Solid-state storage
Solid-state storage is becoming common for SAN, NAS and even emerging systems such as hyper-converged infrastructure. Look for guidance and advice on solid-state storage topics such as solid-state drives (SSDs) and devices, SSD prices and performance, solid-state memory, flash memory, and emerging flash technologies such as NVMe, Optane and 3D XPoint.
Top Stories
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Tip
14 Feb 2024
7 causes of SSD failure and how to deal with them
Although SSDs are a reliable storage technology, they are still prone to occasional failure. Here are some best practices to keep your SSDs humming along. 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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Definition
13 Feb 2024
disk array
A disk array, also called a storage array, is a data storage system used for block-based storage, file-based storage or object storage. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jan 2024
SSD write cycle
An SSD write cycle is the process of programming data to a NAND flash memory chip in a solid-state storage device. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Nov 2023
Tier 0
Tier 0 is a level of data storage that is faster, and perhaps more expensive, than any other level in the storage hierarchy. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Aug 2023
semiconductor fab
A semiconductor fab -- short for fabrication -- is a manufacturing plant in which raw silicon wafers are turned into integrated circuits (ICs). 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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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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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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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
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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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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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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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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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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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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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
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
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News
23 Nov 2021
Kioxia releases PCIe 5.0 EDSFF SSDs
Kioxia became the first vendor to release a PCIe Gen 5.0 SSD with its new CD7 series. Still, it highlighted the EDSFF specification over beating the Gen 5 drum. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Nov 2021
solid-state
Solid-state is a common descriptor used to refer to electronic components, devices and systems based entirely on semiconductor materials such as silicon, germanium or gallium arsenide. Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2021
ScaleFlux debuts SFX 3000 series and SSDs
ScaleFlux showcased its new SFX 3000 computational storage suite, including a custom chip and new SSDs with higher performance along with compression and encryption. Continue Reading
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News
28 Oct 2021
Upgrades to Vast Data OS emphasize simplicity, security
Vast Data released VastOS 4, which includes security features such as indestructible data snapshots and visualization tools aimed at making storage simpler to use and manage. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Oct 2021
non-volatile storage (NVS)
Non-volatile storage (NVS) is a broad collection of technologies and devices that do not require a continuous power supply to retain data or program code persistently on a short- or long-term basis. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Sep 2021
Look for PCIe 5.0, NVMe 2.0 to boost storage performance
Enterprises that need high-performance storage for AI and ML workloads can keep an eye out for new products based on the latest PCIe 5.0 and NVMe 2.0 specifications. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Sep 2021
mSATA SSD (mSATA solid-state drive)
An mSATA SSD is a solid-state drive (SSD) that conforms to the mSATA interface specification developed by the Serial ATA (SATA) International Organization. Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2021
Rising NAND flash prices should start to fall in 2022
Enterprise customers should see prices for NAND flash and enterprise SSDs start to fall in 2022, as flash and component shortages subside, market analysts predict. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Aug 2021
SSD (solid-state drive)
An SSD, or solid-state drive, is a type of storage device used in computers. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Aug 2021
RAID 5 vs. RAID 6: Capacity, performance, durability
RAID 5 and RAID 6 provide solid data protection, but both have their pros and cons. Find out what to compare when deciding between RAID 5 vs. RAID 6 in this tip. Continue Reading
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News
03 Aug 2021
Mexican production studio storage needs supported by Quantum
Quantum's StorNext File System supports new Mexican production studio looking to grow their business worldwide with an expandable NVMe storage setup and ongoing tape backups. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jul 2021
NVMe speeds vs. SATA and SAS: Which is fastest?
The NVMe protocol is tailor-made to make SSDs fast. Get up to speed on NVMe performance and how it compares to the SATA and SAS interfaces. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Jul 2021
Serial ATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment or SATA)
Serial ATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment or SATA) is a command and transport protocol that defines how data is transferred between a computer's motherboard and mass storage devices, such as hard disk drives (HDDs), optical drives and solid-state drives (SSDs). Continue Reading
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News
17 Jun 2021
Infinidat expands beyond HDDs with new all-solid-state array
Infinidat's new all-solid-state InfiniBox SSA storage array is built on the same deep-learning software and DRAM cache technology that its flagship disk-based InfiniBox models use. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 May 2021
Pure Storage CEO zones in on enabling digital transformation
Pure Storage's CEO said the company will probably pursue acquisitions beyond its 2020 Portworx purchase to further assist customers in their digital transformation efforts. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2021
Pure Storage updates management tool, integrates Portworx
Pure launched its first Portworx container storage update since acquiring the startup last year and enabled management through its newly updated Pure1 management tool. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Apr 2021
Explore the challenges, benefits of provisioned IOPS storage
IT admins who want the flexibility to provision IOPS independently from capacity can turn to certain software-defined storage and cloud services offerings. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2021
Dell EMC speeds up PowerStore array, debuts lower-cost model
Dell Technologies launches new lower-cost PowerStore entry model and PowerStore software updates to enhance performance, automation, NVMe over Fibre Channel and Optane support. Continue Reading
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News
18 Feb 2021
Violin, Stratoscale data storage technologies rise from dust
StorCentric's data storage technologies added Violin Systems in a bargain pickup last year. Zadara this week snagged the remnants of Stratoscale's HCI software. Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2021
Pure Storage nudges all-flash toward hybrid workloads
Pure Storage all-flash revolves around unified fast file and object storage to consolidate local and cloud-based application data on a single high-performance flash platform. Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 Feb 2021
These 5 IT buzzwords for 2021 reflect data storage priorities
As a mature IT discipline, the pace of change in storage has slowed, but there is still plenty of buzz about underlying technologies you'll need to know about in 2021. Continue Reading
- 14 Feb 2021
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News
29 Jan 2021
QLC flash drives are hot '21 trend, pressure HDDs on price
Hot 2021 trends in memory and storage will include the ramp of QLC SSDs in enterprise flash arrays, pressuring HDDs on price, increasing Optane adoption and NVMe over TCP. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jan 2021
erasure coding
Erasure coding (EC) is a method of data protection in which data is broken into fragments, expanded and encoded with redundant data pieces and stored across a set of different locations or storage media. Continue Reading
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News
31 Dec 2020
30 TB PCIe 4.0 SSDs, 20 TB HDDs push storage limits in 2020
Enterprise storage drives continued to push the limits of performance and capacity in 2020, with fast new PCIe Gen4 SSDs at 30 TB and energy-assisted HDDs at 20 TB. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Dec 2020
What the 4 PMem App Direct Modes mean for your organization
Do you know the difference between the four Intel Optane persistent memory App Direct Mode types? Find out how you can use each of them most effectively. Continue Reading
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News
16 Dec 2020
Intel launches fastest Optane SSD, 144-layer QLC NAND SSDs
New additions to Intel's memory and storage product roadmap include Optane's fastest solid-state drive yet and dense 144-layer QLC NAND SSDs that top out at 30.72 TB. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Dec 2020
4 sources of storage latency and PMem's emerging role
Controllers, the software stack, and external and internal interconnects have an outsized impact on storage latency. Learn about their affects and how PMem is countering latency. Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2020
Seagate, Western Digital outline progress on RISC-V designs
Seagate and Western Digital provide updates on their RISC-V-enabled processor designs that can drive advances in data storage and security at the network's edge. Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2020
Qumulo storage adds NVMe cache to NAS stash
The Qumulo storage software code was written to operate in containers in microservices environments. The vendor swapped SATA SSDs for NVMe to cache data in front of capacity disk. Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2020
Flash storage debate heats up over QLC SSDs vs. HDDs
QLC flash storage is exerting pressure on spinning disk for mass storage and archiving use cases -- but HDDs will stick around for years if not decades, industry experts predict. Continue Reading
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News
13 Nov 2020
NVMe, Optane, GPUs exert big impact on enterprise storage
Enterprises in need of high-performance storage for AI, analytics and virtualization may find help in new NVMe, Optane and processor technologies, a Flash Memory Summit panel says. Continue Reading
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News
11 Nov 2020
Flash storage grows up with new EDSFF SSDs, denser 3D NAND
Expansive new directions for flash memory technology shine brightly in the launch of 176-layer 3D NAND chips, EDSFF E1.S and Zoned Namespace SSDs, and computational storage drives. Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2020
StorCentric buys flash storage pioneer Violin to fill gap
StorCentric's storage portfolio added an NVMe-based midrange option to its Nexsan and Vexata lines with the acquisition of beleaguered all-flash array pioneer Violin Systems. Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2020
NetApp cloud overshadows everything else at Insight 2020
NetApp stitches cloud services with its Data Fabric technology. NetApp Insight 2020 will showcase new cloud consumption options and storage for microservices-based applications. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2020
Intel offloads NAND flash memory to SK Hynix for $9 billion
Intel exits NAND flash business with $9 billion sale to rival SK Hynix to focus on faster Optane SSDs and memory modules, AI, 5G networking and edge computing. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Oct 2020
NVMe and SCM: Implications for the future of storage
Explore the various ways NVMe technology vendors are preparing the way for organizations to transition to storage class memory in their computing environments. Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2020
All-flash Vast Data storage trains AI data at LightSpeed
Vast Data LightSpeed combines bulk QLC SSD storage with Intel Optane acceleration. The system supports Nvidia beta technology allowing writes from storage to GPU. Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2020
Rivals Cloudian, Scality embrace all-flash object storage
Primarily used as a disk repository, object storage use cases are evolving to support workloads that need fast flash. Rivals Cloudian and Scality provide the latest evidence. Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2020
Nimbus adds cheaper 64 TB QLC SSDs to complement 100 TB SSD
New 3.5-inch 64 TB SSDs from Nimbus Data with QLC flash offer a higher-performance alternative to HDDs for enterprises trying to reduce power, cooling and rack space costs. Continue Reading
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News
20 Aug 2020
SSD and NAND flash prices will decline through start of 2021
NAND flash and enterprise SSD prices that spiked in early 2020 will continue to fall through the end of the year and into 2021 as demand weakens, industry analysts predict. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jul 2020
NVMe Zoned Namespace lowers costs and improves performance
The new zoned storage interface capitalizes on NAND flash capabilities to let host software communicate with NAND storage to better align workloads with SSD storage. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2020
Hitachi Content Platform integrates WekaIO file storage
Hitachi Content Platform G-11 object storage nodes get refreshed with startup WekaIO's parallel file system. The WekaFS is optimized for Hitachi VSP all-flash arrays. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jul 2020
Pure Storage CEO back after COVID-19 battle
Pure Storage CEO Charles Giancarlo said it took him a month to recover from an extended bout with coronavirus. Meanwhile, Pure's revenue grew by 12% last quarter despite the pandemic. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jun 2020
New PCIe 4.0 SSDs, 24 Gbps SAS SSDs supply bandwidth boost
A new wave of bandwidth-doubling enterprise SSDs are on the way from major drive manufacturers to support PCIe Gen 4 and 24 Gbps SAS in enterprise storage arrays and servers. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2020
Western Digital will package new NVMe SSD into NVMe-oF JBOF
Western Digital is prepping a new NVMe over Fabrics-based JBOF storage device that will bundle its highest-performance Ultrastar SN840 NVMe SSDs and RapidFlex network adapters. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Jun 2020
What is the difference between memory and storage?
Storage and memory, while connected, fulfill separate roles in a computer. Memory meets temporary data access needs and storage retains data and other files over the long term. Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2020
Kioxia gives hyperscalers new custom flash drive options
Kioxia's software-enabled flash aims to provide greater host control over storage, data placement and data access to hyperscalers that optimize SSDs for specific workloads. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 May 2020
NVMe-oF storage technology and terms explained
Get to know how NVMe-oF optimizes storage network performance and lowers latency with this roundup of terminology associated with the emerging technology. Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2020
Nimbus, StorOne try to disrupt enterprise storage pricing
Enterprise storage pricing is often shrouded in mystery, but Nimbus Data and StorOne are attempting to shake up the status quo with new tools that give buyers discounted prices on the spot. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 May 2020
How key factors in storage performance and cost spur adoption
It may take years, but a storage product's performance, cost and the problems it solves can converge to make its sales take off. See how a storage technology's tipping point is reached. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2020
Pandemic changes enterprise storage buying plans
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing some IT organizations to delay or push up their 2020 enterprise data storage purchases, while others continue with business as usual. Continue Reading
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Quiz
24 Apr 2020
Test your QLC storage knowledge
Do you know when and where to use QLC flash? Check out our quiz to see what workloads it's best for and other insight into the latest generation of NAND technology. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Apr 2020
Partners weigh in on enterprise flash advances
Enterprise flash is on a trajectory for performance, capacity and price improvements, but partners believe factors beyond technology drive storage infrastructure buys. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Apr 2020
The future of flash memory promises unprecedented speed, capacity
NAND flash's future involves more layers and bits per cell. At the same time, NVMe-oF, storage class memory and other new technologies will fundamentally change memory and storage. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2020
Flash memory standards and interfaces every IT admin should know
Flash memory standards can be confusing for even seasoned IT pros. TLC, QLC, MLC, SLC flash and so on. SAS vs. NVMe, NVMe-oF among others. Let's make sense of this acronym soup. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Mar 2020
Storage class memory makes its way into the enterprise
The number of SCM products and use cases is growing. Find out which vendors have SSD and memory offerings and how they're being used in various products. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Mar 2020
A history of flash memory and its rise in the enterprise
Flash memory plays a huge role in enterprise storage. However, 16 years ago, SSDs barely existed. Find out the story behind this technology and how it came to dominate storage. Continue Reading
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Infographic
23 Mar 2020
How SSD endurance affects flash memory use
SSD durability is a key factor in the lifespan of storage devices. Learn how it's measured, how it's evolving, what the best endurance levels are for different workloads and more. Continue Reading
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News
05 Mar 2020
Coronavirus outbreak could impact NAND flash prices
Memory manufacturers report no major impact to NAND flash supply, but weakening demand could exert an impact on prices, according to industry analysts. Continue Reading
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News
04 Mar 2020
Pure Storage layoffs signal turbulence in IT market
Layoffs at Pure Storage dampen the flash array vendor's better-than-expected quarterly revenue. Pure is the latest tech vendor to eliminate jobs amid fears of a global slowdown. Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2020
New enterprise PCIe 4.0 SSDs from Kioxia, Samsung double speed
Kioxia's new performance-boosting PCIe 4.0 enterprise SSDs add support for NVMe 1.4 and U.3 universal backplane specs, join Samsung models offering a maximum capacity of 30.72 TB. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Feb 2020
5 storage class memory queries answered
Find out if emerging SCM technology is right for your organization with this look at the benefits, uses and products, as well as what to assess when considering it. Continue Reading
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Quiz
24 Feb 2020
Test your NVMe-oF storage acumen
Do you know the basics about implementing, enhancing and monitoring NVMe-oF? Check out our quiz to see if you're up to speed on this rapidly maturing technology. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Feb 2020
cache memory
Cache memory, also called CPU memory, is high-speed static random access memory (SRAM) that a computer microprocessor can access more quickly than it can access regular random access memory (RAM). Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2020
Speed is 2020 theme in NVMe flash storage, persistent memory
Top technologists and analysts predict 2020 storage hardware trends will center on NVMe-based flash, Optane persistent memory and MRAM memory. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jan 2020
Products using Intel Optane SSDs and memory debuted in 2019
Is your organization ready for storage class memory? See some of the Optane-based products vendors developed and launched last year that incorporated the technology. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Jan 2020
HDD vs. SSD storage in the age of flash
HDDs continue to play a key role in the data center, even as SSD capacities increase and prices fall. See how HDDs and SSDs stack up in terms of price, capacity and use cases. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Dec 2019
Are PMEM and storage class memory worth the price?
Look beyond price/performance to find out if SCM and persistent memory modules are right for your business. Faster response time and earlier time to market are important, too. Continue Reading
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News
31 Dec 2019
2019 storage mergers and acquisitions covered by clouds
2019 enterprise data storage mergers and acquisitions often included a cloud angle, followed by data protection, NVMe flash and scale-out file storage. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Dec 2019
The rise of the high-capacity vs. the high-performance SSD
Learn about the latest trends in enterprise drives, how high-performance devices figure in and the effect of advances in the underlying NAND flash technology. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Dec 2019
Samsung V-NAND SSDs designed for high capacity, speed, efficiency
Samsung's V-NAND chip breaks through existing 3D NAND cell stacking limits with the industry's first 100+ layers in a move designed to enhance speed, capacity and power efficiency. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2019
Effectively implement Azure Ultra Disk Storage
Ultra Disk Storage delivers consistent performance and low latency for I/O-intensive workloads. Learn why it's solving latency problems and where you can use Azure Ultra Disk. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Oct 2019
An in-depth look at Optane persistent memory and its operating modes
Intel's 3D XPoint technology can be set up in two ways. Find out how the Memory Mode and Application Direct Mode differ in terms of app compatibility, performance and features. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Oct 2019
New Violin Systems CEO talks up ambitious storage roadmap
New Violin CEO talks up plans for newly architected, NVMe-based flash array that will focus on enterprise software capabilities such as low RPO and deduplication. Continue Reading
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News
09 Oct 2019
Hitachi storage refocuses on enterprise with new VSP array
Large commercial consumers have been the primary target for Hitachi storage systems of late, but new Hitachi Vantara VSP 5000 targets Dell EMC PowerMax enterprise storage. Continue Reading
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News
03 Oct 2019
Violin Systems changes CEOs, cuts staff, closes San Jose HQ
Pioneering all-flash array vendor Violin changes CEOs and eliminates San Jose headquarters and executive staff to cut spending, but plans new NVMe-based storage products in 2020. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Sep 2019
NVMe-oF products are changing the face of data storage
NVMe-oF products are rapidly maturing, and NVMe-oF devices are now suitable for production workloads. Let's look at the hardware, software and supported systems hitting the market. Continue Reading