10 Implementing the IBM Storwize V7000 with IBM Spectrum Virtualize V8.2.1
2.1  IBM Spectrum Virtualize
IBM Spectrum Virtualize is a software-enabled storage virtualization engine that provides a 
single point of control for storage resources within the data centers. IBM Spectrum Virtualize 
is a core software engine of well-established and industry-proven IBM storage virtualization 
solutions. These solutions include IBM SAN Volume Controller and all versions of IBM 
Storwize family of products (IBM Storwize V3700, IBM Storwize V5000, IBM Storwize V7000, 
and IBM FlashSystem® V9000).
The objectives of IBM Spectrum Virtualize are to manage storage resources in your IT 
infrastructure, and to ensure that they are used to the advantage of your business. These 
processes take place quickly, efficiently, and in real time, while avoiding increases in 
administrative costs.
Although IBM Spectrum Virtualize is a core software engine of the entire family of IBM 
Storwize products (see Figure 2-1), the information in this book is intentionally related to the 
deployment considerations of IBM Storwize V7000 Gen2 and Gen2+. 
Throughout this book, the term IBM Storwize V7000 is used to refer to both models of the 
IBM Storwize V7000 when the text applies similarly to both.
Figure 2-1   IBM Spectrum Virtualize software
2.2  Storage virtualization
Storage virtualization, is one of the foundations of building a flexible and reliable infrastructure 
solution that enables companies to better align their technologies needs. Storage 
virtualization enables an organization to achieve affordability and manageability by 
implementing storage pools across several physically separate disk systems (which might be 
from different vendors).
Naming: With the introduction of the IBM Spectrum Storage™ family, the software  that 
runs on IBM SAN Volume Controller and IBM Storwize family products is called IBM 
Spectrum Virtualize. The name of the underlying hardware platform remains intact.