Huawei has created an innovative storage technology that merges the speed of solid-state drives with the extensive space available in tape storage, all contained in a compact device. This new product is called the Magneto-Electric Disk, or MED for short, and it’s set to transform how we store both "warm" and "cold" data.
Impressive Specifications
The first MED unit is expected to launch in 2025, boasting an astonishing 72 TB of storage capacity while consuming just around 10 percent of the power that traditional hard drives require. The device incorporates an SSD for rapid data retrieval and a unique tape mechanism, all neatly enclosed in a sealed seven-inch casing.
Innovative Design
What’s truly impressive about the MED is its departure from the conventional robotic arms typically found in standard tape libraries. Instead, it utilizes a built-in motor, read-write heads, and dual tape spools to manage data automatically. This design allows it to offer the same block storage capabilities as standard hard drives while retaining the advantages of tape for long-term data retention.
Simplified System
Moreover, the technology streamlines the traditional SSD-HDD-tape combination into a fresh SSD-MED architecture. Data travels swiftly through the SSD at NAND speeds before gradually transferring to tape. An intelligent metadata mapping system stored in NAND memory facilitates easy retrieval of data, whether it’s located on the SSD or the tape.
For rack configurations, the MED systems present some quite impressive figures:
Looking to the future, Huawei is working on a second-generation MED expected to be released in 2026 or 2027. This newer version aims to reduce its size to a compact 3.5 inches while maximizing storage density. They have already secured patents for this technology and its components, and several Chinese cloud providers are keen to participate.
Strategic Timing
This new MED technology arrives at a crucial moment for Huawei as they seek alternative storage solutions due to US export restrictions. It's a strategic move that could disrupt the storage market, particularly in regions aiming for more self-sufficient supply chains.
Additionally, Huawei is broadening its storage product line with other initiatives, including plans for a 60 TB SSD that incorporates 3D QLC NAND technology with SLC cache, which will complement the MED in the high-capacity storage arena.
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