Big Blue drops a billion dollars to refresh its pig herd's lipstick

Billion, but for what?

According to the first paragraph, the Gigabuck is to be invested in the storage portfolio over the next several years. I'm assuming that the make-up application cost a good deal less.

Whoever came up with this "software defined" bollocks needs a good hard punch in the face.

Same shit, different label.

As for buying storage software and putting it on any old hardware, remember how much time and money the big companies, like IBM, put into testing the various combinations of software and hardware so they feel confident they can support you. Well, now you're on your own. If it doesn't work on the hardware you've invested in (unless you're so fucking stupid you think that we don't have hardware any more - just "clouds") then tough shit - you're on your own.

Of course, if they no longer have to qualify the hardware then that's another few thousand people they can get rid of. And if that doesn't work, hey let's just buy back some more shares to make it look like we're not destroying the company.

etc.

What did you expect?

No need to re-invent the wheel when you already have all the pieces

Spectrum instruction manual.

To start your Spectrum, switch on and enter the following command:

Load ""

Then press the play button on the cassette deck....

"Spectrum Storage incorporates more than 700 patents"

To me, that says "the barrier to entry is high for the competition, so you'll be locked in"

IBM - the SDS leader?

Currently most of the storage Control Units are based on the x86 processors, same technology as the servers; multi core Intel chips. In fact the multi core is used much more effectively is CU than in servers. Multi-core technology and server virtualization bring some other developments to watch such as the Virtual SAN Appliances (VSAs) or Software Defined Storage SDS) and embedded application on storage control units. The first emulates the server as storage CU, the second using storage CU for applications. SDS is one of the top considerations of IT executives. After selling the x Series to Lenovo, IBM margins on the server hardware are minimal .IBM simply disconnected between the hardware and the control program of almost all storage devices based on x86 platform. It means that the users can use unused or 3rd party servers (or partitions under VMware) to become storage control units, which in many cases can save money. However, it is for the users to deploy servers according to IBM specification and to take responsibility on their availability.

This step, practically makes IBM the leader in SDS offering such solution for tapes, virtualization, XIV storage and clustered NAS. Not a single other storage vendor is coming close to this palette.

I bet the Mysterons are worried.

Now that the deathmarch to $20 earnings per share has failed, it looks like Rometty has decided to simply rename the deck chairs on the Titanic rather than rearrange them.

If I was tasked with the unfortunate responsibility of trying to position this to a room full of customers, I would summarily place my badge on the table and walk out.

All this talk of Spectrum reminded me of https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sinclair-zx-spectrum-vega

For that retro feel :D