Samsung introduces ZNS SSD for next-generation enterprise servers

     Samsung has launched a Solid State Drive (SSD) for next-generation enterprise servers based on Zoned Namespace (ZNS) technology. ZNS, as the next generation technology, can divide the entire storage space of SSDS into small capacity areas, and store data in the same area for the same purpose and use cycle, thus making efficient use of SSDS.

     Generally speaking, when the internal storage space of SSDS is not divided, the generated data is temporarily stored by multiple software, so the "Garbage Collection" is required to perform additional read/write operations to effectively manage the storage capacity.

     In contrast, since ZNS SSDS store data sequentially and no other read/write operations due to "garbage collection" occur, the service life of an existing SSD affected by the number of writes can be increased by up to 3 to 4 times.

     In addition, SSDS generally allocate a certain amount of space in the total capacity as the Over Provision (OP) area to effectively manage and improve the performance of NAND (flash memory) chips, while ZNS SSDS do not need to allocate a separate OP area to maximize the available capacity.

     Samsung introduced the ZNS SSD PM1731a, a product based on the sixth generation V-NAND (technology), with a size of 2.5 inches and a capacity of 4TB and 2TB.

     In addition to the ZNS feature, it also supports dual ports, which means that even if an error occurs on one port during use, the storage server can still run stably on the other optimized port.

     Due to the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), big data and the Internet of Things (IoT), ZNS SSD is expected to gain attention as a solution to manage the explosive growth of data more effectively.

     Samsung has been actively involved in various open source projects to expand the ZNS SSD base and contribute to the building of the ZNS technology ecosystem.

     Through the open source project "xNVMe" (NVMe: Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe Storage System), Samsung provides support for developers so that they can deploy SSDS with superior performance in a variety of use environments, and ZNS technology is integrated to make it easier for developers to access ZNS technology. In addition, Samsung also provides support for users using Intel SPDK (Storage Performance Development Kit) to help them better use ZNS.

     "The new ZNS SSD demonstrates Samsung's ability and determination to provide differentiated storage solutions that significantly improve the reliability and longevity of server SSDS." "We plan to apply QLC (Quad-level Cell) NAND technology in the next generation of ZNS drives to achieve a higher threshold to meet the storage performance and capacity requirements in future enterprise systems," said Jeong Kwang-hee, president of Samsung Semiconductor's storage Marketing Department.