Netapp FAS or IBM N-Series, this is the question?

Around this April, IBM is finally about to announce their equivalents to the FAS3270 in N-Series. This raises the question again, which is better to acquire?

I've used them both and have seen advantages to both platforms. Beside the late bloom of the N-series equivalent of the FAS and it's derivatives, there is the issue of support, which is provided by Netapp engineers. But the most troubling issue, is related to IBM's commitment to N-series in the next few years with their Storwize product line.

On every recent session I had with IBM, the V7000 storage system is offered first. The latter product line is aimed at Mid-Range Disk systems, just as the N-series was positioned so far. When I point out that SAN environment is a must then the XIV product line is suggested.

To my honest opinion, it seems that IBM is keeping N-series customers on low fire, just till they have a better solution for this SMB, Mid range market.

For someone who is an IBM customer for many years, it seems unfair – On one side show commitment to the N-Series by introducing new products, on the other side, develop and strongly market their in house alternative. Maybe it is Netapp who should raise this question on behalf of the customers and ask IBM to share their 5-Year roadmap vision of both product lines, so we as customers should know what to choose at this point in time.

What is your insight?  - You are welcome to leave your opinion on the comments below.

-Partykof