Tailor-made for data center applications: Swissbit introduces U.3 SSD N4200

Westford, MA USA. October 13, 2022 – Swissbit introduces its first SSD designed specifically for the application profiles and requirements of data centers. Compared to standard data center SSDs, the new N4200 offers two- to five-times faster constant write speed while maintaining low latency and two-times greater endurance over its lifetime. Major advances have been developed thanks to the specially adapted firmware, optimized for real-world data center workloads. Customers may select from predefined workload cluster configurations, including options for Big Data, video streaming, or machine learning. In addition, the SSD has the unique ability to measure its workload on the fly, providing comprehensive data for firmware adaptability. Utilizing this information, Swissbit can offer an optional in-depth workload analysis and tailored firmware configuration. The new Swissbit SSD enables data center providers to present their customers with a reliable, constant, and cost-optimized service level. The N4200 is available with a storage capacity of 8 TB at launch, with a 16 TB version to follow.

Most cloud applications in data centers are still reliant on mainstream SSD solutions, despite a 50 to 75 percent deterioration of performance within the first few months. Data centers suffer increased latency, as well as servicing and cost overheads as SSDs often require replacement earlier than planned.

"Most off-the-shelf SSDs lose performance and endurance as well as response time due to non-optimized flash management. With the N4200, we are taking a different approach, optimizing to specific application profiles rather than outdated standard benchmarks. For the implementation, we have established the Swissbit optimization process, which starts with an evaluation of the actual workload. On this basis, we individually optimize the firmware so that the relationship between performance and endurance is adapted to the real workload of the customer’s application," explains Roger Griesemer, General Manager of the Memory Division at Swissbit.

Keeping an eye on the workload

If the customer already knows the workload of his application, he can immediately apply the standard configuration of the N4200, already optimized for use in data centers. Additionally, the new Swissbit SSD can be configured in advance for the most common workload clusters, such as Big Data, video streaming, machine learning, AI, or IoT.

For maximized performance, however, Swissbit offers optional optimization based on a detailed workload analysis of the specific customer’s application. For this, the user receives a test copy of the N4200, which measures and records the workload on site during operation. The workload profile is then analyzed by the Swissbit Datacenter team and the firmware is precisely configured to fit.

"This approach delivers a solution that is specifically designed to handle complex cloud applications and provides the industry's most stable throughput and lowest latency under real-world workloads, all without host modifications," added Griesemer.

N4200 Technical Specifications

The 2.5-inch U.3 SSD is based on enterprise-grade 3D TLC NAND (eTLC), is backward compatible with U.2, and features a 4-lane PCIe interface to PCIe 4.0 specification for up to 8,000 MB/s bandwidth in both directions. Storage capacities are 7.68 TB and 15.4 TB, respectively.

Sales and availability

The Datacenter SSD N4200 is available immediately. Project inquiries and sales are handled by the Swissbit Datacenter team, salesna@swissbit.com. The N4200 is Swissbit's first Datacenter solution developed based on the strategic partnership with US-based Datacenter SSD specialist Burlywood.

Details and specifications of the N4200 SSD