Samsung announces what it claims is the highest capacity NVMe SSD based on the Next Generation Small Form Factor (NGSFF)-- an 8TB NF1 SSD optimised for data-intensive analytics and virtualisation applications.

“By introducing the first NF1 NVMe SSD, Samsung is taking the investment efficiency in data centers to new heights,” the company says. “We will continue to lead the trend toward enabling ultra-high density data centers and enterprise systems by delivering storage solutions with unparalleled performance and density levels.”

The NGSFF (aka NF1) is the successor to the M.2 standard. Set to be standardised by JEDEC in October 2018, it promises over double the space utlisation with a server system. The Samsung SSD carries x16 256Gb 3-bit V-NAND chips, allowing for 8TB density in a footprint measuring 11 x 3.05cm, or twice the capacity of the M.2 NVMe SSDs (11 x 2.2cm) found in hyper-scale servers and ultra-slim laptops.

NAND flash prices are set to drop further in Q3 2018, DigiTimes reports-- the result of suppliers scaling their 3D NAND chip output bringing about additional capacity and, ultimately, market oversupply.

According to "industry sources," the more chipmakers scale up output through the transition to more advanced production technologies, the more supply will grow through Q3 2018. Adding to the issue is not-strong-enough NAND demand for such capacity, such as smartphone demand not picking up as fast as expected, and substandard NAND chips leading to confusion in memory prices.

Intel and Micron start shipping the first SSDs based on QLC NAND flash technology-- a means to store four bits of data per memory cell, or a 33% capacity boost over the 3-bits-per-cell TLC NAND used in nearly all SSDs.

"With introduction of 64-layer 4bits/cell NAND technology, we are achieving 33% higher array density compared to TLC, which enables us to produce the first commercially available 1 terabit die in the history of semiconductors," Micron says. "We’re continuing flash technology innovation with our 96-layer structure, condensing even more data into smaller spaces, unlocking the possibilities of workload capability and application construction."

Hitachi subsidary Hitachi Vantara announces the all-flash and hybrid Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) range featuring integrated and cross-platform AI-powered analytics and automation software.

HV was formed in September 2018, when the Japanese parent brought together Hitachi Data Systems, Hitachi Insight Group and Pentaho into a "single integrated business." It says the capabilities of the VSP range give customers "unprecedented agility and automation," reducing costs and increasing operational efficiencies.

On the storage hardware side, HV offers the VSP F all-flash series and the VSP G hybrid-flash series. Both promise 100% data availability with up to x3 more IOPS performance and 2.5x greater scalability compared to previous VSP models. Powering the devices is the next generation Hitachi Storage Virtualisation Operating System, SVOS RF, updated for increased performance, scalability and data efficiency.