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Plextor, a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance digital media and storage equipment, and NCIX, Canada’s biggest technology e-retailer, have built a strategic partnership in which Plextor will supply solid-state drives for NCIX custom PC division, NCIXPC.
Known previously for the stellar quality of its optical-disk drives, Plextor has emerged as a top player in solid-state storage, making Plextor SSDs a top choice for gamers looking for speed, consistent performance, durability, and reliability. Consequently, Plextor is now a go-to resource for NCIX, which builds customized, high-performance gaming systems.
Plextor and NCIX co-featured an exhibit at the E3 Expo video-game industry conference earlier this year. That collaboration was so successful that NCIX has decided to use Plextor SSDs in two of its gaming systems, the 901-M and IR-57M models, respectively. NCIX’s 901-M “MilSpec 3.0” includes Plextor’s M5Pro 256GB SSD, while Plextor’s M5S 128GB solid-state drive is a key component of NCIX’s IR-57M, a MinMax build that emphasizes graphics performance and scores high on longevity, quality and power.
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- Network Storage
The N2310, the latest entry level home and small office NAS from Thecus, is now available in North America. The N2310 provides fast, safe and reliable file storage for homes and small offices, all while consuming only 5W.
The N2310 is packed with useful features. Support for RAID storage (0, 1, and JBOD) offers speed and reliability. Web-based file access allows users to manage and access their files from anywhere, even another country. There's also a built-in FTP server to distribute and share files. The BitTorrent client lets the N2310 handle downloads by itself, saving power and freeing up resources on PCs. There's also Plex Media support, allowing users to manage and stream their media to devices such as the Xbox 360, as well as mobile devices.
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The USB 3.0 Promoter Group today announced that the development of the next generation of USB connector has begun. The new USB Type-C connector, built initially on existing USB 3.1 and USB 2.0 technologies, is being developed to help enable thinner and sleeker product designs, enhance usability and provide a growth path for performance enhancements for future versions of USB. This supplement to the USB 3.1 specification is anticipated to be completed by the middle of next year.
Key characteristics of the USB Type-C connector and cable solution include:
- An entirely new design tailored to work well with emerging product designs
- New smaller size – similar in size to the existing USB 2.0 Micro-B
- Usability enhancements – users will no longer need to be concerned with plug orientation/cable direction, making it easier to plug in
- The Type-C connector and cable will support scalable power charging
- Scalability – the connector design will scale for future USB bus performance
As the new USB Type-C plug and receptacle will not directly mate with existing USB plugs and receptacles (Type-A, Type-B, Micro-B, etc.), the Type-C specification will define passive new-to-existing cables and adapters to allow users to use their existing products.
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- Flash Memory
The Storage Products Business Unit of Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc., a committed technology leader, announces a new enterprise read-intensive solid state drive (eSSD) – the PX03SN. Designed to support the widest possible range of read-intensive applications, the PX03SN is available in capacities of up to 1.6TB and supports one full drive write per day. The new 2.5-inch form factor SAS interface eSSD is designed for read-intensive applications, server storage and caching applications, and storage systems where customers are looking for a balance between cost, endurance and performance.
Optimized for read-intensive, read-caching, and low-duty storage applications, the newest addition to the eSSD family features a 12 Gbit/s3 SAS interface. The PX03SN reflects Toshiba’s continued storage innovation and is optimized for its target segment with NAND flash processes, density, endurance and interface implementation.
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OCZ Technology Group, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance solid state drives (SSDs) for computing devices and systems, today announced that the Company has signed an asset purchase agreement with Toshiba Corporation, a global technology leader and manufacturer of NAND flash memory, to acquire substantially all of OCZ's assets in a chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding for $35M. Under this agreement Toshiba will acquire OCZ's client and enterprise solid state drive business. OCZ will continue to operate and serve existing and future customers during this process. Toshiba has agreed to provide the Company with DIP (Debtor-in-Possession) financing to ensure that there is adequate capital and flash supply to support the business during the contemplated sale period. The consummation of the asset purchase agreement is subject to an auction and approval by the bankruptcy court in the Company's bankruptcy case.
This acquisition will provide Toshiba with access to OCZ's proprietary controllers, firmware and software, as well as the teams responsible for bringing these solutions to market, in addition to OCZ's established brand and sales channels. This strategic opportunity will bring critical controller IP and NAND supply all under one global organization, allowing for an even more robust and competitive solid state solution offering for all of OCZ's and Toshiba's mutual customers moving forward.
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- Optical Storage
The DVD6C Licensing Group (DVD6C) consisting of nine leading developers of DVD technology and formats - Hitachi Consumer Electronics Co., Ltd., JVC KENWOOD Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., Sharp Corporation, Toshiba Corporation and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc. - today announced that it is revising its worldwide patent licensing program to offer a reduced royalty rate for DVD Read-Only Discs to licensees in good standing.
Specifically, the revised licensing program provides for the following reduced rates from the current US$0.04 per disc - for Read-Only Discs (DVD-Video Discs, DVD-ROM Discs, and DVD-Audio Discs) for licensees in good standing, i.e., licensees who have no overdue or incorrect royalty reports or overdue or underpaid royalties (including back royalties) and are otherwise in compliance with their license agreement with DVD6C:
- US$0.035 per disc for all DVD Read-Only Discs sold or otherwise transferred on or after July 1, 2013.
- US$0.033 per disc for all DVD Read-Only Discs sold or otherwise transferred on or after January 1, 2014.
- US$0.03 per disc for all DVD Read-Only Discs sold or otherwise transferred on or after January 1, 2015.
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TDK Corporation has announced that its Thailand-based HDD suspension assemblies subsidiary Magnecomp Precision Technology Public Company Limited (“MPT”) concluded an agreement in October to acquire two HDD-related companies (EntroComponent Solutions, LLC and EntroComponent Solutions Singapore Pte Ltd) from U.S.-based specialty polymer and resin manufacturer entrotech Inc. MPT also inked a business alliance agreement with entrotech.
entrotech mainly manufactures and sells specialty polymers and resins. Products employing these materials span a wide range of fields, including automotive films, HDD-related components, aircraft paint, and medical products. The HDD-related product manufacturing and sales companies subject to this acquisition handle vibration dampening materials attached to HDD head suspensions, as well as filters, sealants and other products for HDDs. MPT specializes in the manufacture and sales of suspension assemblies for HDD heads, supplying products globally from its base in Thailand.
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PNY Technologies has announced the launch of the Wave 3.0 USB flash drive, a must-have for users who want to store or share their photos, music, videos and documents while on the move.
Store and transfer images, music, documents and more up to 5x faster
Stylishly engineered with a sleek, retractable design, the PNY Wave 3.0 USB flash drive boasts super-fast read speeds of up to 80MB/s and write speeds of up to 20MB/s - that's 5 times faster than USB 2.0. Fully compatible with USB 2.0 devices, it's ready to plug and play with your existing gear.
The PNY Wave 3.0 with protective sliding cover is the perfect solution for safely storing, transferring, and sharing your valuable files, photos, videos, and more.
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- Flash Memory
OCZ Technology Group, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance solid state drives (SSDs) for computing devices and systems, today announced that on November 25, 2013, it received notices that Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc. ("Hercules") took exclusive control of the Company's depository accounts at Silicon Valley Bank and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. As set forth in the Company's recent SEC filings, Hercules and the Company are parties to a loan and security agreement. As previously reported, the Company is not in compliance with certain of the operating ratios and covenants in the loan agreement. As a result of such action and pursuant to Hercules' written instruction, the depository institutions disbursed the cash in the Company's respective accounts to accounts under the control of Hercules.
The Company has received an offer from Toshiba Corporation to acquire substantially all of the Company's assets in a bankruptcy proceeding. The parties have substantially completed negotiations on an asset purchase agreement and OCZ believes that all the material terms have been agreed to. The agreement is subject to various conditions: the preservation of the value of the business, including the retention of employees, the negotiation and execution of definitive documentation, the filing of bankruptcy petitions by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, Toshiba's offer being accepted by the bankruptcy court as the highest and best offer under the circumstances after an auction process conducted under the relevant provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code, and other customary closing conditions. The Company expects to file a petition for bankruptcy shortly after completing final documentation with Toshiba and Hercules, and to conduct the court-supervised auction process to attempt to maximize the value of the Company's assets and operations in an orderly process. More details will become available when the Company files its petition for bankruptcy.
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- Flash Memory
Organizations with a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) can now get a significant performance boost with the Intel SSD Cache Controller RCS25ZB040. Powered by LSI Nytro Technology, the Intel RCS25ZB040 is designed to expedite data across a VDI while decreasing the cost per desktop.
The Intel RCS25ZB040 accelerates VDI performance with intelligent caching technology, which monitors frequently accessed data and retains it on its enterprise-grade flash for faster access. Plus, it moves data faster across a VDI and reduces the cost per desktop within the infrastructure.
