Samsung Electronics has announced the acquisition of Proximal Data, a developer of SSD-based server-side caching software with I/O intelligence that works within virtualized systems.

The acquisition of San Diego, California-based company will help Samsung expand its SSD business into the server and data center markets. The strategy of Samsung is to offer advanced SSD solutions to enterprise customers by enhancing its competence in SSD-based software for server systems.

Caching software improves storage performance by controlling the way that frequently-used data is moved and stored.

Samsung did not disclose the financial details of the deal. The company is in the process of expanding its SSD business with the use of 3D Vertical NAND memory technology.

Flash for cache
Bob Brennan, Senior Vice President of the Memory Research and Development team at Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. said: “We are delighted to have Proximal Data join us, which will enable us to enhance our competence in SSD-based software for server systems. With this acquisition, we will be able to further expand our SSD business in the server and data center markets, while continuing to provide the most advanced SSD solutions to customers.”

Rory Bolt, CEO and founder of Proximal Data said: "Proximal Data sees tremendous value in being part of Samsung Electronics. We are excited at the opportunity to enhance our AutoCache, as well as to create revolutionary new products in enterprise storage, the potential of which will be greatly improved with access to the full capabilities of Samsung."

Proximal Data has been marketing AutoCache software, a virtual cache storage solution that dramatically increases virtual machine density and performance by eliminating I/O bottlenecks without disrupting IT operations. It embeds I/O Intelligence inside the hypervisor to cache hot I/O on a local flash device.

With this acquisition, Samsung has taken a major strategic step toward further improving its business competitiveness in the server SSD market, and expanding its overall SSD business in conjunction with the use of 3D Vertical NAND memory technology.