Western Digital discontinues SSD production

Western Digital, a major manufacturer of hard disks, also produces modern SSDs due to its acquisition of SanDisk in 2016. However, the company has recently announced plans to separate into two independent and publicly traded entities. This decision is aimed at improving strategic focus and enabling each organization to innovate. David Goeckler, CEO of WD, stated that both the HDD and Flash businesses are poised to take advantage of the evolving data storage industry. As separate entities, they will have the necessary resources and strategic vision to seize opportunities in their respective markets.

WD Office

The separation is scheduled for the latter half of 2024. Western Digital's flash division, also known as SanDisk, was acquired by the company in 2016 for $19 billion to enhance competition in the growing SSD market. Although most of its SSDs are branded as WD, they are essentially SanDisk products. In this transition, SanDisk will go back to its original state before the acquisition, implying that WD's current SSD lineup will maintain the SanDisk branding, while WD will solely focus on selling spinning hard drives. This move is expected to prompt SanDisk, as a company, to reconsider its strategies. Recently, there have been instances of low-quality SanDisk drives, with Western Digital often failing to compensate customers for failed drives and lost files.

Western Digital's attempt to merge with Kioxia was unsuccessful

Additionally, Western Digital's attempt to merge with Kioxia was unsuccessful, and this separation may be a direct consequence of that, considering the recent cancellation of plans. The final separation is still some time away, and even after it happens, Western Digital-branded SSDs might still be available in stores for a few months. Therefore, if you are a fan of WD/SanDisk SSDs, there should be no significant changes for you.

Source: Western Digital via The Verge

Editor's P/S

Western Digital's decision to discontinue SSD production and separate its flash storage business is a strategic move that will enable both entities to focus on their respective markets. As a WD/SanDisk SSD fan, I have mixed feelings about this decision. On one hand, I am excited about the prospect of SanDisk becoming an independent company again and having the opportunity to chart its own course in the SSD market. SanDisk has a long history of innovation in the storage industry, and I believe that this move will allow the company to regain its competitive edge and deliver even better products to consumers.

On the other hand, I am concerned about the impact this decision will have on the WD brand. WD has been a trusted name in the storage industry for decades, and I am worried that the loss of its SSD business will damage the brand's reputation. I hope that WD will be able to maintain its focus on HDDs and continue to deliver high-quality products to consumers.

Overall, I believe that Western Digital's decision to discontinue SSD production is a positive move for both the company and consumers. It will allow WD to focus on its core business and give SanDisk the opportunity to thrive as an independent company. I am excited to see what the future holds for both companies and look forward to seeing the innovative products they bring to the market.