Samsung and WD to drive standardization of next-gen storage technologies

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Western Digital announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a unique collaboration to standardize and accelerate the adoption of next-generation data placement, processing, and fabrics (D2PF) storage technologies. The companies will initially concentrate their efforts on aligning their efforts and developing a robust ecosystem for Zoned Storage solutions. These steps will allow the industry to focus on a plethora of applications that will ultimately create more value for customers.

This is the first time that Samsung and Western Digital have collaborated to create widespread alignment and raise awareness for critical storage technologies. The partnership, which focuses on enterprise and cloud applications, is expected to spark a variety of collaborations around technology standardization and software development for D2PF technologies such as Zoned Storage. End users can be confident that these emerging storage technologies will be supported by multiple device vendors as well as vertically integrated hardware and software companies as a result of this collaboration.

“Storage is the essential foundation for how people and businesses consume and use data. To enable today’s needs and tomorrow’s next big ideas, we must innovate, collaborate and keep pace as an industry in bringing new standards and architectures to life,” said Rob Soderbery, EVP and GM, Flash Business Unit at Western Digital. “In order for a technology ecosystem to be successful, overall frameworks and general solution models must come together so they do not suffer from fragmentation, which delays adoption and adds unnecessary complexity for software stack developers.” Read more