Western Digital has set a new benchmark in storage innovation, announcing the release of the industry’s highest-capacity ePMR (energy-assisted perpendicular magnetic recording) HDDs. These groundbreaking advancements aim to meet the surging nearline data demands of hyperscale, cloud, and enterprise data centers.
The company has launched:
- 32TB Ultrastar® DC HC690 UltraSMR HDDs: Featuring an 11-disk platform, these drives leverage UltraSMR technology to maximize storage capacity for deep content storage while minimizing power consumption.
- 26TB Ultrastar DC HC590 CMR HDDs: Offering a plug-and-play solution for data-intensive workloads, these CMR drives deliver unmatched capacity, ease of integration, and robust reliability.
Why It Matters
The rise of AI, edge computing, and large-scale data operations has created unprecedented demand for storage solutions that are both high-capacity but also efficient and cost-effective. Western Digital’s innovations, including OptiNAND™, ArmorCache™, and triple-stage actuators (TSA), address these needs, providing enterprises with lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and scalable solutions for future growth.
Additional Highlights
- Efficient Power Usage: Both models operate with low power requirements—5.5W idle for the UltraSMR and 5.6W idle for the CMR HDD.
- Hybrid Storage Platforms: The new Ultrastar HDDs integrate seamlessly into Western Digital’s Ultrastar Data60 and Data102 JBOD platforms. They offer up to 3.26PB raw capacity and advanced features like IsoVibe™ and ArcticFlow™ for optimal performance.
- WD Gold® 26TB SATA HDDs: Designed for small and medium-sized businesses, these drives offer exceptional durability, handling intense read-write workloads with a projected MTBF of 2.5 million hours.
Expert Insights
John Chen, Vice President at TRENDFOCUS, emphasized the significance of HDDs in today’s data-driven world, stating, “Western Digital’s 11-disk platform positions the company to lead in storage density and TCO benefits for hyperscale and enterprise markets.”
Ravi Pendekanti, SVP of Product Management at Western Digital, added, “Our innovations ensure our customers are equipped with the capacity, reliability, and scalability they need to thrive in the AI-driven data era.”
What This Means for Enterprises
Western Digital’s latest offerings are more than storage solutions—they’re crucial to tomorrow’s data strategies. With AI data cycles and cloud workloads intensifying, these innovations provide businesses with the tools to handle massive datasets while maintaining energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This development not only future-proofs enterprises but also reinforces Western Digital’s position as a leader in the storage industry.
