Western Digital Partners with Storage Startup to Deliver Apple-Inspired, Mac-Proof Storage Solution That Scales to 560TB — Orico Data Matrix Ultra Poised to Compete with ThunderBay Flex 8
Orico, in partnership with Western Digital, has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the Data Matrix Ultraa new storage solution designed for creative professionals. This system appears to be well-suited for processing high-resolution 4K and 8K video and supports intensive post-production workflows.
The Data Matrix Ultra is designed to evoke the aesthetic of Apple products. It combines fast M.2 SSDs (with speeds up to 3000 MB/s) with high-capacity WD Red HDDs, and includes CFexpress Type-B slots capable of speeds of up to 1500 MB/s, fast enough to edit 8K video.
This storage system is available in a range of capacities from 5TB to 112TB, with options for future expansion and upgrades to meet growing project requirements. It allows for up to five units to be daisy-chained, for a potential maximum of 560TB of storage. Data Matrix Ultra supports a range of RAID configurations – RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and JBOD – and provides data protection through redundancy and backup options.
Already financed
The Data Matrix Ultra also focuses on minimizing operational noise with features like vibration-dampening mounts and magnetic levitation fans. According to Orico, this will help create a quieter workspace, crucial for creative professionals working in noise-sensitive environments.
To me, the Data Matrix Ultra reminds me of the OWC ThunderBay Flex 8 storage solution, one of the fastest and most flexible storage options available that also has an Apple-inspired design (it looks like the large Mac Pro). OWC’s solution offers 18TB to 172TB of storage and costs $2,479.00. Pricing for the Data Matrix Ultra starts at $699 for a 1-bay 5TB model, a 36% discount off the MSRP of $1,099, and goes up to $4,999 for the 112TB 5-bay model, a 62% discount off the eye-watering MSRP of $12,999.
Of course, backing crowdfunded products comes with risks. Orico notes that “the Data Matrix mini’s high price point could limit the number of potential backers, especially in a competitive market where consumers may choose cheaper alternatives.” That said, the Data Matrix Ultra has already found an audience, raising $46,885 of its $5,000 goal (from 28 backers), with more than two weeks left in the campaign.
