Western Digital introduces a six-stage AI Data Cycle framework and a range of high-performance storage solutions to optimize AI workloads and reduce total cost of ownership, addressing the increasing need for larger and faster data storage in the AI technology stack.
- Provides a six-stage AI Data Cycle framework for optimizing storage solutions for AI workloads at scale
- Introduces a high-performance PCIe Gen 5 SSD for AI training and inference, a high-capacity 64 TB SSD for fast AI data lakes, and the world's highest capacity ePMR, UltraSMR 32 TB HDD for cost-effective storage at scale
- Offers industry-leading random read performance and projected best-in-class power efficiency for AI workloads with the Ultrastar DC SN861 SSD
Western Digital has launched a six-stage AI Data Cycle framework aimed at optimizing storage solutions for AI workloads at scale. The framework aims to help customers plan and develop advanced storage infrastructures that maximize their AI investments, improve efficiency, and reduce the total cost of ownership. As AI technologies become more advanced, data storage systems must be able to handle large volumes of data while supporting the computational loads and speeds required for sophisticated models. To address these needs, Western Digital has introduced a high-performance PCIe Gen 5 SSD for AI training and inference, a high-capacity 64 TB SSD for fast AI data lakes, and the world’s highest capacity ePMR, UltraSMR 32 TB HDD for cost-effective storage at scale.
Ed Burns, Research Director at IDC, stated that storage plays a crucial role in the speed, efficiency, and accuracy of AI models as larger and higher-quality datasets become more prevalent. Rob Soderbery, executive vice president and general manager of Western Digital’s Flash Business Unit, emphasized the importance of storage in the AI technology stack and how the new AI Data Cycle framework will enable customers to build storage infrastructures that impact performance, scalability, and deployment of AI applications.
The new Ultrastar DC SN861 SSD is Western Digital’s first enterprise-class PCIe Gen 5.0 solution with industry-leading random read performance and projected best-in-class power efficiency for AI workloads. It offers capacities up to 16 TB and delivers up to 3x random read performance increase compared to the previous generation. The Ultrastar DC SN861 is designed for large language model training, inferencing, and AI service deployment. It also boasts a low power profile, reducing overall TCO.
In addition to the Ultrastar DC SN861, Western Digital has expanded its Ultrastar DC SN655 enterprise-class SSD range for storage-intensive applications. The new options for the U.3 SSD will reach up to 64 TB, providing higher performance and capacity for AI data preparation and faster, larger data lakes.
Western Digital is also sampling the industry’s highest-capacity, 32 TB ePMR enterprise-class HDD to select customers. The Ultrastar DC HC690 high-capacity UltraSMR HDD is designed for massive data storage in hyperscale cloud and enterprise data centers, catering to AI workflows that require large-scale data storage and low TCO.
By understanding the unique requirements of each stage of the AI Data Cycle, Western Digital aims to deliver solutions that offer higher capacities while supporting the extreme performance and endurance required for next-generation AI workloads. With its growing portfolio, long-term roadmap, and commitment to innovation, Western Digital aims to help customers unlock the transformative capabilities of AI.
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Background Information
About IDC:
IDC, or International Data Corporation, is a global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. Established in 1964, IDC offers valuable insights into industry trends, market forecasts, and technology adoption through its research and analysis. Their expertise aids businesses, governments, and IT professionals in making informed decisions and strategies.
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About Western Digital:
Western Digital, established in 1970, is a important data storage solutions provider known for its wide range of hard drives and solid-state drives. Catering to various applications, from personal computers to enterprise storage systems, Western Digital emphasizes data management and security. With a reputation for reliability and innovative solutions, the company has been pivotal in shaping the storage industry. Their products are trusted by individuals, businesses, and data centers worldwide Latest Articles about Western Digital
Technology Explained
HDD: A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a classic data storage device that utilizes spinning disks, or platters, coated with a magnetic material to store and retrieve data. An actuator arm with read/write heads accesses data by moving over the spinning platters. HDDs offer large storage capacities at a comparatively lower cost per gigabyte, making them suitable for applications where massive data storage is required, such as servers and desktop computers. However, HDDs are slower in terms of read and write speeds compared to SSDs due to the mechanical nature of their operation. They are more susceptible to physical shocks and are less energy-efficient due to the need to constantly spin the platters.
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PCIe: PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for connecting components such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards to a motherboard. It is the most widely used interface in the computer industry today, and is used in both desktop and laptop computers. PCIe is capable of providing up to 16 times the bandwidth of the older PCI standard, allowing for faster data transfer speeds and improved performance. It is also used in a variety of other applications, such as storage, networking, and communications. PCIe is an essential component of modern computing, and its applications are only expected to grow in the future.
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SSD: A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a modern data storage device that employs flash memory technology to store data electronically. Unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), SSDs have no moving parts, resulting in significantly faster read and write speeds. This leads to quicker boot times, faster application loading, and smoother overall system performance. SSDs are known for their durability, shock resistance, and energy efficiency, making them ideal for laptops, ultrabooks, and other portable devices. They come in various form factors, including 2.5-inch, M.2, and PCIe cards, and are favored for their reliability, quiet operation, and reduced heat generation
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