Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Connect with us

E-Business

The Backbone of Efficient Data Storage: Ghassan Azzi Highlights the Role of HDDs Amid Growing Data Demands

Published

on

Kindly share this post

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Ghassan Azzi, Sales Director for Africa at Western Digital, has emphasized the importance of scalable, cost-effective data storage solutions in meeting the needs of modern businesses. As data generation continues to surge, particularly with the rise of connected devices and artificial intelligence (AI), Azzi pointed out that efficient data storage is becoming an essential consideration for datacenter managers worldwide.

Azzi acknowledged the widespread attention on flash storage due to its high performance and low latency, but warned that not all data requires such advanced storage technology. “Each application and type of data has its own access requirements, and it’s not always necessary to pay the premium for the speed of flash storage,” he explained.

According to Azzi, the difference between “warm” and “hot” data is a critical factor when selecting the appropriate storage solution. For example, a globally popular music video that attracts billions of views may need to be stored on high-performance SSDs or RAM, while videos with fewer views, like those of influencers or niche hobbyists, can be effectively stored on HDDs to keep total cost of ownership (TCO) in check.

Azzi stressed that data centers must consider multiple factors beyond performance, including capacity, power, cooling, and storage density. These factors influence the overall TCO and help leaders choose the most cost-effective storage options. “Datacenter leaders optimize storage solutions based on application requirements, all while aiming to minimize long-term costs,” he noted.

He also dismissed the idea of a competition between SSDs and HDDs, instead highlighting that the overall data storage market is growing, creating ample space for both technologies. “In the data center, SSDs and HDDs are not fighting over a fixed pie. The pie is growing rapidly as data storage demand continues to soar,” Azzi remarked.

AI’s Impact on Storage Demand

Azzi identified the AI-driven data cycle as a significant factor driving the demand for storage. AI systems generate vast amounts of data that need to be stored efficiently, and HDDs play a critical role in this ecosystem by handling both the ingestion of raw data and the storage of AI-generated content. “This dual role positions HDDs as a linchpin in the AI-driven data cycle, ensuring that data is available when needed and stored with the lowest TCO,” he said.

Citing Western Digital’s analysis, Azzi highlighted that HDD exabyte shipments are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% between 2023 and 2027. He noted that the rise of AI, big data, and cloud technologies will continue to push storage requirements higher, making HDDs an indispensable tool in data management.

The Cloud and Data Growth

Azzi also pointed to the increasing role of the cloud in data storage. “Virtually everything today, from social media to enterprise systems, is powered by the cloud,” he said. This shift has led to massive volumes of data being moved to cloud environments for storage, processing, and analysis.

Quoting IDC data, Azzi stated that global data creation is projected to increase from 132.4 zettabytes (ZB) in 2023 to 393.9 ZB by 2028. While not all of this data will be stored, Azzi pointed out that around 13.6 ZB will be stored by 2028. He emphasized that “approximately 85% of enterprise data is still stored on HDDs, and this percentage is only expected to decline slightly over the next five years.”

Innovations in HDD Technology

Recent advances in HDD technology, according to Azzi, are helping to solidify the role of hard drives in large-scale data storage environments. With technologies like conventional magnetic recording (CMR) and shingled magnetic recording (SMR), HDD capacities have reached new heights—up to 26 terabytes (TB) for CMR and 32TB for SMR.

“These capacity advancements enable organizations to optimize their storage infrastructure for lower TCO,” Azzi said. He illustrated the cost-saving benefits by citing the example of a data center needing 192 petabytes (PB) of storage. By utilizing 32TB HDDs instead of 24TB models, the data center could reduce the number of racks needed from eight to six, saving both physical space and cutting TCO by up to 25%.

In addition to lower TCO, Azzi mentioned that businesses are increasingly focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, making efficient, high-capacity storage solutions a priority. “High-capacity HDDs can reduce physical footprints and energy consumption, making them a key part of meeting sustainability targets,” he added.

The Future of Data Storage

Looking to the future, Azzi stated that industries generating massive amounts of data, such as media, healthcare, and financial services, will continue to rely on HDDs to meet their storage needs. “As data continues to grow exponentially, the role of HDDs will only become more critical,” he remarked, underscoring that HDD innovations will keep pace with rising data storage demands.

Azzi affirmed that the demand for scalable, efficient data storage solutions will only intensify. “HDDs, with their unmatched capacity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, are well-positioned to remain the backbone of data storage for years to come,” he said.

In a world where data is growing at an unprecedented rate, Ghassan Azzi’s insights underscore the ongoing importance of HDDs in providing businesses with the scalable, efficient storage they need to navigate the challenges of the digital age.

 


Kindly share this post

Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

E-Business

MRA Flags AI Concerns ahead of Press Freedom Day Today

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Media Rights Agenda (MRA), has unveiled a visual brief emphasizing the critical need for responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism, particularly within Nigeria’s evolving media environment.

MRA Flags AI Concerns ahead of Press Freedom Day Today

This is coming ahead of World Press Freedom Day today.

The visual brief, developed under this year’s global theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” explores the opportunities and dangers AI poses to media freedom in Nigeria and across the world.

In a statement released in Lagos by John Gbadamosi, its programme officer,MRA noted that AI is quickly changing the way news is produced and consumed, adding that it offers powerful tools that can assist journalists in analysing data, translating stories into local languages, and extend the reach of vital information, especially to underserved areas with limited media infrastructure.

Gbadamosi added that AI can help to ensure that essential news and information are also disseminated to local communities.

However, Gbadamosi warned that the same technology is being weaponised to undermine truth and press freedom, saying: “While AI can be used to advance journalism, it can just as easily be exploited to spread disinformation, create deepfakes, and drown out independent voices with algorithmically generated propaganda.”

According to him, “In Nigeria, journalists face threats that go beyond just physical dangers; such threats now also encompass digital, algorithmic, and systemic harms and challenges, which requires media professionals to ensure that AI enhances, rather than undermines, media freedom and that technology is used to promote the truth, not distort it.”

“The visual brief breaks down key concepts like misinformation, disinformation, mal-information, and information overload, which are increasingly shaping Nigeria’s digital media ecosystem. It also raises concerns about AI-enabled surveillance, political manipulation, and the marginalisation of community-based journalists.”

Gbadamosi stated that the visual brief also advocates support for independent media, transparent AI regulations aligned with Nigeria’s context, increased digital literacy, and stronger accountability from tech companies regarding platform content and influence.

He therefore urged all stakeholders to advocate for responsible AI usage and a free, independent, professional and vibrant media environment in Nigeria, stressing that “when media freedom thrives, democracy lives.”


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

E-Business

Nigerians to Pay More for IDs as NIMC Raises Service Fees

Published

on

Kindly share this post

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has raised the fees for all its products and services, including charges related to data modification on the National Identification Number (NIN) database.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Kayode Adegoke, NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, announced that the updated service fees are published on the commission’s official website.

Adegoke noted that the new pricing structure for NIMC’s services and products marks the first comprehensive review of its fees in over a decade.

The statement stated that the revised pricing is designed to align with prevailing operational costs and industry standards, while continuing to ensure that services remain accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.

The statement warned its Front-End Partners (FEPs) to comply with the newly approved rates, stating that any failure to do so could attract strict sanctions, including possible license revocation.

“The new structure ensures that the quality and integrity of our services remain uncompromised. We are committed to protecting the interests of Nigerians through fair and transparent pricing,” the statement read.

NIMC urged the public to report any Front-End Partners (FEPs) found charging beyond the approved rates. Reports can be directed to the Commission’s Inspectorate and Enforcement Unit via email at ieu@nimc.gov.ng

It further reaffirmed its commitment to delivering secure and dependable identity services. A complete list of the revised service fees can be accessed on its official website at www.nimc.gov.ng.

In a related development, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), expressed sincere appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in enhancing the National Identity Database (NIDB).

She also extended her gratitude to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and other key partners for their pivotal roles in advancing a sustainable and effective identity management system.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

E-Business

PwC says AI Adoption by African Businesses will Unlock Growth

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption could boost Africa’s gross domestic product by an additional 4.9 percentage points by 2035, as the African economy is reshaped by the emerging technology.

This is according to PwC’s recently released report: Value in Motion. It is based on data-driven scenario analysis, which reveals that globally, AI has the potential to boost economic output by up to 15 percentage points over the next decade.

The global growth dividend from AI varies according to the region and depends on more than technical success – it also hinges on responsible deployment, clear governance, and public and organisational trust, notes the report.

This would effectively add one percentage point to annual growth rates − on par with the growth increment the world began enjoying with 19th century industrialisation.

In other scenarios analysed by PwC, characterised by lower trust and co-operation, the incremental boost to the economy from AI would be more muted at 8%, or in a pessimistic scenario just 1%.

The research finds that rapid reconfiguration of the economy is already under way. PwC analysis indicates the pressure for African businesses to reinvent themselves is at some of the highest levels seen in the last 25 years across six out of nine sectors in Africa.

The $150.54 billion in revenue in Africa is set to shift between companies in 2025 alone, a trend that begun prior to the recent global increase in tariffs.

PwC’s research suggests that over the next decade, industries will reconfigure to meet human needs in new ways, leading to the formation of new ‘domains’ that cross traditional sector lines.

Dion Shango, PwC Africa CEO, explains: “As the structure of the economy transforms, value will increasingly come from organisations that can connect the dots across traditional industry boundaries. By focusing on evolving customer needs and using technology to dramatically change the way business operates, business leaders can unlock a step change in growth.”

According to Google’s Digital Opportunity of Africa report, AI could contribute up to $30 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy by 2030. Africa stands to accelerate its growth through AI as more people gain connectivity and harness technology for good, it notes.

“Across the continent, a new generation of innovators are harnessing technology to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” says Google.

In terms of AI’s impact on the climate, PwC’s analysis shows that while AI is set to accelerate growth, the costs of physical climate threats will impose economic constraints.

PwC’s economic modelling suggests that physical climate impacts could result in the African economy being over 12%smaller (globally: 7%) by 2035 in all scenarios than it would have been otherwise.

“Increased AI adoption is expected to lead to increased energy use by data centres. However, modest use of AI to drive energy-efficiency could offset this increased use of energy. PwC estimates that the energy use and emissions impact of AI would be neutral if each additional percentage point of AI use led to innovations which cut energy intensity by just 0.1% globally,” says the report.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending