This IBM® Redbooks® publication introduces the IBM Storwize® V7000 Unified Disk System, a virtualized storage system that consolidates block and file workloads into a single storage system. Advantages include simplicity of management, reduced cost, highly scalable capacity, performance, and high availability. It also offers improved efficiency and flexibility through built-in solid-state drive optimization, thin provisioning, IBM Real-time CompressionTM, and nondisruptive migration of data from existing storage. The system can virtualize and reuse existing disk systems, which offers a greater potential return on investment. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the following Redbooks publications to get the most from this book: Implementing the IBM Storwize V7000 V6.3, SG24-7938 Implementing the IBM System Storage SAN Volume Controller V6.3, SG24-7933 Real-time Compression in SAN Volume Controller and Storwize V7000, REDP-4859 SONAS Implementation and Best Practices Guide, SG24-7962 SONAS Concepts, Architecture, and Planning Guide, SG24-7963