By Kim Yoo-chul
Samsung Electronics said Thursday that the world’s biggest computer memory chipmaker will expand its lineup for data storage service by investing more in next-generation devices called “solid state-drives. (SSDs).”
Demand for SSDs is huge because consumers want faster data processing and downloading from laptops, desktops to tablets. SSD is faster than hard disk drives (HDD).
“Samsung will clearly lead the SSD market by expanding our product lineup. Our priority is to offer SSDs with up to 1-terabyte capacities with affordable prices to both consumers and corporations,” said Jun Young-hyun, executive vice president at the firm’s memory sales and marketing, in a forum at the Westin Chosun Hotel in downtown Seoul
The plan was unveiled at Samsung SSD Global Summit attended by more than 150 international and local media. The event was aimed at unveiling new SSD products and business strategies.
During the forum, Samsung unveiled its 840 EVO SSD for consumers and XS1715 SSD for corporate clients. It said the storage devices will be available from August in Samsung’s key markets.
“When you talk about the 840 EVO, we used 128 gigabit high-speed NAND flash memory chips using a finer 10-nanometer processing technology. Also, in XS1715, the 2.5-inch SSD uses the non-volatile memory express technology to further expand the storage capacity,” said a Samsung spokesman.
The focus on SSDs comes after the company is cutting reliance on unprofitable conventional DRAMs and spending more in profitable chips such as mobile DRAMs, processors and solutions based on NAND flash-based chips.
Samsung already closed its HDD business because it wants to grow the SSD market with money it saved by reducing the HDD unit.
Meanwhile, it’s been cutting the production of its “T-Tower” PCs and a complete shutdown for such PCs will be coming within a few years later.
According to iSuppli, a market research firm, Samsung was the global leader in SSDs with annual revenue of $1.25 billion, last year.