Service and Support
IBM Spectrum Scale's customer service and support are generally effective, with efficient handling of issues. Users appreciate the knowledgeable and responsive assistance, often resolving problems quickly. Some report long wait times for inquiries, yet technical support is valued for its helpfulness and courteous gestures, such as providing demo software free of charge. Experiences range from minimal interaction to excellent support, especially noted in large-scale projects.
Deployment
IBM Spectrum Scale's initial setup experiences vary. Some found it straightforward and simple, while others considered it complex, requiring prepared installations and documentation, especially with Red Hat integrations. Deployment timelines range from days to a month, influenced by customer interactions and configurations. Vendor support can ease complexity, but avoiding erasure coding may increase costs and complicate setup. Overall, individuals expressed differing levels of ease based on prior knowledge, support, and specific implementations.
Scalability
IBM Spectrum Scale is regarded as very scalable by numerous users. Many appreciate its ability to expand with storage needs and handle thousands of users. Some highlight its stability, even during network disruptions or data center losses. While it is robust, a few users mention concerns about future growth limits and resource requirements. The technology is praised for adaptability across various business sizes, from small companies to large banks.
Stability
IBM Spectrum Scale is generally stable, with some users rating its stability as excellent. Most users appreciate its reliability, though a few report occasional issues during upgrades or unexpected server downtimes. Stability can be affected by the storage type used, with improvements noted after switching to IBM FlashSystem 9000. For isolated cases, issues with erasure coding slowing down the file system are noted. Many users have upgraded smoothly, though it requires time.