Like other traditional IT vendors, IBM is repositioning itself for the cloud in a multi-billion dollar push to expand into new markets. This week, the tech titan unleashed an array of hardware and software solutions that aim to make the increasingly popular hybrid cloud model more viable for cost-conscious SMBs.

The latest additions to the company’s portfolio include a low-range, single chassis PureFlex appliance dubbed Express, and a  more expensive configuration that is specifically designed to consolidate legacy IBM i deployments. The systems are joined by the Power Integrated Facility for Linux, an enterprise solution that offers to help CIOs scale their cloud environments without overspending on software licenses.

Other new products include Storwize V5000, a mid-range hybrid array with built-in storage tiering, the IBM System x3250 M5 uni-processor rack server, and PowerVP, a performance monitoring tool for virtualized environments.

Shortly after Big Blue announced its portfolio refresh, data protection specialist FalconStor updated two of its core software solutions to better support virtualized environments. Network Storage Server 7.5 adds support for VMware VAAI, while RecoverTrac 2.7, a complementary automation feature, has been made compatible with Sphere 5.5 and Microsoft Hyper-V 3.0.

The latest release of FalconStor’s Continuous Data Protector backup solution also introduces a number of major improvements, including the ability to set specific encryption formats for different data types and an enhanced continuous protection journal.

Over in the public cloud, Amazon introduced a new startup bundle called AWS Activate. Available in two editions, Self-Starter and Portfolio, the package includes free access to select services, technical support and training material, as well as forum privileges and a set of offers from third party companies.