sandisk corp (SNDK) Snapshot

SanDisk Corp. announced a significant upgrade to its enterprise software portfolio with a new version of its FlashSoft(TM) software for Windows Server(R) and Linux operating systems. FlashSoft 3.2 server-side solid state caching software complements and enhances the performance of existing applications, and server and storage systems. Key benefits of FlashSoft 3.2 software include: multiple SSD support, with SSD mirroring for safe write-back caching; support for up to four caches on a single server; acceleration of up to 2048 volumes per cache; maximum cache size increased to two terabytes per cache; and support for volume-based storage architectures, including direct-attached storage (DAS) and storage area network (SAN) configurations. By caching frequently accessed data (hot data) on solid-state memory installed in the server, FlashSoft software allows read and write operations for hot data to execute via the solid state device rather than underlying storage. This optimizes server performance by reducing input-output latency (I/O latency) from storage. The software dynamically allocates the cache space to volumes based on their I/O activity for optimal efficiency in SSD utilization, while minimizing use of server CPU and memory resources. FlashSoft software supports SanDisk's own enterprise solid-state devices, and it's also compatible with all vendors' enterprise flash-based systems, including those using PCIe, SAS or SATA technology. This provides customers choice and flexibility in selecting the flash hardware best suited to their budget, infrastructure and operational requirements. Increased Scalability: In response to its customers using FlashSoft for increasingly larger data sets, SanDisk has significantly improved the FlashSoft caching engine to meet requirements for accelerating data-intensive workloads. FlashSoft 3.2 allows four separate caches on a single server, with each cache on its own SSD. In addition, SanDisk has increased the maximum size of each cache from 1TB to 2TB, and the number of volumes supported by a single cache has increased from 255 to 2048. Multiple SSD Support: IT managers require flexibility to expand data center capabilities in the most economical manner. In addition to supporting multiple caches on separate SSDs, FlashSoft 3.2 supports the concatenation (linking) of multiple solid state devices to provide one larger logical SSD. When a larger solid state cache is needed, FlashSoft software gives the option of simply adding more solid state devices for incremental growth, rather than requiring replacement of the existing SSD. Additionally, when implementing multiple caches, an IT manager can employ higher performing or larger SSDs for caching higher priority workloads, and more economical solid state devices for less demanding applications, providing the appropriate quality of service to all data; Safe Write-Back Caching: FlashSoft software has always provided the option of a write-back mode for read-write caching, which can significantly improve performance for certain database applications. FlashSoft 3.2 also supports data mirroring, using two identical SSDs for safe write-back caching where data is written to both SSDs concurrently and is available even in the event of an SSD failure. If one SSD fails, FlashSoft automatically flushes the data from the other SSD and switches to write-through mode, providing read-only caching until the SSD failure is remedied. Product Specifications: Operating System (Windows): Windows Server 2008 R2; Operating System (Linux): Red Hat(R) Enterprise Linux, CentOS, Oracle(R); Linux, versions 5.5 and above and 6.0 and above; Server Memory Overhead: 140MB; Recommended CPU: Dual core or greater, 2GHz or above, 64-bit x86 processor; Cache Size: 8GB (min) to 2TB (max) per cache; Total Cache Capacity: Up to 4 caches per server; SSD: Any SSD (SAS or PCIe recommended). FlashSoft 3.2 for Windows Server ($3,000), FlashSoft 3.2 for Linux ($3,500) and FlashSoft 3.1 for VMware vSphere ($3,900) are available now and may be purchased from SanDisk or through authorized resellers. Software maintenance and support is available from SanDisk for all FlashSoft software products.

Annual Stockholder Meeting

SanDisk Corporation announced that it has further expanded its trusted and broad solid state drive (SSD) portfolio with the addition of three new models -- the high-performance SanDisk Extreme(R) II SSD for technology enthusiasts and gamers, as well as two new OEM SSDs designed to enable cutting-edge notebooks and tablets. The company introduces the SanDisk Extreme(R) II SSD. All of the new SSDs introduced by SanDisk are built with the company's advanced 19 nanometer (nm) manufacturing process technology and rely on its intelligent flash memory architecture. This combination enables SanDisk to create SSDs that are exceptionally responsive, reliable and energy-efficient. SanDisk Extreme II SSD enables quick game loading and enhances game play. Exceptional speed: The SanDisk Extreme II is faster than the original SanDisk Extreme SSD, delivering up to 550MB/sec sequential read and 510 MB/sec sequential write speeds, and up to 95,000 random read IOPS and 78,000 random write IOPS.3. Trusted reliability: As SanDisk's fourth-generation retail SSD, the SanDisk Extreme II SSD delivers the robust reliability that company customers have come to trust. The SanDisk Extreme II SSD is qualified to deliver 80 terabytes written (TBW)4 over its lifetime. It comes with a five-year limited warranty 5 with purchase. Pricing and Availability: The new SSD is available now worldwide in 120 GB, 240 GB and 480 GB 6 capacities at $129.99, $229.99 and $439.99 MSRP7 respectively. New SSD Models and Form Factors for OEM Customers the company also broadened its line-up of advanced SSDs for PC makers. Bringing advanced 19 nm technology to SanDisk's industry leading form factors and computing capabilities, the SSDs are designed to bring nimble performance, robust capacity and advanced power management to ultra-thin notebooks and tablets. The new SSD products and form factors include: The SanDisk U110 SSD: The cost-effective and responsive SSD solution is available in multiple formats to accommodate a variety of computing device designs, including Half-Slim SATA, mSATA, mSATA mini, 2.5" cased and M.2. The SanDisk iSSD(TM) i110 integrated storage device: The company's smallest solid state device, the i110 iSSD delivers up to 128 GB of digital storage in a compact BGA form factor. The solution is well-suited for use in incredibly thin and light mobile computing devices, and many convertible laptops, which offer both tablet and notebook functionality. The i110 SanDisk iSSD integrated storage device is available in both 16x20 mm and 12x16 mm form factors. The SanDisk X110 SSD in mSATA form factor: The introduced SanDisk X110 SSD is now available in the mSATA format and can be purchased in 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB capacities 6.