Storage Blending: The Evolving Role of HDD and SSD in Data Systems for an AI and Analytics Era

As the rapid expansion of AI and analytics continues, storage system architecture and total cost of ownership (TCO) are undergoing significant transformation. Emerging technologies such as HAMR in rotating storage and high-capacity, data center-grade QLC in flash promise to redefine the landscape for both hyperscale and OEM data storage solutions. But what will that evolution look like?   This panel brings together a distinguished group of industry experts to explore a wide range of perspectives—from hyperscaler and OEM viewpoints to strategic insights from both solid-state and rotating media technologists. Together, they will examine how shifting performance, density, and cost dynamics are reshaping storage architecture in an AI-driven future.   Panel Lineup: * Madhavan Ravi – Hardware Systems Engineer, Meta. Designs and deploys storage hardware for exabyte-scale distributed systems. * Curtis Ballard – Distinguished Technologist, HPE. Focuses on storage architecture and next-generation technology strategy. * Currie Munce – Senior strategist for capacity storage architecture, Micron Technology; former Vice President. * Mohamad El-Batal – Chief Technologist, Cloud Systems Group, Seagate Technology. * Moderator: Steven Wells – Retired Fellow of SSD storage architecture (Intel, KIOXIA, and Micron).