JetStor Deploys 80PB Archive Using WD Ultrastar Drives for Government

Why It Matters

The deployment demonstrates that large‑scale, high‑density archival storage can be built cost‑effectively on‑premises, addressing government data‑retention mandates while simplifying operations.

Key Takeaways

• 80 PB archive built with 132 modular PODs.
• Uses 3,200 WD Ultrastar 26 TB drives.
• Dual Fibre Channel fabric ensures uninterrupted availability.
• Modular design simplifies scaling and reduces operational complexity.
• High‑density drives lower power, cooling, and footprint.

Pulse Analysis

Governments worldwide face mounting pressure to retain ever‑growing volumes of data for compliance, research, and public‑service continuity. Traditional tape libraries struggle with access latency and management overhead, prompting a shift toward high‑density disk‑based archives. JetStor’s 80 PB deployment illustrates how modern enterprises can meet these demands by leveraging commodity enterprise drives within a purpose‑built architecture, delivering near‑instantaneous retrieval while maintaining strict security controls.

At the heart of the solution is a repeatable POD framework that houses 24‑bay, 4U chassis populated with 26 TB Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC590 drives. The dual Fibre Channel fabric provides active‑active paths, isolating the archive from production traffic and guaranteeing uptime during maintenance or expansion. By consolidating storage onto fewer, larger disks, the system cuts power draw and cooling requirements, translating into measurable operational cost reductions. The SAS interface ensures consistent performance across all nodes, a critical factor for long‑term archival workloads where predictability outweighs raw speed.

From a business perspective, the modular approach reduces capital expenditure cycles; additional capacity can be added by replicating the existing POD design rather than engineering new hardware configurations. This predictability shortens deployment timelines and minimizes staff training, delivering a clear ROI for public‑sector budgets. As data growth accelerates, the JetStor model offers a blueprint for other organizations—both governmental and private—seeking scalable, serviceable, and cost‑efficient archival solutions that can evolve alongside their data strategies.