By Chinenye Anuforo
Western Digital today announced a groundbreaking initiative to support the burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The company introduced a new six-stage AI Data Cycle framework, designed to help customers optimize their storage infrastructure for AI workloads. This framework coincides with the launch of a series of new, industry-leading storage solutions, including high-performance SSDs and high-capacity HDDs, specifically tailored to address the evolving needs of the AI data lifecycle.
“As AI continues to permeate various industries, storage has become an increasingly critical component of the AI technology stack,” said Rob Soderbery, executive vice president and general manager of Western Digital’s Flash Business Unit. “The new AI Data Cycle framework empowers our customers to build a storage infrastructure that maximizes the performance, scalability, and deployment of their AI applications.”
The AI Data Cycle framework outlines the six distinct stages of data processing within AI workflows, each with specific storage requirements. Western Digital has strategically aligned its existing and upcoming Flash and HDD offerings to meet these diverse needs.
Western Digital unveiled a range of innovative storage solutions to support the AI Data Cycle: Ultrastar DC SN861 SSD: This industry-leading PCIe Gen 5.0 solution boasts exceptional random read performance and power efficiency, ideal for large language model training and inference.
Ultrastar DC SN655 SSD (Expanded U.3 Capacity): Offering capacities up to 64TB, this SSD delivers superior performance and storage for AI data preparation and data lake applications.
Ultrastar DC HC690 HDD: The industry’s highest-capacity ePMR HDD (32TB), this solution caters to hyperscale cloud and enterprise data centers with a focus on massive data storage and cost-effectiveness.
Western Digital’s comprehensive approach to AI storage solutions underscores the company’s commitment to innovation in this rapidly evolving field. By providing a holistic framework and cutting-edge storage products, Western Digital empowers its customers to unlock the full potential of AI and drive transformative advancements across various industries.