Western Digital, Ingrasys Partner for Next-Gen Fabric-Attached Storage

Core Insights - Western Digital Corporation (WDC) has partnered with Ingrasys to develop a Top-of-Rack (TOR) Ethernet Bunch of Flash (EBOF) switch, aimed at enhancing storage and networking deployment for AI and high-performance workloads [1][2] - The TOR EBOF switch integrates WDC's RapidFlex NVMe-oF bridge technology, which reduces data movement latency and increases flexibility and scalability [2][4] - The next-generation TOR switch is expected to launch in 2027, featuring advanced design and performance capabilities, including 100G Ethernet connectivity and support for NVMe/PCIe Gen6 E3.S/L SSDs [3] Technology and Innovation - The RapidFlex NVMe-oF fabric bridge is designed for modern data centers, utilizing hardware acceleration to minimize latency and facilitate high-speed integration of NVMe SSDs into disaggregated systems [4] - The initiative aligns with trends in edge computing, data locality, and GPU-driven workloads, positioning WDC as a key player in next-generation data center design [5] Market Dynamics - The adoption of generative AI is expected to drive a refresh cycle in client and consumer devices, with generative AI usage increasing from 33% in 2023 to 65% in 2024, leading to higher storage demand for both HDDs and Flash [6] - Despite macroeconomic challenges, demand from hyperscale customers remains strong, indicating resilience in certain market segments [7] Corporate Developments - In February 2025, WDC completed the separation of its HDD and Flash businesses into two independent companies, allowing each to focus on its respective market and capitalize on AI opportunities [8]