Huawei has introduced an innovative storage solution, the Magneto-Electric Disk (MED), combining the best of SSD and tape technologies. The MED is designed to replace traditional hard drives, addressing both warm and cold storage needs while offering significant energy efficiency and cost savings.
This development is part of Huawei’s efforts to innovate amidst U.S. export restrictions, which limit its access to American-made hard drives. By integrating SSD performance with tape capacity, the MED aims to provide a high-density, low-power alternative to conventional storage systems.
What is MED?
MED combines an SSD and a tape system within a sealed unit. This hybrid design uses the SSD for high-speed data access and the tape for long-term archival storage. The tape system operates seamlessly, moving through read-write heads without external robotics typically required in traditional tape libraries.
Incoming data is written to the SSD for quick access and later transferred sequentially to tape for storage. Metadata maps stored in NAND enable efficient data retrieval by locating specific blocks across the SSD or tape.
Key Features and Benefits
- Massive Capacity: The first-generation MED offers 72 TB of storage in a compact 7-inch form factor.
- Energy Efficiency: MED consumes just 10% of the power used by traditional HDD systems.
- High Throughput: A rack of MED units can achieve data transfer speeds of up to 8 GB/s.
- Cost-Effective: Huawei claims MED reduces total cost of ownership by 20% compared to standard tape systems.
- Space-Saving: The device eliminates robotic components and reduces physical space requirements.
| Capacity | 72 TB |
| Throughput | Up to 8 GB/s per rack |
| Power Consumption | Under 2 kW for a rack (10 PB storage) |
| Design | SSD + proprietary tape in sealed unit |
| Target Applications | Warm and cold data storage |
| Launch Date | 2025 |
Reducing Complexity in Storage
Traditionally, data centers rely on a three-tier storage hierarchy: SSDs for speed, HDDs for nearline storage, and tapes for archiving. MED simplifies this by combining SSD and tape into a two-layer system. This approach optimizes storage efficiency, reduces power consumption, and ensures faster data access.
Future Roadmap
Huawei plans to launch a second-generation MED device by 2026 or 2027. This version will be more compact, fitting a 3.5-inch drive bay, and will feature higher tape density for improved storage efficiency.
The company also continues to innovate in SSD technology. A planned 60 TB SSD using 3D QLC NAND with SLC cache will complement MED devices, catering to high-capacity storage needs.
A Strategic Move
Huawei’s focus on developing proprietary storage technologies is a clear indication of the company’s ambition to reduce its reliance on American-made products and safeguard its operations from external geopolitical risks. By advancing in areas like Memory Expansion Devices (MED), Huawei is positioning itself as a key player in the global storage technology market, capitalizing on the growing demand for secure, high-performance data storage solutions. The company’s move is especially significant in the context of increasing tensions between China and the U.S., with trade restrictions and technology bans placing a premium on self-reliance for Chinese firms.
In particular, Chinese cloud providers have already begun exploring MED for archival storage, aiming to streamline large-scale data management while maintaining security and efficiency. This shift toward domestic solutions is not just a technological progression but also a direct response to the growing scrutiny of foreign technology and its potential risks in sensitive sectors. Huawei’s strategic move to develop and scale MEDs for the global market reflects an understanding of both market demand and geopolitical challenges, positioning it as a leader in data storage innovation.
As cloud infrastructure needs continue to expand globally, Huawei’s ability to offer reliable, cost-effective, and secure alternatives to American-dominated storage solutions could reshape the competitive landscape. This focus on independent storage technology also serves to bolster Huawei’s position in both the domestic and international markets, ensuring that it remains competitive in the rapidly evolving tech ecosystem while mitigating risks associated with foreign dependencies. The device’s promising capabilities, combined with Huawei’s robust technological foundation, underscore the company’s commitment to shaping the future of data storage with an eye toward both performance and autonomy.
Transforming Data Storage
The MED’s hybrid design redefines storage efficiency, combining the best features of SSDs and tape. With its impressive capacity, low power usage, and reduced operational costs, it is set to transform data archiving for large-scale data centers.
As Huawei prepares for the 2025 launch, the MED is expected to have a significant impact on the storage industry, particularly in regions affected by U.S. export restrictions. With ongoing innovations and a clear roadmap, Huawei is poised to make a lasting mark in the storage solutions market.
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