Seagate EE25.2 Taking Storage to Extremes - Comparison - Page 1

Technology Paper Taking Storage to Extremes Seagate® EE25.2 Series™ Drives vs. Other Drives, Flash SSDs Background It wasn't so very long ago that most business computers were limited to the staid confines of server rooms or office desktops. But thanks to the growing availability of affordable notebook computers and ubiquitous access to wireless networks, a profound shift towards more portable computing power has occurred. Initially this shift most obviously manifested itself in the legions of business users who abandoned their desktop computers in favor of notebook models, enabling them to bring their work from one static interior environment (office desk, home office, airport lounge, etc.) to another. As the power and flexibility of portable computing became more apparent, expanding its benefits into outdoor and mobile applications looked to be a straightforward proposition. In reality, this presented durability challenges to computer enclosures, displays and, most notably, hard drives. It's important to remember that while standard notebooks are often carried, they're usually not in full operating mode when transported (users either put them to sleep or shut them down altogether). This reduces stresses on notebook drives, which, while more shock-tolerant than desktop drives, are not designed for continuous duty while being moved. Extreme Storage Profile Conversely, the extreme operational and environmental factors that characterize mobile and outdoor applications make extraordinary demands on hard drives. Not only are the drives constantly in use (often powered on 24x7), they're simultaneously subjected to a broad range of arduous physical challenges: severe temperatures (sub-zero frost to sweltering heat), punishing vibration and shock, as well as stifling humidity and extreme altitude.