SSD Form Factor Working Group aims to improve SSD

A newly-formed SSD Form Factor Working Group has been formed, with the aim of bringing out a PCI Express-based SSD standard. Made up of promoter members Dell, EMC, Fujitsu, IBM and Intel, the group will focus on enterprise customers who need ever-higher performance storage that is cost effective and easy to use. While PCIe based SSDs are available now, they aren't simple and are usually reserved for servers, workstations and very high-end gamers.

Three areas will be focused on to create the standard, including a new connector spec that will be compatible with SAS/SATA 3.0 and PCIe 3. The second includes a 2.5-inch form factor with the new connector and an expanded power envelope to drive faster speeds. Finally, the new drives will have support for hot-plug capability for quick access and serviceability.

Contributor members of the group include companies that either make the SSDs themselves or important components, such as Amphenol, Emulex, Fusion-io, IDT, Marvel Semiconductor, Micron Technology, Molex, PLX, QLogic, SandForce, STEC and Smart Modular Technology.

SandForce makes SSD controllers for many popular current SSDs, including those from Corsair and OWC.

By Electronista Staff