IN THIS WHITEPAPER

In this IDC white paper, sponsored by Toshiba, IDC explores the opportunity for solid state drives (SSDs); specifically, the advantages multilevel cell (MLC) NAND-based SSDs bring to the market, the market segments most likely to benefit from MLC SSDs, and the opportunity for MLC NAND-based SSDs.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

The computing market is a large, well-established market, but it is by no means static. The way people use their PCs today is different from the way they used them just a few years ago. As this market matured, PCs evolved to suit a wider array of usage models, as evidenced by a number of different dynamics:

• The shift to portable PCs from desktop PCs
• The enormous rise in digital content that touches both our personal lives and our professional lives on a daily basis
• The newer forms of devices, such as ultramobile PCs (UMPCs) or ultra-low-cost PCs (ULCPCs).

Storage and storage requirements are not immune to these dynamics and are evolving as well. Hard disk drive (HDD) technology is over 50 years old and has been a key enabling factor in the rise and success of the computing market through its ability to provide high capacities, good performance, and reliable storage at low prices. However, storage requirements are changing, and it is difficult for one storage technology to satisfy every use scenario related to storage. As markets change, system OEMs insert other requirements into the decision matrix when choosing a storage solution. Price and storage capacity have long been the main requirements of any storage solution; however, form factor, reliability, performance, energy efficiency, and environmental metrics increasingly are becoming more important characteristics in the decision process.

Enter SSDs into the marketplace. An SSD is built using semiconductor memory, typically NAND flash memory, to store data rather than a spinning magnetic platter that is used in a traditional HDD. As a result, SSDs offer a number of advantages over other storage solutions:

• Performance. With no mechanical armature to move, SSDs have virtually no latency time and can provide very fast access to the data stored. As shown in Figure 1, the difference in access times between typical SSD and HDD solutions is rather large and translates into faster performance in certain applications and functions.
• Reliability. Specifications of SSDs on the market indicate that they provide a high mean time between failure (MTBF) and have a low probability of mechanisms that cause an entire SSD to fail. Intuitively, this thesis would seem to be true; however, this metric has yet to be validated in the market with years of historical experience and field data.

IRVINE, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2010) – Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc. (TABS) recently wrapped-up an entirely new series of interactive conferences designed to provide office technology dealers with the tools and knowledge to help them succeed in selling and implementing Managed Print and Professional Services (MPS and PS). LEAD 2010, which stands for Learn, Engage, Act, and Deliver, was held at four regional locations this summer, including Washington D.C., Dallas, Irvine, Calif., and Chicago, and drew nearly 700 attendees from all across the country. 

Bill Melo, vice president of marketing, services and solutions for TABS opened each conference by describing the “new normal” in today’s business world and the office technology industry more specifically. “When you define yourselves as MPS providers, rather than copier dealers, your market of opportunity quadruples,” Melo said, referencing in part the fact that for every dollar spent on A3 technology, customers spend three dollars on A41. After making the compelling argument for why successful dealers must have an MPS program, presentations were then given by representatives from Hewlett-Packard, Lexmark, Strategy Development, Drivve and Capella, and other Toshiba partners.

Security
Multi-function devices (MFDs) and document security, which Toshiba has been promoting to dealers for years as an essential element of a successful MPS program, was a major focus of the conference. While it was mentioned in most of the twenty education sessions that made up each conference’s three course tracks – sales, service, and consulting –Toshiba also held an additional session specifically on security featuring representatives from Digital Copier Security Inc., who recently became well-known in the industry for their participation in the “CBS Evening News with Katie Couric” investigative report earlier this year on copier hard drive security.

Jordache Enterprises, Inc., designs and manufactures a wide variety of denim, apparel and accessories, and prides itself on its reputation for high quality merchandise. Distributed globally, Jordache owns several apparel brands, including Jordache, Gasoline, Airport, Maurice Sasson, KIKIT, Jordache Vintage and US Polo Association, and also manufactures private-label denim for many well-known companies. In addition to its apparel business, Jordache Enterprises is heavily invested in worldwide residential and commercial real estate, holds a majority interest in a private jet charter service and owns an award-winning olive oil company.

ordache turned to Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. for a way to update and streamline its fleet of outdated office equipment. Jordache’s Vice President of Procurement, Ezri Silver, was tasked with improving functionality, efficiency and productivity while consolidating the number of copiers, printers and fax machines located throughout the two floors of its corporate headquarters in New York City.

IRVINE, Calif. -- Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc. (TABS) continues its innovation leadership in the multifunction product (MFP) market with the launch of the new Toshiba e-STUDIO™181/182/242 series. Combining an array of advanced standard and optional features, these new low-range black and white models deliver cost-efficient productivity for small- and medium-sized businesses. All three of the new models feature outstanding durability and reliability, ease of operation, high-volume utility and multifunction digital networking capabilities. The entire series also is Energy Star compliant, which translates to reduced running costs for the business, and features extended maintenance cycles and 100 percent waste-free toner recycling to help customers meet their own sustainability initiatives.

“Recent surveys show small business entrepreneurs are more optimistic entering the New Year than they were in 2009, so we see this as an excellent opportunity to enhance the products and services our dealers can offer to this vital backbone of the American economy.”

“At Toshiba, we take a customer-centric approach, developing products and technologies that solve the needs expressed to us by our customers,” said Joseph Contreras, director, Product and Solutions Marketing, TABS. “These new models bring world-class Toshiba innovation to local businesses and home offices that previously found such functionality and networking abilities out of reach due to cost. We understand versatility is a must for the small business owner who needs a rugged machine that easily and economically keeps pace as their business rapidly grows and evolves, and that’s exactly what these three new models do.”