Podcast #115: Is Computational Storage Just a Fancy Name for Storage?

Brian sat down with ScaleFlux’s JB Baker for an interesting discussion about computational storage and the impact ScaleFlux has had on the industry. StorageReview has covered ScaleFlux news for several releases, most recently in early January. Check out the review on the CSD 3000 SSD for some background.

Before getting too far into the podcast, computational storage integrates computing resources in the storage itself instead of relying on the host system’s computing resources.

JB is a storage veteran, having worked with Intel, LSI, and Seagate prior to joining ScaleFlux as Sr Director of Product Management. He was recently promoted to VP of Marketing, “helping users efficiently scale data processing, storage, and management.”

It is a candid and relaxed conversation that starts with the evolution of computational storage. JB is not necessarily a fan of the term and explains why early on in the podcast. It’s a fairly short podcast and well worth the time. Watch or listen to the conversation or you can skip around by using the timestamp below. Enjoy.

00:00 Introduction

What is computational storage
How is it used
How did it evolve
Where does the technology fit
Why does JB hate the term

05:30 Computational Storage Participants

Product evolution
Product functional requirements
Making the drive simple to integrate
Plug and Play
Functionality

11:30 Technology

Compression
Scaling
Value Prop
Data reduction

16:30 Gen4 Performance

How ScaleFlux meets the performance numbers
How do customers scale
Use cases
Array discussion

21:00 DPU Technology

Where do customers allocate compute
Creating a rich feature set
FPGA pitfalls for size

25:00 Form factors

E1.S
Costs and pricing
Price vs. performance
Premium performance drive
Reducing energy consumption
Visualizing the benefits

31:00 Wrap-up

Podcast Video

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1 year ago

Harold Fritts

I have been in the tech industry since IBM created Selectric. My background, though, is writing. So I decided to get out of the pre-sales biz and return to my roots, doing a bit of writing but still being involved in technology.