Samsung and Western Digital Begin Far-reaching Collaboration to Drive Standardization of Next-generation Storage Technologies for Broader Ecosystem Support and Customer Adoption
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Western Digital (Nasdaq: WDC) today announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a unique collaboration to standardize and drive broad adoption of next-generation data placement, processing and fabrics (D2PF) storage technologies. The companies will initially focus on aligning their efforts and creating a vigorous ecosystem for Zoned Storage solutions. These steps will enable the industry to focus on countless applications that ultimately create greater value for customers.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220330005385/en/
Samsung ZNS SSD (Graphic: Business Wire)
This marks the first time that both Samsung and Western Digital have come together as technology leaders to create widespread alignment and stimulate awareness for important storage technologies. Focusing on enterprise and cloud applications, the partnership is expected to spur a range of collaborations around technology standardization and software development for D2PF technologies like Zoned Storage. With this collaboration, end-users can have confidence that these emerging storage technologies will have support from multiple device vendors as well as from vertically integrated hardware and software companies.
“Storage is the essential foundation for how people and businesses consume and use data. To enable today’s needs and tomorrow’s next big ideas, we must innovate, collaborate and keep pace as an industry in bringing new standards and architectures to life,” said Rob Soderbery, EVP and GM, Flash Business Unit at Western Digital. “In order for a technology ecosystem to be successful, overall frameworks and general solution models must come together so they do not suffer from fragmentation, which delays adoption and adds unnecessary complexity for software stack developers.”
Soderbery added, “For years Western Digital has been laying the foundation for the Zoned Storage ecosystem by contributing to the Linux kernel and open-source software community. We are excited to bring these contributions to this joint initiative with Samsung in facilitating wider adoption of Zoned Storage for users and application developers.”
“This collaboration is a testament to our relentless effort to exceed customers’ needs now and in the future, and holds special meaning in how we anticipate it will actively grow into a larger basis of engagement for Zoned Storage standardization,” said Jinman Han, Corporate EVP, Head of Memory Sales & Marketing at Samsung Electronics. “Our collaborative efforts will embrace hardware and software ecosystems to ensure that as many customers as possible can reap the benefits of this highly important technology."
The two companies have already kickstarted an initiative around Zoned Storage devices, including ZNS (Zoned Namespaces) SSDs and SMR (Shingled Magnetic Recording) HDDs. Through organizations such as SNIA (Storage Networking Industry Association) and the Linux Foundation, Samsung and Western Digital will define high-level models and frameworks for next-generation Zoned Storage technologies. With a commitment to enable open and scalable data center architectures, they have founded the Zoned Storage TWG (Technical Work Group), which was approved by SNIA in December 2021. The group is already defining and specifying common use cases for Zoned Storage devices, as well as host/device architecture and programming models.
In addition, this collaboration is expected to serve as a starting point to expand zone-based (e.g. ZNS, SMR) device interfaces, as well as future-generation, high-capacity storage devices with enhanced data placement and processing technologies. At a later stage, these initiatives will be expanded to include other emerging D2PF technologies such as computational storage and storage fabrics including NVMe™ over Fabrics (NVMe-oF).
###
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.
About Western Digital
Western Digital creates environments for data to thrive. As a leader in data infrastructure, the company is driving the innovation needed to help customers capture, preserve, access and transform an ever-increasing diversity of data. Everywhere data lives, from advanced data centers to mobile sensors to personal devices, our industry-leading solutions deliver the possibilities of data. Western Digital data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, SanDisk® and WD® brands.
For more information about Zoned Storage, please visit ZonedStorage.io.
©2022 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
Western Digital and the Western Digital logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates in the US and/or other countries. The NVMe word mark is a trademark of NVM Express, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
###
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220330005385/en/
Contact information
Media Inquiries:
John Lucas
for Samsung Semiconductor, Inc.
j.lucas@partner.Samsung.com
Erin Hartin
for Western Digital
1-303-601-8035
Erin.Hartin@wdc.com
Ujeong Jahnke
Samsung Semiconductor Europe GmbH
Tel. +49(0)89-45578-1000
Email: sseg.comm@samsung.com
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Armis Launches New Partner Program, Expanding its Reach to Help Global Organizations Enhance Cyber Resilience14.1.2026 15:00:00 EET | Press release
Armis, the cyber exposure management & security company, today announced the launch of the Armis Select Partner Program. The new program marks a significant evolution in Armis' commitment to its global partner ecosystem. By extending the reach of Armis Centrix™, the Armis Cyber Exposure Management Platform, to organizations worldwide through its partner program, joint customers can streamline their security operations and proactively strengthen defenses. “Global enterprises don’t just need tools; they need a unified ecosystem of trusted partners to navigate an increasingly volatile threat landscape,” said Alex Mosher, President and CRO of Armis. “At Armis, our partners are the primary engine of our growth and the cornerstone of our global strategy. By evolving our partner program, we are doubling down on this collaborative foundation to accelerate our reach and deepen our impact. Together, we are empowering customers to move from reactive defense to proactive cyber exposure management
Rapyd’s 2026 State of Stablecoins: Businesses Move En Masse as Stablecoins Go Mainstream14.1.2026 15:00:00 EET | Press release
Rapyd, a leading global fintech company, released its 2026 State of Stablecoins Report, revealing that stablecoins have reached a tipping point and are becoming a foundational component of global commerce rather than a niche digital asset. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114427729/en/ Rapyd research shows 64% of businesses already use stablecoins or plan to within three years, as speed, cross-border efficiency, and cost savings drive mainstream adoption. The report shows the market has moved decisively into active, real-world use. Today, nearly one in five businesses already consider stablecoins a mainstream financial tool. Looking ahead, a much larger majority (76%) believe stablecoins are either already mainstream or will become mainstream within the next five years. This shift in perception is translating into action: 64% of businesses surveyed either use stablecoins today or plan to adopt them within th
WEP Clinical Acquires Netherlands-Based CRO Siron Clinical, Expanding Global Phase I–IV Trial Delivery Capabilities14.1.2026 15:00:00 EET | Press release
WEP Clinical (WEP), a full-service contract research organization (CRO), announces the acquisition of Siron Clinical (Siron), a Netherlands-based European CRO specializing in flexible, high-quality clinical operations for biotech companies. The acquisition expands WEP’s global footprint and strengthens its ability to deliver end-to-end Phase I–IV clinical trial solutions across complex, rare, and specialized therapeutic areas. Founded in 2000, Siron is headquartered in the Netherlands, with additional offices in Belgium and Germany, and clinical research professionals based across Europe and the Middle East. The company specializes in clinical operations, including project management, clinical monitoring, quality assurance, and regulatory submissions. Siron has supported more than 120 studies and has a strong track record in orphan diseases, pediatric research, and medical device trials. Jaswinder Khera, WEP Founder and CEO, said: “This acquisition represents a significant milestone in
Alpaca Raises $150 Million at a $1.15B Valuation to Build the Global Standard for Brokerage Infrastructure14.1.2026 14:00:00 EET | Press release
Alpaca, a global leader in brokerage infrastructure whose APIs empower partners like Kraken, SBI Securities, and Dime!, today announced it has raised a $150 million Series D led by Drive Capital that values the company at $1.15 billion. Drive Capital’s Co-Founder and Partner, Chris Olsen, will join Alpaca’s Board of Directors as part of the investment. The company also secured a $40 million line of credit, further strengthening its balance sheet as it continues to expand globally. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114225657/en/ Alpaca Raises $150 Million at a $1.15B Valuation to Build the Global Standard for Brokerage Infrastructure “Our mission is to open financial services to everyone on the planet,” said Yoshi Yokokawa, Co-Founder and CEO of Alpaca. “We are building the global standard for brokerage infrastructure so our partners can bring investing to more people. This raise gives us the fuel to deliver m
Sixth Street Raises €3.75 Billion for Third European Direct Lending Fund14.1.2026 13:30:00 EET | Press release
Sixth Street, a leading global investment firm, today announced the final close of Sixth Street Specialty Lending Europe III (“SLE III” or “the Fund”), at its hard cap with €3.75 billion in total equity commitments. SLE III is Sixth Street’s third and largest dedicated fund focused on providing financing solutions for companies across Europe. The total investable capital for SLE III is expected to be approximately €7 billion, including anticipated leverage. “We are grateful to our long-term capital partners for their trust and commitment to our strategy as we continue to support European businesses at any point in their lifecycle, offering customized capital solutions delivered with speed and certainty,” said Michael Griffin, Co-Head of Sixth Street Global Direct Lending and Head of Europe Direct Lending. “This is a significant milestone for our European Direct Lending business and a testament to the firm’s intentional growth in the region. While Sixth Street has spent the past two dec
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom