[Discussion] Western Digital Unveils Record-Breaking 32TB HDDs for Data-Driven Era

[Uncrowned Guard]

Western Digital Breaks Records with World's Largest Capacity HDDs

Western Digital, a staple in the storage industry, has unleashed the most substantial capacity UltraSMR Hard Disk Drive (HDD) in the global market. With a gigantic capacity of up to 32 TB, the new HDD employs reliable energy-assisted PMR (ePMR) recording technology, marking a significant leap in the data storage realm. Primarily targeting hyperscalers, Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), and enterprises, Western Digital also releases its highest ePMR capacity, CMR HDD, hitting 26TB. This robust technology platform suits enterprises and channel partners who seek out-of-the-box solutions for data-intensive tasks.

HDDs at the Core of AI Data Cycle

The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms as a significant propellant of growth in the storage industry underscores the inherent relevance of HDDs in the fast-paced data-driven landscape. Ultra-modern AI systems generate and process an avalanche of data, requiring efficient storage. HDDs are playing an instrumental role in managing this influx of data, from storage to generated AI content's sustenance. This pivotal role catalyzes HDDs' placement at the forefront of the AI Data Cycle, ensuring that data is safely stored with minimal Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) while also being readily available.

Western Digital's Advanced Technology Infinite Storage Solution

Western Digital's newest generation 26TB CMR and 32TB UltraSMR drives provide data centres with a cutting-edge tool to streamline their storage space. With a combination of ePMR technology, an innovative triple-stage actuator (TSA), OptiNAND™, and ArmorCache™, Western Digital crafts the world's maiden 11-disk platform with extra enhancements. Equipped with up to 32TB capacities and 257 MiB/s sequential performance, the Ultrastar DC HC690 UltraSMR HDDs offer cost-efficiently extensive data storage and is now shipping. Continuing to push the envelope of technology, Western Digital's newest CMR drives serve as ultimate drop-in replacements for persisting capacity expansion by building upon a solid, time-tested technology. The new generation Ultrastar DC HC590 26TB CMR HDD offers history's highest CMR capacity, an impressive and sustained transfer rate of up to 288 MiB/s, and a minimal 5.6W power consumption during idle periods.

Western Digital's Solution for Integrated and Scalable Storage

Western Digital is integrating the new Ultrastar HDDs into its Ultrastar Data60 and Data102 JBOD hybrid storage platforms. As scalable storage solutions, these platforms accommodate up to 102 HDDs, delivering up to a whopping 3.26PB of raw capacity. Technologies like IsoVibe™ and ArcticFlow™ utilized in these platforms ensure reduced vibration and enhanced cooling, optimizing performance and reliability. They will be available later this year.

Introducing 26TB WD Gold® SATA HDDs For System Integrators and Resellers

Western Digital is launching new 26TB WD Gold Hard Disk Drives, a no-compromise end-to-end storage solution for system integrators and resellers. With an impressive MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) of up to 2.5 million hours, these HDDs offer unparalleled performance, reliability, and durability. John Chen, Vice President at TRENDFOCUS, points out that HDDs are indispensable for large-scale data centers, AI, and edge computing. He believes that Western Digital's innovations position them favorably in the market. Ravi Pendekanti, the SVP of Product Management, HDD Business Unit, Western Digital, echoes this sentiment, highlighting that the company aims to provide its customers with unparalleled efficiency, unmatched value, and the scalability and reliability they need in today's data landscape.

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