What To Know
- In 2009, the company sold its PC hard drive operations to Western Digital, retaining its focus on the server and mobile hard drive markets.
- Today, Hitachi Global Digital Media Systems (HGST), a subsidiary of Western Digital, continues to produce a range of hard drive products for both the consumer and business markets.
- While Hitachi may no longer be the household name it once was in the hard drive space, its past innovations have left a long-lasting impact on the industry.
Once a titan in the hard drive industry, Hitachi’s presence in today’s market has raised questions about the company’s continued hard drive production. This blog post takes a deep dive into Hitachi’s hard drive history, its current offerings, and the reasons behind its shifting focus over the years.
Hitachi’s Pioneering Spirit
The seeds of Hitachi’s hard drive dominance were first sowed in the 1950s when the company ventured into the electronics industry. By the 1970s, Hitachi had established itself as a force to be reckoned with, introducing a series of groundbreaking hard drive innovations.
In 1979, Hitachi unveiled the world’s first 5.25-inch hard drive, a significant leap forward in data storage capacity. This was followed by a string of industry-firsts, including the introduction of the first 3.5-inch hard drive in 1988 and the first 2.5-inch hard drive in 1995.
The Rise and Fall of Hitachi’s Hard Drive Business
At the height of its dominance, Hitachi commanded a significant share of the global hard drive market. However, the early 2000s saw the emergence of new players, such as Seagate and Western Digital, who challenged Hitachi‘s position.
Faced with increasing competition and changing market demand, Hitachi made a series of acquisitions and divestitures to reshape its hard drive business. In 2009, the company sold its PC hard drive operations to Western Digital, retaining its focus on the server and mobile hard drive markets.
Hitachi’s Current Hard Drive Offerings
Today, Hitachi Global Digital Media Systems (HGST), a subsidiary of Western Digital, continues to produce a range of hard drive products for both the consumer and business markets. These include:
- Ultrastar HDDs: Designed for high-performance server and storage applications, these hard disks offer capacities of up to 16 terabytes per drive.
- HGST Travelstar HDDs: These 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch hard disks are tailored for laptops and other mobile devices, offering a balance of performance, capacity, and power efficiency.
- HGST Deskstar HDDs: Intended for use in desktops and workstations, these hard disks provide a cost- effective solution for general-purpose storage needs.
Reasons for Hitachi’s Shift in Hard Drive Business
Several factors have played a role in Hitachi’s shift away from the PC hard drive market:
1. Changing Market Dynamics: The PC market has matured, leading to a slowdown in demand for traditional hard drive upgrades.
2. Rise of the SSD: The introduction of solid-state storage (SSDs) has significantly impacted the hard drive market, offering faster performance and lower power consumption.
3. Shifting Business Priorities: Hitachi has refocused its business strategy on areas such as cloud storage, data protection, and cloud-based services.
Hitachi’s Legacy and Future
While Hitachi may no longer be the household name it once was in the hard drive space, its past innovations have left a long-lasting impact on the industry. The company’s ability to adapt and evolve over the years has ensured its continued relevance in the ever-changing world of data storage.
As the data storage landscape continues to transform, it remains to be seen how Hitachi will position itself in the future. One thing is for sure: the company’s hard drive history will always be a testament to its pioneering spirit and its enduring contribution to the world of technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Hitachi still in the hard drive business?
- Yes, Hitachi Global Digital Media Systems (HGST), a subsidiary of Western Digital, continues to produce hard drive products.
2. What types of hard drive products does Hitachi offer?
- Hitachi offers a range of hard drive products, including the following:
- Ultrastar HDDs: Designed for high-performance server and storage applications.
- HGST Travelstar HDDs: Designed for laptops and other mobile devices.
- HGST Deskstar HDDs: Designed for desktops and workstations.
3. Why did Hitachi get out of the PC hard drive business?
- Hitachi sold its PC hard drive operations to Western Digital in 2009. The decision was based on several factors, including the changing market, the rise of SSDs, and Hitachi’s evolving business priorities.
