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IBM Spectrum Computing Reviews

Vendor: IBM
4.1 out of 5
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What is IBM Spectrum Computing?

IBM Spectrum Computing uses intelligent workload and policy-driven resource management to optimize resources across the data center, on premises and in the cloud. Now up to 150X faster and scalable to over 160,000 cores, IBM provides you with the latest advances in software-defined infrastructure to help you unleash the power of your distributed mission-critical high performance computing (HPC), analytics and big data applications as well as a new generation open source frameworks such as Hadoop and Spark.

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IBM Spectrum Computing is the #6 ranked solution in top Hadoop solutions and #27 ranked solution in top Cloud Management solutions. PeerSpot users give IBM Spectrum Computing an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. IBM Spectrum Computing is most commonly compared to IBM Turbonomic: IBM Spectrum Computing vs IBM Turbonomic.
Buyer's Guide
Hadoop
August 2025
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IBM Spectrum Computing mindshare

Product category:
Hadoop
As of August 2025, the mindshare of IBM Spectrum Computing in the Hadoop category stands at 1.7%, down from 2.4% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Hadoop Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
IBM Spectrum Computing1.7%
Cloudera Distribution for Hadoop23.3%
Apache Spark19.2%
Other55.8%
Hadoop
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

IBM Spectrum Computing is valued for its robust backup and policy-driven resource management optimizing data centers. Users appreciate the speed, ease of use, and the capability to handle both Oracle SQL databases and high-performance computing tasks. Its integration with ECUs and ability to support complex configurations like VR is noteworthy. Predictive analytics and intelligent workload management enhance decision-making. Stability and reliability are consistent highlights for users, who find technical support responsive and effective.
  • "The best features of IBM Spectrum Computing are common across many of their storage products."
  • "I have utilized IBM Spectrum Computing's intelligent workload management feature through Insights, which is connected to the cloud."
  • "IBM's ability to cluster compute resources is impressive, with built-in support for scenarios like VR and active-active configurations,"

Room for Improvement

IBM Spectrum Computing faces issues in tape management, hyper-convergence compatibility, and lacks user-friendly GUI features. Deduplication and protocol limitations affect performance. There's a need for better documentation, particularly in Spanish. The absence of direct OEM support in regions like Pakistan hinders effectiveness. Sales processes are complex, with fragmented support structures. Some customers encounter difficulties with hardware lifecycle and compatibility. Shifting to cloud technology and enhancing system administration could help address these concerns.
  • "The deduplication software isn't quite up to speed with the market."
  • "The deduplication software isn't quite up to speed with the market. While IBM has excellent compression technology, specifically on their FlashCore modules, they lag behind competitors such as NetApp in deduplication capabilities."
  • "IBM's sales and support structure can be challenging."

Pricing

IBM Spectrum Computing is viewed as expensive by many users, with some indicating it as one of the most costly products available. However, the pricing can be competitive and appealing, especially in comprehensive implementations where it has demonstrated cost advantages, such as being significantly cheaper than alternatives like NetApp. Users often find IBM's pricing structure compelling after initial setup, making it challenging to switch to other solutions.
  • "Spectrum Computing is one of the most expensive products on the market."
  • "This solution is expensive."

Popular Use Cases

IBM Spectrum Computing is primarily used for data backup and storage, supporting various environments including VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V, Unix, and Windows. Utilized on-premises and for high-performance computing, it also offers data management, governance, and ETL functions. Organizations value its resilience, security, and performance, applying it in diverse scenarios such as batch processing, file servers, Kubernetes, and Oracle. It caters to both private and public cloud services with a focus on performance rather than capacity.

Service and Support

Customers express satisfaction with IBM Spectrum Computing's technical support, citing a good response time for hardware issues but noting occasional delays for software. Some companies prefer self-training their teams due to regional support limitations. Experiences vary, with translation affecting clarity in non-English-speaking countries. Despite this, technical quality is praised, and the support rating is high at 9.9 out of 10. While some find response times lengthy, others find the accuracy and problem-solving commendable.

Deployment

IBM Spectrum Computing's initial setup is often considered complex and time-consuming, particularly for large environments. Deployments can vary, ranging from half an hour to several months depending on the complexity. Challenges include a need for significant planning, professional support, and skilled personnel. Limited availability of experts and reliance on distributors for technical knowledge are noted. Effective planning, involving knowledgeable teams, ensures manageable implementation within a week for some users.

Scalability

IBM Spectrum Computing impresses with its scalability and integration capabilities. Users find it easy to scale, with capacity extending to petabytes. Although high performance and reliability are praised, the complexity and cost may be challenging for those unfamiliar. Despite smaller market needs in some regions, its ability to scale widely is notable. IBM servers are recognized for high-end performance, distinct from mainstream options like Dell or HPE, providing a unique high-capability category.

Stability

Users find IBM Spectrum Computing reliable and stable. It performs as expected without significant issues, delivering consistent and dependable performance. Stability is frequently highlighted as a strong feature, indicating minimal problems during usage. Many express satisfaction with its consistent operation, noting that it meets their needs effectively with dependable functionality. The positive impressions suggest that users feel confident about its ability to deliver a stable computing environment.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
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Learn more about IBM Spectrum Computing

IBM Spectrum Computing was previously known as IBM Platform Computing.

IBM Spectrum Computing customers

London South Bank University, Transvalor, Infiniti Red Bull Racing, Genomic

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Product Categories

Product Categories
Hadoop
Cloud Management

Popular Comparisons

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IBM Spectrum Computing Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
Infrastructure Technical Specialist II at Clicks Group4.5I find IBM Spectrum Computing to be performance-oriented and versatile, handling diverse tasks effectively. While their software is stable and robust, improvements in deduplication and a more user-friendly GUI would enhance cost efficiency and administration.
Solutions Architect at a tech services company with 1,001-5,000 employees5.0I appreciate IBM Spectrum Computing's resilience and clustering capabilities but find its systems overly complex and costly. Limited support and compatibility issues lead to challenges, prompting some consideration of alternatives despite IBM's efforts to improve offerings and integration.
Data QualityTechnical Architect at a tech services company with 10,001+ employees4.5No summary available
Sales Manager at a tech services company with 51-200 employees4.5No summary available
IT Manager, Deputy Chairman of the Board at a financial services firm with 5,001-10,000 employees3.0No summary available
Sr. Pre-Sales Engineer at Advanced Technology Company5.0No summary available
System, Storage and Data Administrator at ORNESS3.0No summary available
Sales Manager at a tech services company with 51-200 employees4.0I primarily use IBM Spectrum Computing for ETL activities, particularly for PowerVAC. The ECUs are user-friendly, instilling confidence due to IBM's reputation. However, the lack of documentation, especially in Spanish, poses a significant challenge.