computerworld has been the leading source of technology news and information for IT influencers worldwide. Computerworld's award-winning Web site (Computerworld.com), twice-monthly publication, focused conference series and custom research form the hub of the world's largest global IT media network.
IBM Tivoli Asset Management for IT Portfolio Overview
Author: Bart Jacob
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 272
Book Description
This IBM Redbooks publication provides an overview of the IBM Tivoli Asset Management for IT portfolio. The portfolio is made up of the three primary products, IBM Tivoli Asset Management for IT, IBM Tivoli License Compliance Manager for z/OS, and IBM Tivoli License Compliance Manager. By using these products together, you can implement a comprehensive IT asset management solution. This book provides a functional overview of each of the products in the portfolio and also provides example scenarios of how they can be used to address IT asset management disciplines. The IBM Tivoli Asset Management for IT product is a relatively new acquisition. It has its roots in enterprise asset management and has very rich function. This product will be enhanced and adapted to provide functions specific to IT asset management, such as facilities to handle contract management, full asset life-cycle management, integration with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions and much more. This book introduces the portfolio and describes its current capabilities. Our intention for the future is to provide additional materials for a deeper understanding of best practices for using the portfolio to implement a complete IT asset management solution.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 272
Book Description
This IBM Redbooks publication provides an overview of the IBM Tivoli Asset Management for IT portfolio. The portfolio is made up of the three primary products, IBM Tivoli Asset Management for IT, IBM Tivoli License Compliance Manager for z/OS, and IBM Tivoli License Compliance Manager. By using these products together, you can implement a comprehensive IT asset management solution. This book provides a functional overview of each of the products in the portfolio and also provides example scenarios of how they can be used to address IT asset management disciplines. The IBM Tivoli Asset Management for IT product is a relatively new acquisition. It has its roots in enterprise asset management and has very rich function. This product will be enhanced and adapted to provide functions specific to IT asset management, such as facilities to handle contract management, full asset life-cycle management, integration with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions and much more. This book introduces the portfolio and describes its current capabilities. Our intention for the future is to provide additional materials for a deeper understanding of best practices for using the portfolio to implement a complete IT asset management solution.
IBM Information Governance Solutions
Author: Chuck Ballard
Publisher: IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 0738439517
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 264
Book Description
Managing information within the enterprise has always been a vital and important task to support the day-to-day business operations and to enable analysis of that data for decision making to better manage and grow the business for improved profitability. To do all that, clearly the data must be accurate and organized so it is accessible and understandable to all who need it. That task has grown in importance as the volume of enterprise data has been growing significantly (analyst estimates of 40 - 50% growth per year are not uncommon) over the years. However, most of that data has been what we call "structured" data, which is the type that can fit neatly into rows and columns and be more easily analyzed. Now we are in the era of "big data." This significantly increases the volume of data available, but it is in a form called "unstructured" data. That is, data from sources that are not as easily organized, such as data from emails, spreadsheets, sensors, video, audio, and social media sites. There is valuable information in all that data but it calls for new processes to enable it to be analyzed. All this has brought with it a renewed and critical need to manage and organize that data with clarity of meaning, understandability, and interoperability. That is, you must be able to integrate this data when it is from within an enterprise but also importantly when it is from many different external sources. What is described here has been and is being done to varying extents. It is called "information governance." Governing this information however has proven to be challenging. But without governance, much of the data can be less useful and perhaps even used incorrectly, significantly impacting enterprise decision making. So we must also respect the needs for information security, consistency, and validity or else suffer the potential economic and legal consequences. Implementing sound governance practices needs to be an integral part of the information control in our organizations. This IBM® Redbooks® publication focuses on the building blocks of a solid governance program. It examines some familiar governance initiative scenarios, identifying how they underpin key governance initiatives, such as Master Data Management, Quality Management, Security and Privacy, and Information Lifecycle Management. IBM Information Management and Governance solutions provide a comprehensive suite to help organizations better understand and build their governance solutions. The book also identifies new and innovative approaches that are developed by IBM practice leaders that can help as you implement the foundation capabilities in your organizations.
Publisher: IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 0738439517
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 264
Book Description
Managing information within the enterprise has always been a vital and important task to support the day-to-day business operations and to enable analysis of that data for decision making to better manage and grow the business for improved profitability. To do all that, clearly the data must be accurate and organized so it is accessible and understandable to all who need it. That task has grown in importance as the volume of enterprise data has been growing significantly (analyst estimates of 40 - 50% growth per year are not uncommon) over the years. However, most of that data has been what we call "structured" data, which is the type that can fit neatly into rows and columns and be more easily analyzed. Now we are in the era of "big data." This significantly increases the volume of data available, but it is in a form called "unstructured" data. That is, data from sources that are not as easily organized, such as data from emails, spreadsheets, sensors, video, audio, and social media sites. There is valuable information in all that data but it calls for new processes to enable it to be analyzed. All this has brought with it a renewed and critical need to manage and organize that data with clarity of meaning, understandability, and interoperability. That is, you must be able to integrate this data when it is from within an enterprise but also importantly when it is from many different external sources. What is described here has been and is being done to varying extents. It is called "information governance." Governing this information however has proven to be challenging. But without governance, much of the data can be less useful and perhaps even used incorrectly, significantly impacting enterprise decision making. So we must also respect the needs for information security, consistency, and validity or else suffer the potential economic and legal consequences. Implementing sound governance practices needs to be an integral part of the information control in our organizations. This IBM® Redbooks® publication focuses on the building blocks of a solid governance program. It examines some familiar governance initiative scenarios, identifying how they underpin key governance initiatives, such as Master Data Management, Quality Management, Security and Privacy, and Information Lifecycle Management. IBM Information Management and Governance solutions provide a comprehensive suite to help organizations better understand and build their governance solutions. The book also identifies new and innovative approaches that are developed by IBM practice leaders that can help as you implement the foundation capabilities in your organizations.
IBM Storage Networking SAN24B-6 Switch
Author: Ernest A. Keenan
Publisher: IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 0738456136
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 18
Book Description
This IBM® Redbooks® product guide describes the IBM Storage Networking SAN24B-6 switch. Explosive data growth, coupled with user expectations of unlimited access from anywhere, at any time, is pushing storage environments to the limit. To meet these dynamic business demands, the network must evolve to improve speed, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. Legacy infrastructures were not designed to support the performance requirements of flash-based storage technology. A new approach to storage networking is required to unlock the full capabilities of all-flash arrays. By treating the network as a strategic part of a storage environment, organizations can maximize their productivity and efficiency, even as they rapidly grow their environments. The IBM Storage Networking SAN24B-6 switch provides exceptional value in an entry-level switch, combining high-performance capabilities of 4, 8, 16, and 32 Gbps, point-and-click simplicity, and enterprise-class functionality. The port speed capability is dependent on the transceiver installed. SAN24B-6 provides small to midsized data centers with low-cost access to industry-leading Gen 5 and Gen 6 Fibre Channel technology and the ability to start small and grow on demand from 8 to 24 ports to support an evolving storage environment. In addition, SAN24B-6 is easy to use and install, with a point-and-click user interface that simplifies deployment and saves time.
Publisher: IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 0738456136
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 18
Book Description
This IBM® Redbooks® product guide describes the IBM Storage Networking SAN24B-6 switch. Explosive data growth, coupled with user expectations of unlimited access from anywhere, at any time, is pushing storage environments to the limit. To meet these dynamic business demands, the network must evolve to improve speed, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. Legacy infrastructures were not designed to support the performance requirements of flash-based storage technology. A new approach to storage networking is required to unlock the full capabilities of all-flash arrays. By treating the network as a strategic part of a storage environment, organizations can maximize their productivity and efficiency, even as they rapidly grow their environments. The IBM Storage Networking SAN24B-6 switch provides exceptional value in an entry-level switch, combining high-performance capabilities of 4, 8, 16, and 32 Gbps, point-and-click simplicity, and enterprise-class functionality. The port speed capability is dependent on the transceiver installed. SAN24B-6 provides small to midsized data centers with low-cost access to industry-leading Gen 5 and Gen 6 Fibre Channel technology and the ability to start small and grow on demand from 8 to 24 ports to support an evolving storage environment. In addition, SAN24B-6 is easy to use and install, with a point-and-click user interface that simplifies deployment and saves time.
Introduction to Storage Area Networks
Author: Jon Tate
Publisher: IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 0738442887
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 302
Book Description
The superabundance of data that is created by today's businesses is making storage a strategic investment priority for companies of all sizes. As storage takes precedence, the following major initiatives emerge: Flatten and converge your network: IBM® takes an open, standards-based approach to implement the latest advances in the flat, converged data center network designs of today. IBM Storage solutions enable clients to deploy a high-speed, low-latency Unified Fabric Architecture. Optimize and automate virtualization: Advanced virtualization awareness reduces the cost and complexity of deploying physical and virtual data center infrastructure. Simplify management: IBM data center networks are easy to deploy, maintain, scale, and virtualize, delivering the foundation of consolidated operations for dynamic infrastructure management. Storage is no longer an afterthought. Too much is at stake. Companies are searching for more ways to efficiently manage expanding volumes of data, and to make that data accessible throughout the enterprise. This demand is propelling the move of storage into the network. Also, the increasing complexity of managing large numbers of storage devices and vast amounts of data is driving greater business value into software and services. With current estimates of the amount of data to be managed and made available increasing at 60% each year, this outlook is where a storage area network (SAN) enters the arena. SANs are the leading storage infrastructure for the global economy of today. SANs offer simplified storage management, scalability, flexibility, and availability; and improved data access, movement, and backup. Welcome to the cognitive era. The smarter data center with the improved economics of IT can be achieved by connecting servers and storage with a high-speed and intelligent network fabric. A smarter data center that hosts IBM Storage solutions can provide an environment that is smarter, faster, greener, open, and easy to manage. This IBM® Redbooks® publication provides an introduction to SAN and Ethernet networking, and how these networks help to achieve a smarter data center. This book is intended for people who are not very familiar with IT, or who are just starting out in the IT world.
Publisher: IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 0738442887
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 302
Book Description
The superabundance of data that is created by today's businesses is making storage a strategic investment priority for companies of all sizes. As storage takes precedence, the following major initiatives emerge: Flatten and converge your network: IBM® takes an open, standards-based approach to implement the latest advances in the flat, converged data center network designs of today. IBM Storage solutions enable clients to deploy a high-speed, low-latency Unified Fabric Architecture. Optimize and automate virtualization: Advanced virtualization awareness reduces the cost and complexity of deploying physical and virtual data center infrastructure. Simplify management: IBM data center networks are easy to deploy, maintain, scale, and virtualize, delivering the foundation of consolidated operations for dynamic infrastructure management. Storage is no longer an afterthought. Too much is at stake. Companies are searching for more ways to efficiently manage expanding volumes of data, and to make that data accessible throughout the enterprise. This demand is propelling the move of storage into the network. Also, the increasing complexity of managing large numbers of storage devices and vast amounts of data is driving greater business value into software and services. With current estimates of the amount of data to be managed and made available increasing at 60% each year, this outlook is where a storage area network (SAN) enters the arena. SANs are the leading storage infrastructure for the global economy of today. SANs offer simplified storage management, scalability, flexibility, and availability; and improved data access, movement, and backup. Welcome to the cognitive era. The smarter data center with the improved economics of IT can be achieved by connecting servers and storage with a high-speed and intelligent network fabric. A smarter data center that hosts IBM Storage solutions can provide an environment that is smarter, faster, greener, open, and easy to manage. This IBM® Redbooks® publication provides an introduction to SAN and Ethernet networking, and how these networks help to achieve a smarter data center. This book is intended for people who are not very familiar with IT, or who are just starting out in the IT world.
Using the IBM Security Framework and IBM Security Blueprint to Realize Business-Driven Security
Author: Axel Buecker
Publisher: IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 0738437891
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 240
Book Description
Security is a major consideration in the way that business and information technology systems are designed, built, operated, and managed. The need to be able to integrate security into those systems and the discussions with business functions and operations exists more than ever. This IBM® Redbooks® publication explores concerns that characterize security requirements of, and threats to, business and information technology (IT) systems. This book identifies many business drivers that illustrate these concerns, including managing risk and cost, and compliance to business policies and external regulations. This book shows how these drivers can be translated into capabilities and security needs that can be represented in frameworks, such as the IBM Security Blueprint, to better enable enterprise security. To help organizations with their security challenges, IBM created a bridge to address the communication gap between the business and technical perspectives of security to enable simplification of thought and process. The IBM Security Framework can help you translate the business view, and the IBM Security Blueprint describes the technology landscape view. Together, they can help bring together the experiences that we gained from working with many clients to build a comprehensive view of security capabilities and needs. This book is intended to be a valuable resource for business leaders, security officers, and consultants who want to understand and implement enterprise security by considering a set of core security capabilities and services.
Publisher: IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 0738437891
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 240
Book Description
Security is a major consideration in the way that business and information technology systems are designed, built, operated, and managed. The need to be able to integrate security into those systems and the discussions with business functions and operations exists more than ever. This IBM® Redbooks® publication explores concerns that characterize security requirements of, and threats to, business and information technology (IT) systems. This book identifies many business drivers that illustrate these concerns, including managing risk and cost, and compliance to business policies and external regulations. This book shows how these drivers can be translated into capabilities and security needs that can be represented in frameworks, such as the IBM Security Blueprint, to better enable enterprise security. To help organizations with their security challenges, IBM created a bridge to address the communication gap between the business and technical perspectives of security to enable simplification of thought and process. The IBM Security Framework can help you translate the business view, and the IBM Security Blueprint describes the technology landscape view. Together, they can help bring together the experiences that we gained from working with many clients to build a comprehensive view of security capabilities and needs. This book is intended to be a valuable resource for business leaders, security officers, and consultants who want to understand and implement enterprise security by considering a set of core security capabilities and services.
IBM Software-Defined Storage Guide
Author: Larry Coyne
Publisher: IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 0738457051
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 158
Book Description
Today, new business models in the marketplace coexist with traditional ones and their well-established IT architectures. They generate new business needs and new IT requirements that can only be satisfied by new service models and new technological approaches. These changes are reshaping traditional IT concepts. Cloud in its three main variants (Public, Hybrid, and Private) represents the major and most viable answer to those IT requirements, and software-defined infrastructure (SDI) is its major technological enabler. IBM® technology, with its rich and complete set of storage hardware and software products, supports SDI both in an open standard framework and in other vendors' environments. IBM services are able to deliver solutions to the customers with their extensive knowledge of the topic and the experiences gained in partnership with clients. This IBM RedpaperTM publication focuses on software-defined storage (SDS) and IBM Storage Systems product offerings for software-defined environments (SDEs). It also provides use case examples across various industries that cover different client needs, proposed solutions, and results. This paper can help you to understand current organizational capabilities and challenges, and to identify specific business objectives to be achieved by implementing an SDS solution in your enterprise.
Publisher: IBM Redbooks
ISBN: 0738457051
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 158
Book Description
Today, new business models in the marketplace coexist with traditional ones and their well-established IT architectures. They generate new business needs and new IT requirements that can only be satisfied by new service models and new technological approaches. These changes are reshaping traditional IT concepts. Cloud in its three main variants (Public, Hybrid, and Private) represents the major and most viable answer to those IT requirements, and software-defined infrastructure (SDI) is its major technological enabler. IBM® technology, with its rich and complete set of storage hardware and software products, supports SDI both in an open standard framework and in other vendors' environments. IBM services are able to deliver solutions to the customers with their extensive knowledge of the topic and the experiences gained in partnership with clients. This IBM RedpaperTM publication focuses on software-defined storage (SDS) and IBM Storage Systems product offerings for software-defined environments (SDEs). It also provides use case examples across various industries that cover different client needs, proposed solutions, and results. This paper can help you to understand current organizational capabilities and challenges, and to identify specific business objectives to be achieved by implementing an SDS solution in your enterprise.