OCZ Storage Solutions - a Toshiba Group Company and leading provider of high-performance solid-state drives (SSDs) for computing devices and systems, today announced that it has initiated a beta test program for the next release of ZD-XL SQL Accelerator and invites enterprise SSD customers and SQL Server database administrators (DBAs) to participate. DBAs looking to accelerate SQL Server workloads via SSD flash or flash caching, and have production SQL Server data to run on the new ZD-XL SQL Accelerator platform are especially sought for this beta testing program. Those interested in becoming a ZD-XL SQL Accelerator 1.5 beta tester are invited to complete the online application form here.

The next generation ZD-XL continues to provide optimized and efficient flash acceleration for SQL Server environments through its tight integration of innovative hardware and software elements. It supports SQL Server 2008 R2 and 2012 versions, as well as the new 2014 version released April 1st by Microsoft that builds on the key features delivered in previous SQL Server versions, improving storage performance, availability and manageability. ZD-XL 1.5 enables DBAs to unleash the full power of SQL Server 2014 features, such as flash Buffer Pool Extension (BPE) support, that enables database pages to be accessed faster by loading them directly from flash.

It looks like Intel will launch its Core "Haswell" Refresh line of processors sooner than Computex 2014. According to sources in the IT retail, Intel could launch these new chips, led by the Core i7-4790K, on May 10th in most markets. An armada of new socket LGA1150 motherboards, based on Intel's Z97 Express chipset should launch around those dates, probably in the week leading up to the 10th. Intel Core "Haswell" Refresh processors offer marginally better performance over current Core "Haswell" chips, at existing price points (i.e., they will displace existing chips from their current price-points); while the 9-series chipset offers features such as M.2 SSD support, making you ready for a tidal wave of 1000 MB/s SSDs that will launch around Computex.Image Source: Hermitage Akihabara

Greenliant Systems, a leader in energy-efficient, highly secure and reliable solid state storage products, has begun volume production of its mSATA ArmourDrive solid state drives (SSDs). Measuring 29.85 mm x 50.80 mm x 4.85 mm (JEDEC MO-300), all GLS86 series products operate between -40 to +85 degrees Celsius, making them ideal for various industrial, networking and computing systems that require robust data storage able to withstand extreme temperatures.

mSATA ArmourDrive is available with 2-bits-per-cell (MLC) NAND flash memory in 8, 16, 32 and 64 GByte for applications that require dependable, industrial temperature SSDs. For applications that require high-endurance, long-life SSDs, mSATA ArmourDrive is also offered with 1-bit-per-cell (SLC) NAND in 8, 16 and 32 GByte capacities.

With Memoright's proprietary Advanced Endurance Write features and Super Cache firmware architecture, Memoright XT3 SSD (SATA 6Gbps) currently supports TLC NAND with latest 19nm process technology. XT3 series SSD offers the best combination of reliability and performance, ideal for applications in personal computing, while driving the cost down with advanced TLC.

XT3 Series SSD is currently sampled in 2.5"/1.8" 7mm ultra-thin designs and mSATA form factor with options of 128, 256, and 512GB in capacity. The sequential read/write performance with incompressible data exceeds 500/450 MB/s. Advanced Trim command handling restores the performance of the SSD thus avoids the write performance cliff, which is commonly experienced after a SSD is used for a long period of time.

According to IDC, a market research institution, Taiwan's Cloud computing and Big Data have entered into implementation phase this year. For example, telecommunication companies monitor the online transaction behaviors by means of Cloud technology. Dealers of chain channels trace production records via Big Data analysis to ensure food safety. Finance companies analyze extensive consumer behaviors to make marketing plans.

Big Data storage has become the basis of all these Cloud applications. In order to respond to the worldwide rapid growth of Cloud and Big Data, Apacer launched SATA 3 large capacity SFD 25H-M SSD. It possesses an ultra-large storage capacity of 1 TB, with sequential read/write speed of 510/420 MB/sec, marking a significant specification enhancement and an advance to virtualization technology of Big Data storage. Enterprises' overall data processing performance will be strengthened.

OCZ Storage Solutions - a Toshiba Group Company and leading provider of high-performance solid state drives (SSDs) for computing devices and systems, today announced its new partnership with Private Label PC (PLPC) for distribution of its complete portfolio of storage solutions. As the largest storage provider with a well established customer base, OCZ SSDs will be more readily available for channel customers in the North and South American markets.

PLPC is a key storage solution provider in North, Central, and South America with a strong base of over 3000 customers and has been in operation for nearly 30 years, and currently supplies over one million units of storage products per quarter to its extensive customer base. "We are pleased to announce Private Label PC as an authorized distributor of our full line of solid state products," said Wayne Eisenberg, Senior Vice President Global Sales, OCZ Storage Solutions, "PLPC has a long history of being a leading provider of enterprise and client storage products to a very diverse customer base throughout the Americas and we are looking forward to working together to address the increasing demand for SSDs."

G-Technology, a leader in delivering premium storage solutions for audio/video production, photography and the creative professional market, today announced the latest additions in its Evolution Series family - the G-DRIVE ev SSD and the 500 GB G-DRIVE ev external drive modules.

Inspired by creative pros, the Evolution Series is a flexible ecosystem of G-DOCK ev docking stations and interchangeable and expandable G-DRIVE ev external drive modules with USB 3.0 that makes transferring, editing and distributing content more efficient, scalable and reliable.

Plextor, a leading developer of high-performance digital storage technology, announces the worldwide availability of the M6e PCIe SSD, the first SSD specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of the gaming community. The M6e will be available exclusively at NewEgg from April 7 through April 13.

The ultimate PC upgrade, the M6e delivers faster boot up speeds, shorter application load times, and improved system responsiveness for the ultimate performance. Power users can experience speeds up to 50% faster compared to regular SATA-based SSDs.

ATP, the leading manufacturer of embedded Flash, ruggedized SSD and DRAM modules , renewed its commitment to strongly support its customers with this latest generation of mSATA and SlimSATA with a line up of reliable, high performance solid state storage specifically suited for embedded, networking, server platforms, automation and transportation markets. This product introduction is especially well-timed due to dwindling supplies in the market for both mSATA and SlimSATA products and solutions. The ATP mSATA and SlimSATA products are available in densities ranging from 4GB to 128GB, and will be showcased along with other ATP memory solutions at the S.E.E. 2014, from April 8 to 10, in Stockholm, booth #C09:51.

"ATP understands customers and market requirements for both mSATA and SlimSATA form factor solutions in its focus markets", said Alex Lee, PM Director of ATP, "Even though other suppliers are phasing out these solutions regardless of customers' long product life cycle needs, ATP reaffirms its position to continue its strong support on these products so customers can rest assure that they will be properly support for years to come."

ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of high-performance DRAM modules and NAND Flash application products, today announced the launch of the Premier Pro series SP920 solid state drive (SSD). Designed to meet the high-performance requirements of multimedia file transfers, the SP920 comes in a 2.5" form factor, and is equipped with the latest generation Marvell controller implementing the SATA 6 Gb/sec specification.

SSD continue to become mainstream storage selections for a cross-section of user types, largely due to the higher demands placed on primary system disks by operating systems, games, and high definition media. The SP920 is designed for high performance across a wide range of demanding applications, but it is especially fast in the transmission of multimedia files (uncompressed data). 4 KB random read / write speeds are as high as 98,000/88,000 IOPS, with sequential read and write speeds of up to 560 MB/s and 500 MB/s, respectively. In addition to these impressive numbers, the SP920 maintains consistently high read and write speeds even when the disk is 90% full. This is in contrast to some solid state drives that suffer performance degradation as the drive nears capacity.

Silicon Motion Technology Corporation, a global leader in designing and marketing NAND flash controllers for solid state storage devices, today introduces new additions to its Ferri portfolio with single-package Ferri-eMMC and ultra-high performance SATA 6 Gb/s FerriSSD embedded memory solutions supporting industrial and commercial grade temperatures. Silicon Motion will be showcasing and demonstrating these new products at the upcoming EE Live! Conference and Expo in San Jose, CA from April 1 to 3.

Ferri-eMMC is designed for a wide range of embedded applications and is fully compliant with JEDEC-standard eMMC 4.5 protocol. With a 100-ball 1.0 mm pitch BGA package, Ferri-eMMC provides for more flexible PCB design and low-cost manufacturing. Ferri-eMMC delivers market leading data integrity and protection capabilities featuring Silicon Motion's advanced NAND management technologies including error correction, bad block management and NAND health monitoring.

SanDisk Corporation, a global leader in flash storage solutions, today announced four new additions to its CloudSpeed Serial ATA (SATA) product family: the CloudSpeed Extreme, CloudSpeed Ultra, CloudSpeed Ascend and CloudSpeed Eco Solid State Drives (SSDs).

The new CloudSpeed SSDs are designed to deliver business-critical performance for the mixed-use, read and write-intensive application workloads that have become increasingly prominent in today's enterprise data centers and cloud computing environments. By combining its flash management Guardian Technology Platform with industry-leading memory technology, SanDisk becomes the first vendor to ship 10 full drive writes per day (DWPD), 19 nm-based enterprise SATA SSDs. The CloudSpeed products thus provide customers with longer-lasting drive operation at a better value. The announcement was made at the Interop and Cloud Connect IT Conference and Expo taking place March 31-April 3 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Plextor, a leading developer of digital storage technology, announces the launch of the M6S, a highly efficient, high-performance SSD. The Plextor M6S is capable of delivering an impressive maximum random read/write speed of 94,000/80,000 and a 520/440 MB/s sequential read/write speed. This performance comes with power savings of 30% to 50% compared to the M5S. The DEVSLP power mode reduces power consumption to an incredible 2 mW.

"The new M6S gives desktop and notebook users the ultimate system upgrade. Its combination of speed and efficiency makes it an ideal replacement for a hard drive. By installing an M6S rather than a traditional hard drive, Windows 7 boots in a quarter of the time, applications start quickly, and saving and loading become almost instant. Our tests even show that notebook users can gain an extra 30 minutes of battery time by using an M6S," said Product Manager, Yaping Zheng.

Plextor, a leading developer of digital storage technology, announces the launch of the M6M mSATA SSD, a compact and extremely fast SSD. The new M6M is capable of matching the performance of desktop drives with impressive maximum random read/write speeds of 94K IOPS/80K IOPS and sequential read and write speeds of up to 520 MB/s and 440 MB/s. Installing an M6M in an ultra-thin notebook, NUC-style PC, or tablet PC maximizes system responsiveness and battery life.

"The M6M is all about real-world performance. We've optimized this compact SSD to deliver the best possible computing experience. We used the latest generation of components, then included a new version of True Speed for even smoother long-term operation, and focused on increasing the random speeds to give the fastest everyday operating performance", said Product Manager, Yaping Zheng.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world leader in advanced memory technology, announced today that its 1.6 terabyte (TB) NVMe (non-volatile memory express) solid state drive is featured in the new Dell PowerEdge R920 server. Together, Samsung and Dell are the first in the world to ship PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) SSDs using an NVMe protocol, enabling customers to get results faster.

"We have been working closely with Dell to optimize the storage capabilities of the PowerEdge R920, and believe that our NVMe PCIe SSD provides the best enterprise storage solution, offering ultra-low latency and surpassing the IOPS (input/output operations per second) performance of currently available SSDs," said Jim Elliott, corporate vice president, memory and SSD marketing, Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. "Samsung will continue to take the initiative in accelerating growth of the NVMe PCIe SSD market for green IT investment by providing NVMe PCIe solutions with high performance, density and scalability."

Team Group, the global leading brand of memory storage launched on a brand new mSATA MP1 with only 1/8 size of general 2.5" SSD, which can meet JEDEC mSATA size specification. Focused on the lightest and thinnest volume and outstanding performance, it becomes perfect collocation of Notebook, Ultrabook, Tablet PC and NUC, etc.

Even though a small mechanism, mSATA MP1 SSD combines all the advantages of SSD in one- high speed, low power consumption, high stability and zero noise. mSATA MP1 supports SATA III, having 6Gb/s transmission rate, reading speed up to 530 MB/sec and writing speed up to 440 MB/sec. Compared with traditional mechanic HDD, it sharply decreases the time to wait for boot up, running program and windows operating and effectively increases operation efficiency. Meanwhile, parts of Ultrabook and PC/Notebook are either changed to built-in small capacity mSATA or installed with mSATA slot to respond market trend of pursuing light mobile device. Consumers have choice to purchase mSATA MP1 as system boot disk or go with HDD, which is used for disk cache to strengthen traditional disk performance. To compare with traditional HDD, mSATA MP1 can save you about 2 times boot operation time and significantly boost overall computer performance.

HighPoint Technologies, a pioneering force in the storage industry for the past 19 years, has begun shipping their revolutionary Thunderbolt 2 Hardware RAID adapter, the RocketStor 6328, to their global distribution and retail partners. The RocketStor 6328 no-holds barred approach to storage connectivity turns convention on its head; delivering unprecedented levels of performance, flexibility and Plug-and-play usability into a tiny, self-contained enclosure! The built-in hardware RAID supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50 and JBOD configurations and delivers the uncompromised performance and superior data protection demanded by professional 4K media applications.

MSI, prominent developer in gaming technology, is once again leading the way by releasing the new AG220 and AG240 as the successors to its AG2712A that won the CES Innovation Award this year. The AG220 and AG240 are 21.5" and 23.6" Full HD All-in-One PCs that support MSI's industry-leading Anti-Flicker and Less Blue Light technologies. Both AG220 and AG240 come with touch and non-touch displays and are based on Intel's latest Haswell platform with support for quad-core processors. The PCs also feature NVIDIA's latest GeForce GTX 860M gamer-grade discrete graphics card and Killer game networking accelerator favored by professional gamers. Additionally, they come with speakers by Yamaha and the all new Headset Master technology to easily switch between headset and speaker audio output.

Crucial announced its M550 series of performance SSDs, succeeding its existing M500 series. Built in 7 mm-thick 2.5-inch SATA, mSATA, and M.2 form-factors, the M550 series offers higher sequential transfer rates, and comes in higher capacities near existing price-points, over its predecessor. It also introduces a handful new features, such as NWA (native write acceleration), RAIN (redundant array of independent NAND), adaptive thermal protection (ATP), and hardware encryption. The drives appear to be based on a Marvell-made controller platform, with Micron-made MLC NAND flash. The mSATA 6 Gb/s and M.2 models come in capacities of 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB; while the 2.5-inch SATA 6 Gb/s models include 1 TB capacity. The drives offer sequential reads as high as 550 MB/s, with up to 500 MB/s of sequential writes. They're backed by 3-year warranties, and should eventually replace the M500 series from their existing price points.

OCZ Storage Solutions - a Toshiba Group Company and leading provider of high-performance solid state drives (SSDs) for computing devices and systems, today announced its partnership with AMD to showcase the power of high performance technology at the Game Developer Conference (GDC) March 17-21 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA. AMD's demo systems will feature best-in-class Vector 150 Series solid state drives demonstrating how developers can enhance productivity and efficiency in their work.

"We are excited to partner with AMD for the upcoming Game Developers Conference to support the fast growing interactive game development industry," said Alex Mei, CMO for OCZ Storage Solutions. "OCZ is dedicated to delivering premium solid state storage solutions that are not only a useful tool for developers, but also meet the unique demands of enthusiasts and gamers on all levels."

With the trend in terminal products toward mobility, the built-in storage devices have turned to compact design in specification and size, and stronger durability are required for the products. Aiming at industrial computers driven by the trend, Apacer launches two ultra slim SSDs: JEDEC MO-297-compliant SFD 18S6 and MO-300-compliant mSATA A1.

The small size equipped with SATA 3.0 high-speed transmission interface, along with the products' features of low power consumption, durability and high performance, will become the necessary storage solution for the rise of the new mobility devices. It can be specially applied to medical tablet PCs, bedside healthcare, mobile on-board unit and data communication system devices.

LaCie, the premium brand from Seagate Technology, announced today the availability of the fastest portable storage solution ever - the new LaCie Little Big Disk, featuring Thunderbolt 2. It delivers speeds up to 1,375 MB/s and fits in a laptop bag. With these advances, professionals finally have a truly portable solution for editing 4K video in the field.

Storage for the 4K Era
To achieve the full potential of Thunderbolt 2 speeds, LaCie engineered the Little Big Disk with some of the best - performing solid state drives on the market - a pair of 500 GB PCIe Gen 2 SSDs. It's possible to push the boundaries of the technology even further by daisy chaining two LaCie Little Big Disks to achieve speeds faster than the maximum Thunderbolt 2 transfer rate. By connecting them in parallel to Apple's powerful new Mac Pro, they can deliver speeds up to 2,600 MB/s.

Cooler Master, a leading creator, innovator and manufacturer of desktop components and more, today announced a revision of the stylish mid-tower Silencio 652, the Silencio 652S. Representing the best solution for sound absorption with system builds of all levels, the Silencio Series delivers ultimate performance with minimal noise. Sound silencing foam padding seeks to severely reduce system noises produced by hard drives, numerous cooling fans, and other devices. Combine this with a solid-steel frame, vibration inhibiting rubber feet, 3x 120mm Silencio FP 120 and the Silencio 652S operates with minimal noise.

The difference between the Silencio 652 and the Silencio 652S is the implementation of new fan technology. Included are 3 120mm Silencio FP 120 fans. The front 180mm has been replaced by 2 Silencio FP 120 fans. The rear 120mm standard fan has also been replaced by a Silencio FP 120 fan.

OCZ Storage Solutions - a Toshiba Group Company and leading provider of high-performance solid state drives (SSDs) for computing devices and systems, today announced that it is showcasing its complete line of enterprise and client products at this week's CeBIT 2014 conference in Hannover, Germany, March 10-14.

"CeBIT continues to be a major event and an excellent opportunity for OCZ to engage directly with our valued customers, partners, and media," said Alex Mei, CMO for OCZ Storage Solutions. "The top theme at this year's CeBIT show is the future of Big Data, which is an ideal fit for OCZ's commitment to solid state storage innovation and the introduction of solutions that enable our customers to capture and manage the countless bytes being generated daily, and leveraging the opportunities brought about by effectively utilizing these large volumes of data sustainably."

According to IDC research, business data storage has expanded continuously at a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%. Global data storage is estimated to expand 50 times larger at the year of 2020. Therefore, how to employ "Information Lifecycle Management" (ILM) has become a must-know in developing cloud-based storage technology and big data structure.

The concept of Information Lifecycle Management is to store application system and a company's most heavily accessed data (certain trivial operations such as searching for e-mails and updating database etc.) in the SSD with the fastest response speed as On-Line storage. The secondary information can be stored in low-priced traditional hard disks as Near-Line storage. As for backups and archives, they can be stored in lower-cost storage media, such as magnetic tapes, as Off-Line storage. Through automatizing the Information Lifecycle Management, the company can reduce over 40% of its Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). The structure highlights the balance between information value and storage costs.