Pure Storage and SK Hynix are joining forces in a significant move set to impact the future of data storage. The two companies have announced a collaboration focused on developing and deploying Quad-Level Cell (QLC) NAND flash technology, specifically targeting the needs of hyperscale data centers and cloud service providers.
This partnership brings together Pure Storage’s expertise in enterprise storage solutions and flash management with SK Hynix’s leadership in semiconductor memory manufacturing. The goal is to overcome some of the traditional limitations associated with QLC flash, such as concerns around performance consistency and write endurance, making it more viable for demanding hyperscale environments.
QLC flash offers the potential for much higher data density and lower cost per bit compared to other flash technologies like TLC (Triple-Level Cell). By storing four bits of data per cell, it allows for significantly more storage capacity in the same physical space. This makes it incredibly attractive for hyperscalers who manage vast amounts of data and are constantly seeking ways to optimize costs while expanding capacity.
The collaboration is expected to focus on integrating SK Hynix’s advanced QLC technology with Pure Storage’s innovative flash array architecture and software, particularly its DirectFlash technology. This integration aims to unlock the full potential of QLC by improving its reliability, accelerating access speeds, and extending its lifespan, making it suitable for a wider range of cloud workloads, including those previously thought to require more expensive flash types.
For hyperscale customers, this partnership promises the availability of high-capacity, cost-effective flash storage solutions that can keep pace with the explosive growth of data. It could enable new levels of efficiency and scalability in cloud infrastructure, supporting everything from large-scale databases and analytics to AI/ML workloads and massive object stores.
The alliance between Pure Storage and SK Hynix underscores the growing importance of NAND flash technology in powering the digital economy. By working together on next-generation QLC solutions, they aim to accelerate its adoption in the most demanding storage environments, potentially reshaping the economics of cloud and enterprise storage for years to come. This strategic collaboration highlights a shared vision for delivering dense, affordable, and high-performance flash storage tailored for the future of data.
Source: https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/pure-storage-partners-with-sk-hynix-to-deliver-qlc-flash-storage-solution-to-hyperscalers/
