Flash memory and storage
Top Stories
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News
08 Apr 2025
Dell storage lines get refresh for AI workloads
Dell Technologies rolls out PowerEdge, ObjectScale and PowerScale hardware updates, alongside new capabilities for the PowerProtect and PowerStore software. Continue Reading
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Opinion
24 Feb 2025
Security, cost attention mark new era of storage modernization
According to recent research, enterprises are prioritizing cybersecurity and cost management. Storage vendors such as NetApp are making these elements a focal point of products. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Jul 2023
all-flash array (AFA)
An all-flash array (AFA), also known as a solid-state storage disk system or a solid-state array, is an external storage array that supports only flash media for persistent storage. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jul 2023
SAS vs. NVMe: The future of 2 key storage interfaces
In SAS vs. NVMe, both interfaces play significant roles in enterprise storage. See how they stack up in terms of performance, scalability, flexibility and manageability. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2023
Explore benefits, tradeoffs with SLC vs. MLC vs. TLC and more
Learn the important capacity, performance and reliability differences among multilayer flash types, including SLC vs. MLC vs. TLC, and typical uses for each. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Jul 2023
Flash memory guide to architecture, types and products
Flash memory, a staple of consumer electronics, is playing a wider role in enterprise storage. This guide offers an overview of flash, from current use cases to future directions. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jun 2023
flash storage
Flash storage is any type of drive, repository or system that uses flash memory to write and store data for an extended period. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2023
EEPROM vs. flash memory: What's the difference?
Even though there might be a 10 million-to-one price-per-gigabyte difference between EEPROM and NAND flash, each memory type makes sense in its own role. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jun 2023
PCIe SSD (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express solid-state drive)
A PCIe SSD (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express solid-state drive) is a high-speed expansion card that attaches a computer to its peripherals. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jun 2023
NVMe (non-volatile memory express)
NVMe (non-volatile memory express) is a transfer protocol created to accelerate the transfer speed of data in solid-state storage devices. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jun 2023
QLC vs. TLC SSDs: Which is best for your storage needs?
QLC flash memory is best for most read-intensive workloads, while TLC is suited to write-dominant workloads. Discover how QLC vs. TLC NAND are coexisting in the data center. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jun 2023
A primer on SSD response time, other performance benchmarks
Consider several SSD performance benchmarks, including SSD response time, as key units of measurement. Also, note the difference between benchmarks and load generators. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jun 2023
M.2 SSD
An M.2 SSD is a small form factor solid-state drive (SSD) that internally mounted storage expansion cards use. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jun 2023
flash memory
Flash memory, also known as flash storage, is a type of nonvolatile memory that erases data in units called blocks and rewrites data at the byte level. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jun 2023
hybrid flash array
A hybrid flash array is a solid-state storage system that contains a mix of flash memory drives and hard disk drives. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jun 2023
Flash memory vs. RAM: What's the difference?
Even though vendors refer to flash memory and conventional RAM -- the main memory of a PC or server -- as solid-state memory, these two memory types are significantly different. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jun 2023
Charge trap technology advantages for 3D NAND flash drives
Flash drive cells based on charge trap technology have several advantages over older floating gate cells. However, take note of potential reliability issues. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jun 2023
5 NAND flash manufacturers balance performance, reliability
NAND flash manufacturers Kioxia, Micron, Samsung, SK Hynix and Western Digital offer varying levels of capacity. They also provide an assortment of uses. Continue Reading
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Opinion
15 Jun 2023
Pure flash storage evolves, puts HDD investments in question
Innovations in flash storage driving down cost might make it more difficult to justify investments in hard disk drives moving forward, Pure Storage CEO and others claim. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2023
Pure takes aim at HDDs with FlashArray for colder storage
Pure Storage added a new, cost-efficient model to its FlashArray line expanding potential uses cases. It's also rolling out new controller upgrades and data protection SLAs. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Jun 2023
How to purchase SSDs during a NAND flash price drop
Although NAND prices are collapsing, that doesn't mean they will pop back up at some future date. It's rarely a good idea to purchase SSDs well before they are needed. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Jun 2023
write endurance
Write endurance is the number of program/erase (P/E) cycles that can be applied to a block of flash memory before the storage media becomes unreliable. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Jun 2023
SSD form factor
An SSD form factor is the size, configuration or physical arrangement of solid state storage media. The form factor determines the media's physical compatibility and interchangeability with other computer components or devices. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Jun 2023
NOR flash memory
NOR flash memory is one of two types of non-volatile storage technologies. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jun 2023
Evaluate flash memory advantages and disadvantages
Flash memory and solid-state devices have revolutionized storage, but to deploy them effectively, you must understand their advantages and disadvantages. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 May 2023
3D NAND flash
3D NAND is a type of non-volatile flash memory in which the memory cells are stacked vertically in multiple layers. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2023
DDN launches all-QLC ExaScaler
The all-QLC ExaScaler scale-out parallel file system from DDN slots in between performance and costs. It comes at a time when AI workloads are on the rise. Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2023
Micron 6500 Ion increases layers over 200, lowers price
Micron expanded its enterprise SSD portfolio with the 232-layer Micron 6500 Ion to lower costs and the Micron XTR, a new SLC, to increase overall performance. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 May 2023
NAND flash memory
NAND flash memory is a type of non-volatile storage technology that does not require power to retain data. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2023
Storage's role in generative AI
Generative AI continues to create industry buzz. Experts say storage plays a critical role in making the technology run. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Apr 2023
Choose between NAND vs. NOR flash memory
When comparing NAND flash memory to NOR, it's important to examine the structural differences to understand which type of non-volatile memory is best suited for some applications. Continue Reading
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News
07 Apr 2023
The potential effects of Pure Storage's 300 TB SSDs
Pure Storage plans to have 300 TB SSD modules by 2026, potentially putting other HDD- and SSD-based systems at a scalability disadvantage. But with two-plus years to go, that advantage could change. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Mar 2023
Compare DRAM vs. DRAM-less SSDs for cost, performance
Are DRAM-less SSDs the way of the future? While they're a great fit for hyperscale data centers, other organizations may also find benefits, such as cost. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Mar 2023
Understand how the CXL SSD can aid performance
Although CXL SSDs are only in the research phase, their performance shows promise. When used as simple memory extensions, they should improve programs that manage large data sets. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Mar 2023
How SSD data reduction can help enterprises
Data reduction techniques have been difficult to achieve on SSDs, but vendors appear to be making progress. The more effective the data reduction, the more affordable SSDs become. Continue Reading
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News
01 Mar 2023
Pure aims new FlashBlade//E at unstructured data market
Pure Storage expanded its storage offerings with FlashBlade//E designed for the unstructured data market with an acquisition cost on par with hybrid storage. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Feb 2023
magnetic field strength
Magnetic field strength is a measure of the intensity of a magnetic field in a given area of that field. Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2023
Vast Data expands data services for file and object
Vast Data Universal Storage brought out data services, including set performance, metadata cataloging, better security, container integration and snapshots. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Feb 2023
Why QLC flash changes the hybrid cloud equation
In the debates of hard drives vs. flash and on vs. off premises, the answer is often not just one over the other. However, surging QLC flash technology offers many benefits. Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2023
NetApp adds storage buying options, arrays
NetApp introduces a myriad of buying options and hybrid cloud capabilities for VMware workloads on Google Cloud. Soon-to-come: new QLC all-flash arrays. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Feb 2023
Volatile times for non-volatile memory as NAND sales decline
All the major NAND vendors are seeing poor earnings as the demand for flash storage has dried up over the last two quarters. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
26 Jan 2023
Understand SSD overheating and what to do about it
It's easy for an SSD to overheat, but there are several methods to cool it down. Keep cool, and avoid damage to the SSD's data retention and integrity. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2023
Micron's 9400 U.3 SSD aimed at AI, ML workloads
Micron has expanded its NVMe SSD portfolio with the 9400 U.3, a TLC drive designed to provide high-performance storage for high-performance use cases. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Dec 2022
microchip
A microchip -- also called a chip, computer chip or integrated circuit (IC) -- is a unit of integrated circuitry that is manufactured at a microscopic scale using a semiconductor material, such as silicon or, to a lesser degree, germanium. Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2022
Samsung begins producing 1 terabit TLC NAND
Samsung has begun mass production on its latest generation of V-NAND, bringing 1 terabit per chip to raise density and increase speed. Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2022
Promises, potential pitfalls of software-enabled flash
An open source project is aiming to upend how storage architecture runs, but for developers to see potential gains, they'll have to invest in both hardware and software. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Oct 2022
Filmmaker uses NAS storage for better collaboration
With normal workflows out the window, horror filmmaker Damien LeVeck eased the collaborative movie editing process by going all-in with Blackmagic Cloud Store. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Oct 2022
EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory)
EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory) is memory that does not lose its data when the power supply is cut off. Continue Reading
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News
07 Oct 2022
Micron investment to spark chip ecosystem in New York
The $100 billion plan aims to bring businesses and thousands of workers to the Syracuse, N.Y., area -- and boost the chip supply for the IT staples and innovations CIOs pursue. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Sep 2022
State tax agency nixes slow HDD backup for speedier flash
The Mississippi Department of Revenue chose an all-flash storage and backup setup to maximize app performance and minimize headaches after a spinning-platter disaster. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Sep 2022
memory management unit (MMU)
A memory management unit (MMU) is a computer hardware component that handles all memory and caching operations associated with the processor. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Sep 2022
electric field strength
Electric field strength is a quantitative expression of the intensity of an electric field at a particular location. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Sep 2022
permittivity (electric permittivity)
Permittivity (electric permittivity) is defined as the ratio of electric displacement to the electric field intensity. Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2022
IntelliProp CEO describes how CXL will change memory market
In this Q&A, IntelliProp CEO John Spiers talks about his vision for CXL and how it will affect both storage performance and the storage market. Continue Reading
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News
08 Sep 2022
NAND prices drop, but customers won't benefit
Supply chain disruptions, recession fears and war in Ukraine have helped push the price of NAND down sharply, but OEMs may not lower their prices any time soon. Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2022
The legacy of Optane goes on
Intel's storage class memory has ceased production, but the technology and the mission for cheaper, more performant storage disrupted an entire market. Continue Reading
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News
25 Aug 2022
Kioxia looks back at 35 years of NAND -- and at what's ahead
Kioxia invented NAND memory 35 years ago. At FMS, the company highlighted the technological achievements of NAND while introducing new SSDs and protocols. Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 Aug 2022
Understand the Intel Optane shutdown
Intel's upcoming shutdown of Optane follows multibillion-dollar losses. However, some technology benefits came out of the IT giant's effort to improve storage performance. Continue Reading
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News
08 Aug 2022
Phison's new X1 controller to power Seagate SSD
Seagate continues its partnership with Phison through the release of the X1, a customizable SSD controller that promises higher performance and lower power use. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jul 2022
Intel pulls the plug on Optane
Intel will wind down its storage class memory business as it plans to shift focus elsewhere, while still supporting current customers using the technology. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jul 2022
What to know about SMART SSD use
This overview of SMART attributes in SSDs explains how organizations can put them to good use. SMART SSDs provide peace of mind about device life span. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jul 2022
Micron breaks the 200-layer barrier in NAND
Micron is shipping a 232-layer NAND that brings higher density and performance with potentially lower costs, starting on the client side before moving to the data center. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jul 2022
Hamming code
Hamming code is an error correction system that can detect and correct errors when data is stored or transmitted. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2022
Micron releases first 176-layer NAND SATA SSD
Micron brings high endurance, lower costs and continued support for the SATA interface with the release of its new 5400 SATA SSD for the data center. Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 Jun 2022
Pure Storage's focus shines at Pure Accelerate 2022
At Pure Accelerate 2022, Pure Storage displayed its continued investment in R&D, coupled with new product releases. The vendor should continue to make a splash in flash. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jun 2022
Pure Storage FlashBlade//S increases performance, flexibility
The new Pure Storage FlashBlade//S expands the file and object storage array into a family with more options and more use cases. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Jun 2022
solid
A solid is a state of matter that retains its shape and density when not confined. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Jun 2022
dielectric material
A dielectric material is a poor conductor of electricity but an efficient supporter of electrostatic fields. Continue Reading
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News
25 May 2022
IBM releases compact, ultra-fast storage for AI
IBM released the elastic storage system 3500, a new object storage array that uses Spectrum Scale to provide fast storage for AI modeling and training. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 May 2022
EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory)
EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) is a user-modifiable ROM. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 May 2022
program/erase cycle (P/E cycle)
A solid-state storage program/erase cycle (P/E cycle) is a sequence of events in which data is written to a solid-state NAND flash memory cell, such as the type found in a flash or thumb drive, and is subsequently erased and rewritten. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2022
Dell to ship all-NVMe version of VxRail for Project Monterey
Dell plans to ship an all-NVMe version of VxRail that will be the first hyper-converged system to work with VMware's Project Monterey, scheduled for release this summer. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Apr 2022
metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET)
The metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET, pronounced MAWS-feht) is the most common type of field-effect transistor (FET). Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2022
How enterprises can ensure NVMe security in 2.0
Today's world demands airtight security more than ever. Key NVMe security features, such as namespaces, the Lockdown command and TLS in NVMe over TCP, keep data safe. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Apr 2022
queue depth
Queue depth, in storage, is the number of pending input/output (I/O) requests that a storage resource can handle at any one time. Continue Reading
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News
22 Apr 2022
Vast Data, Vertica to deliver data lakehouse and analytics
Vast Data combined its disaggregated 'share everything' storage with Vertica's high-performance analytics to create a data lakehouse that answers queries in near real time. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Apr 2022
RAM-based solid-state drive (SSD)
A RAM-based solid-state drive (SSD) is a storage device made from silicon microchips that has no moving parts and stores data electronically instead of magnetically. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Apr 2022
solid-state drive (SSD) capacity
Solid-state drive (SSD) capacity is the maximum amount of data that can be stored on a solid-state drive. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2022
overprovisioning (SSD overprovisioning)
Overprovisioning, in a storage context, is the inclusion of extra storage capacity in a solid-state drive. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Apr 2022
Ways to add enterprise NVMe drives to your infrastructure
Organizations can benefit from faster data transport between applications and storage through NVMe. When looking at enterprise NVMe, remember management and cost considerations. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Apr 2022
flash solid-state drive (SSD)
A flash solid-state drive (SSD) is a non-volatile storage device that stores persistent data in flash memory. Continue Reading
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News
11 Apr 2022
Nexsan brings NVMe storage to SMBs
Nexsan Unity NV10000 storage array helps NVMe storage become more mainstream by making the interface accessible to smaller companies. Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2022
Kioxia releases PCIe Gen 5 SSD for data centers
Kioxia's CD8, its second-generation PCIe Gen 5 SSDs, provides increased performance and a 2.5 inch form factor that make it much more data center-friendly than the CD7. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Mar 2022
OpenDrives key to remote editing of Dave Grohl documentary
Jim Rota and Dean Gonzalez lacked high-performance storage needed to make and edit their new music documentary, so they turned to a vendor born out of Hollywood movie-making. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Mar 2022
write amplification factor (WAF)
Write amplification factor (WAF) is a numerical value that represents the amount of data a solid-state drive (SSD) controller writes in relation to the amount of data that the host's flash controller writes. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Mar 2022
SSD vs. SSHD vs. HDD: Which one is best?
Hybrid drives promise fast, cost-effective performance for primary and secondary storage. Here's what you need to know about the benefits and drawbacks compared to SSDs and HDDs. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2022
Kioxia ups NAND ante with new 24G SAS SSD
Kioxia unveils its second-generation 24G SAS SSDs, the PM7, building off its previous generation to provide added performance and support for the new FIPS standard. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Mar 2022
The role of NVMe network storage for the future
This chapter excerpt from 'Building a Future-Proof Cloud Infrastructure' examines the role networking and storage protocols, like NVMe, could have in the remote storage market. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2022
NAND flash wear-out
NAND flash wear-out is the breakdown of the oxide layer within the floating gate transistors of NAND flash memory. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2022
Kioxia, WD NAND contamination to affect flash pricing
A contamination last month of WD NAND that also affected Kioxia has been corrected, but the fallout from disrupted flash memory production is not yet known. Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2022
Nvidia buys Excelero to speed block storage access in DPUs
Excelero's NVMe storage pooling technology will become integrated with Nvidia's DPU technology stack for faster block storage access in data centers. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Mar 2022
solid-state storage garbage collection
Solid-state storage garbage collection, or SSD garbage collection, is an automated process by which a solid-state drive (SSD) improves write performance. Continue Reading
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News
01 Mar 2022
Micron releases first 176-layer NAND data center SSD
The Micron 7450 marks the launch of the first 176-layer NAND SSD aimed at the data center, bringing a consistently low-latency, PCIe Gen 4 performance and a spectrum of form factors. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Feb 2022
Vast Data solves high-performance computing challenge
When DUG began to supply high-performance computing as a service, it discovered its storage was not up to the task, sending the company on a years-long journey. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Feb 2022
The best enterprise storage arrays of 2021
Tintri, Infinidat and Dell EMC enterprise arrays win top honors in the Products of the Year disk and disk subsystems category for their use of flash and automation. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Feb 2022
The top data storage and management tools of 2021
Software focused on large-scale data management and storage in expanding environments won in this year's Products of the Year storage system and application software category. Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2022
IBM upgrades FlashSystem to tackle ransomware
Addressing the continuing onslaught of cyber attacks, IBM has delivered an offering that combines its FlashSystem and Cyber Vault products for fast recovery. Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2022
NVMe-oF storage provider Pavilion Data raises $45 million
NVMe-oF startup Pavilion Data completed a series C1 funding with an additional $45 million, while keeping its focus on helping customers tackle modern workloads. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Jan 2022
Understand NVMe 2.0 specification and its related features
NVMe 2.0 added several features for storage administrators to consider, including domain support. The specification also made enhancements, such as to Endurance Group Management. Continue Reading
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News
17 Dec 2021
Vast Data: New NVMe enclosures will cause HDD demise
Vast Data is using 30 TB QLC SSDs in its Universal Storage system, putting itself on par with enterprise HDDs in pricing, while bringing more performance to a smaller footprint. Continue Reading
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News
16 Dec 2021
NetApp AFF A900 brings more performance to same chassis
NetApp AFF A900 adds higher efficiency, additional OnTap features and optional anti-ransomware software to the flagship array. There's also an upgrade option for A700 users. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2021
Pure Storage launches highest performing FlashArray//XL
Pure Storage releases FlashArray//XL, its highest performance array that completes the puzzle for on-prem customer storage. Continue Reading