Western Digital speeds up storage systems exit, sells IntelliFlash to DDN

DataDirect Networks acquisition of IntelliFlash : Big data storage supplier DataDirect Networks (DDN) has agreed to acquire IntelliFlash, an enterprise storage business, from Western Digital, a US data storage company, for an undisclosed price.

The acquisition of IntelliFlash will consolidate the position of DataDirect Networks as a value-added artificial intelligence and multi-cloud data management solutions provider.

In addition to that, the California-based big data storage supplier will increase its purchase of Western Digital’s HDD and SSD storage devices following a multi-year strategic sourcing agreement between both the companies.

DataDirect Networks acquisition of IntelliFlash from Western Digital. Image courtesy of cookie__cutter at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Western Digital speeds up storage systems exit through the sale of IntelliFlash

The sale of IntelliFlash is in line with Western Digital’s strategic intention to exit storage systems that also consists of ActiveScale business, which could go up for sale as the company is exploring strategic options.

Western Digital data-centric solutions are marketed under the G-Technology, SanDisk, WD, and the Western Digital brands.

Mike Cordano – president and chief operating officer of Western Digital, commenting on DataDirect Networks acquisition of IntelliFlash, said: “As we look to the future, scaling and accelerating growth opportunities for IntelliFlash and ActiveScale will require additional management focus and investment to ensure long-term success.

“By refocusing our Data Center Systems resources on our Storage Platforms business, we are confident that the Western Digital portfolio will be better positioned to capture significant opportunities ahead and drive long-term value creation.”

Western Digital’s intention to exit storage systems will optimize its Data Center Systems portfolio around its core Storage Platforms business, including the OpenFlex platform and fabric-attached storage technologies.

Commenting on DataDirect Networks acquisition of IntelliFlash, Alex Bouzari – CEO and co-founder of DataDirect Networks, said: “We are delighted to add Western Digital’s high-performance enterprise hybrid, all flash and NVMe solutions to DDN’s industry leading data management at scale product portfolio.

“We welcome members of the extremely talented WDC IntelliFlash team to our rapidly expanding DDN family and look forward to better serving our more than 10,000 customers and 500 partners worldwide with their data challenges across AI, analytics, IoT, multicloud and virtualized environments.

“With this acquisition, we are also strengthening our strategic partnership with Western Digital, who will become both a customer of IntelliFlash by DDN and a key HDD and SSD supplier to DDN.”

DataDirect Networks acquisition of IntelliFlash, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close by the end of this year.