这家老牌硬盘巨头，正在中国为海量数据造「家」

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the critical role of Hard Disk Drives (HDD) in the era of AI, highlighting their importance in data storage despite the rise of Solid State Drives (SSD) and the increasing demand for large-scale, low-cost, and reliable storage solutions in China [1][5]. Group 1: HDD's Role in AI and Data Storage - HDD remains irreplaceable due to its unique characteristics such as data recoverability, durability against data erasure, and cost advantages for large-scale data storage, especially in enterprise scenarios [9]. - Toshiba's core value lies in supporting big data and AI development, focusing on large-capacity technology research while maintaining stable performance and reducing total cost of ownership (TCO) for users [9][10]. Group 2: Toshiba's Manufacturing Strategy in China - Toshiba has established a nearline HDD production line in mainland China, successfully achieving mass production, which is crucial for meeting local customer demands [19]. - The collaboration with SAE (New Science Electronics) allows for a unique manufacturing model where core components and HDD assembly occur in the same physical space, enhancing responsiveness to market needs [3][15]. Group 3: Technological Innovations and Future Plans - Toshiba has validated a 12-platter stacking technology, aiming for HDD capacities exceeding 40TB, with challenges in physical space compression being a significant hurdle [10]. - The transition from traditional PMR to energy-assisted recording technologies like MAMR and HAMR is underway, with plans to produce MAMR HDDs at scale and prepare for HAMR production by 2027 [16][25]. Group 4: Market Dynamics and Customer Insights - Chinese customers are rapidly migrating to large-capacity HDDs (20TB+) and prioritize performance stability over cost, contrasting with global trends where cost sensitivity is more pronounced [12]. - The local production strategy significantly enhances service efficiency and response speed for domestic data center clients, fostering closer interactions and skill development among engineers [20][19]. Group 5: Long-term Value of HDD - The long-term value of HDDs lies in their ability to provide economical and reliable data storage solutions, essential for meeting the growing demands of big data and AI applications [24]. - Continuous development of advanced recording technologies is necessary to match increasing areal density requirements and achieve cost savings for customers [24].