Western Digital Introduces New AI Data Cycle Storage Framework to Help Customers Capture the Value of AI
Company Aligns Growing Portfolio of Enterprise-Class SSDs and HDDs to Support Key Workloads Within the AI Data Cycle
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![The AI Data Cycle: A self-perpetuating cycle of increased data generation and consumption is increasing the need for scalable, efficient and secure data storage solutions that can keep up with the rapid advancements in AI technology (Graphic: Business Wire)](https://mms.businesswire.com/media/20240606311310/en/2152113/4/WDC-AI-Cycle-MediaGraphic.jpg)
The AI Data Cycle: A self-perpetuating cycle of increased data generation and consumption is increasing the need for scalable, efficient and secure data storage solutions that can keep up with the rapid advancements in AI technology (Graphic: Business Wire)
AI models operate in a continuous loop of data consumption and generation – processing text, images, audio and video among other data types while simultaneously producing new unique data. As AI technologies become more advanced, data storage systems must deliver the capacity and performance to support the computational loads and speeds required for large, sophisticated models while managing immense volumes of data.
Watch: AI Data Cycle Video
“There’s no doubt that Generative AI is the next transformational technology, and storage is a critical enabler. The implications for storage are expected to be significant as the role of storage, and access to data, influences the speed, efficiency and accuracy of AI Models, especially as larger and higher-quality data sets become more prevalent,” said
“Data is the fuel of AI. As AI technologies become embedded across virtually every industry sector, storage has become an increasingly important and dynamic component of the AI technology stack,” said
Growing Suite of Enterprise AI Storage Solutions for Compute- and Storage-Intensive Workloads
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. With capacities up to 16TB, it delivers up to 3x random read performance increase versus the previous generation with ultra-low latency and incredible responsiveness for large language model (LLM) training, inferencing and AI service deployment. In addition, the low power profile delivers higher IOPS/Watt, reducing overall TCO. The increased PCIe Gen5 bandwidth addresses the growing needs of the AI market for high-speed accelerated computing combined with low latency to serve compute-intensive environments of AI. Built for mission-critical workloads, the Ultrastar DC SN861 provides a rich feature set, including NVMe® 2.0 and OCP 2.0 support, 1 and 3 DWPD, and a 5-year limited warranty1. The Ultrastar DC SN861 E1.S is now sampling. The U.2 will begin sampling this month and will begin volume shipments in CQ3’24. More details on E1.S and E3.S form factors will follow later this year.
Complementing the Ultrastar DC SN861 is the expanded Ultrastar DC SN655 enterprise-class SSD range designed for storage-intensive applications. The new options for the U.3 SSD will reach up to 64TB, driving higher performance and capacity for AI data preparation and faster, larger data lakes. These new DC SN655 variants are now sampling. More details about the drives will be released later this year when volume shipments begin.
“Each stage of the AI Data Cycle is unique with different infrastructure and compute requirements. By understanding the dynamic interplay between AI and data storage,
For more information about the AI Data Cycle and Western Digital’s AI storage portfolio, please visit: Data Storage for AI.
About
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements regarding expectations for: AI-driven uses and demand for data storage products; the role of our products in the continuing development and growth of artificial intelligence; the performance, value, capabilities, availability and market position of our products; and market opportunities. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.
Key risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include: volatility in global economic conditions; operational, financial and legal challenges and difficulties inherent in implementing a separation of our HDD and Flash businesses; the final approval of the separation by our board of directors; inflation; increase in interest rates and economic recession; future responses to and effects of global health crises; the impact of business and market conditions; macroeconomic conditions for the NAND and hard disk drive markets; the impact of the announced separation transaction, including with respect to customer and supplier relationships, regulatory and contractual restrictions, stock price volatility and the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; the impact of competitive products and pricing; our development and introduction of products based on new technologies and expansion into new data storage markets; risks associated with cost saving initiatives, restructurings, acquisitions, divestitures, mergers, joint ventures and our strategic relationships; difficulties or delays in manufacturing or other supply chain disruptions; hiring and retention of key employees; our level of debt and other financial obligations; changes to our relationships with key customers; compromise, damage or interruption from cybersecurity incidents or other data system security risks; actions by competitors; international conflict; terrorist activities; risks associated with compliance with changing legal and regulatory requirements and the outcome of legal proceedings; and other risks and uncertainties listed in our filings with the
* One terabyte (TB) is equal to one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may vary depending on the operating environment.
1 5 years or Max Endurance (TBW) limit, whichever occurs first. See support.WesternDigital.com for regional specific warranty details.
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