SNIA SSSI Developing Enterprise and Client Solid State Storage Performance Test Specifications

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - December 14, 2010) - The Solid State Storage Initiative (SSSI) of the Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) today announced that Version 1.0 of the Enterprise Solid State Storage (SSS) Performance Test Specification (PTS) is on target to be released to the public in Q1 2011. The SNIA Enterprise SSS Performance Test Specification defines a suite of tests and test methodologies necessary to enable comparative testing of individual SSS device performance to facilitate broader market adoption of solid state storage technology within the enterprise computing environment. 

"Comments received during the initial public review of the SSS PTS have resulted in a split of the test specification into separate Enterprise and Client categories," said Eden Kim, SNIA SSS Technical Work Group (TWG) chair. "Although there are similarities in the Enterprise and Client SSS test methodologies, there are important differences between Enterprise and Client user workloads and their associated test settings. We feel that this new approach will result in precisely targeted specifications that are more relevant to the intended audiences than one combined specification. Meanwhile, we are working on the Draft Client SSS PTS, targeting the first public review in Q1 2011."

Testing SSS Devices

A typical SSS device, taken "fresh out of the box" and exposed to a workload experiences a brief period of elevated performance, followed by a period of transition to an eventual performance level, called "Steady State." The SSS PTS prescribes preparation methodologies and defines "Steady State" so that performance measurements can be taken in the Steady State performance region, which should be representative of the device's performance during its normal working life. When executed in a specific hardware/software environment, the SSS PTS provides performance metrics that can be fairly compared to other SSS products measured in the same way in the same environment. 

The SSS PTS itself is test hardware and software agnostic. However, while individual testers can run SSS PTS on their particular platform to compare the relative performance of SSS devices they are evaluating, in order for SSS PTS results to be compared on a true "apples-to-apples" basis, across multiple testers, a consistent test platform must be used.

The SSS PTS includes a Reference Test Platform (RTP) that describes the test hardware, software, and tools used by the Technical Work Group to do the bulk of the research and validation of the Specification. The RTP is not required to run the SSS PTS tests; it is merely an example of a platform that has been confirmed to meet the SSS PTS platform requirements.

The 56-member SSS TWG has been working on the SSS PTS since early 2009. These companies represent solid state storage industry-leading SSS manufacturers, SSS controller makers, test labs, and computer system OEMs.

SNIA SSSI Sponsors Storage Visions Conference

SSSI will be represented in the Storage Visions exhibition held January 4-5, 2011 in Las Vegas. Personnel will be available to answer questions about the SSS PTS.

How to Get Involved

Any company interested in participating in the development of the SSS PTS and promoting SSS technology is encouraged to join SNIA, SSSI, and the SSS TWG. Status on updates to the specification, related white papers, and industry articles can be found at http://www.snia.org/forums/sssi.

About SNIA


The Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) is a not-for-profit global organization, made up of some 400-member companies spanning virtually the entire storage industry. SNIA's mission is to lead the storage industry worldwide in developing and promoting standards, technologies, and educational services to empower organizations in the management of information. To this end, the SNIA is uniquely committed to delivering standards, education, and services that will propel open storage networking solutions into the broader market. For additional information, visit the SNIA web site at www.snia.org.

About SSSI

The SNIA Solid State Storage Initiative (SSSI) was formed to foster the growth and success of the market for solid state storage in both enterprise and client environments. It consists of various subcommittees focused on promoting the development of technical standards and tools, in order to educate users about the advantages of SSS devices. For additional information, visit the SSSI web site at www.snia.org/sssi.

About SSS TWG

Upon the recommendation of the SSSI, the SNIA Technical Council organized the Solid State Storage Technical Work Group (SSS TWG) to create a reference SNIA architecture and facilitate industry-wide adoption of common requirements, methods, and specifications in related standards organizations.