Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1437726
12 REIMAGINING WHAT'S NEXT Enter Persistent Memory Architects and developers designed persistent memory as an affordable alternative to DRAM for servers dedicated to AI processing. Persistent memory delivers huge capacity and supports demanding workloads and emerging tools, such as In-Memory Databases (IMDB). With the emergence of persistent memory data processing, manufacturers are moving to consolidate significant infrastructure. Greater amounts of memory enable workload consolidation to concentrate on fewer nodes. This shift reduces deployments and maximizes processors previously operating below capacity because of memory constraints. In addition to infrastructure consolidation, persistent memory equips virtualization services with added capacity. This feature creates a cost-effective yet higher level of memory that increases the number of virtual machines (VMs) for a given piece of hardware while increasing the number of operations performed per second. Unlocking additional capacity allows persistent memory to expand the overall system memory capacity accessible by the operating system. The higher level of memory expedites database access and processing. Although developers created persistent memory to serve as an alternative to DRAM-only hardware, it integrates seamlessly with DRAM to add application options for system architects. The persistent data writes to the non-volatile layer, while DRAM remains in the volatile tier. The integration enables the persistent memory/DRAM architecture to deliver data persistence, advanced resiliency, and hardware-enhanced encryption to optimize data processing's security and performance. Business Case The persistent memory market mirrors that of DRAM, with revenue valued at $62 billion (USD) in 2019. Mobile (42 percent), server (30 percent), and PC (14 percent) applications dominate the market. The overall DRAM market looks strong, with data projected to continue its exponential increase over the next five years. This trend leads to a steady revenue increase and a healthy compound annual growth rate (CAGR) projection for the primary suppliers. Market Drivers One of the primary drivers to persistent memory expansion is adopting advanced semiconductor technology in different computing devices. Semiconductors are vital to the Internet of Things (IoT), and as AI applications increase the complexity and quantity of data generated, they will need processing solutions that can handle the innovations. Additionally, the need for higher-grade storage for efficient information management is driving the persistent memory market. The size of data generated requires rapid access coupled with the efficient removal of the data following the device using it. This condition creates the need for a solution to be secure, resilient, and efficient. Persistent memory fits perfectly into this niche. Finally, the increased demand for electronic consumer goods in the IoT directly benefits persistent memory. However, the market experienced a downturn in 2019 because of an excess of supply. This surplus resulted from DRAM's commoditization and users increasing the cycle time they are holding on to smartphones, decreasing sales. The supply overage did compel manufacturers to rationalize capital expenditures to avoid overproduction. Coupled with the global increase to device usage and data production from work-at-home caused by COVID-19, the market has begun to rebound on the back of surging demand. "The need for higher-grade storage for efficient information management is driving the persistent memory market."