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The Backbone of Efficient Data Storage: Ghassan Azzi Highlights the Role of HDDs Amid Growing Data Demands

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In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Ghassan Azzi, Sales Director for Africa at Western Digital, has emphasized the importance of scalable, cost-effective data storage solutions in meeting the needs of modern businesses. As data generation continues to surge, particularly with the rise of connected devices and artificial intelligence (AI), Azzi pointed out that efficient data storage is becoming an essential consideration for datacenter managers worldwide.

Azzi acknowledged the widespread attention on flash storage due to its high performance and low latency, but warned that not all data requires such advanced storage technology. “Each application and type of data has its own access requirements, and it’s not always necessary to pay the premium for the speed of flash storage,” he explained.

According to Azzi, the difference between “warm” and “hot” data is a critical factor when selecting the appropriate storage solution. For example, a globally popular music video that attracts billions of views may need to be stored on high-performance SSDs or RAM, while videos with fewer views, like those of influencers or niche hobbyists, can be effectively stored on HDDs to keep total cost of ownership (TCO) in check.

Azzi stressed that data centers must consider multiple factors beyond performance, including capacity, power, cooling, and storage density. These factors influence the overall TCO and help leaders choose the most cost-effective storage options. “Datacenter leaders optimize storage solutions based on application requirements, all while aiming to minimize long-term costs,” he noted.

He also dismissed the idea of a competition between SSDs and HDDs, instead highlighting that the overall data storage market is growing, creating ample space for both technologies. “In the data center, SSDs and HDDs are not fighting over a fixed pie. The pie is growing rapidly as data storage demand continues to soar,” Azzi remarked.

AI’s Impact on Storage Demand

Azzi identified the AI-driven data cycle as a significant factor driving the demand for storage. AI systems generate vast amounts of data that need to be stored efficiently, and HDDs play a critical role in this ecosystem by handling both the ingestion of raw data and the storage of AI-generated content. “This dual role positions HDDs as a linchpin in the AI-driven data cycle, ensuring that data is available when needed and stored with the lowest TCO,” he said.

Citing Western Digital’s analysis, Azzi highlighted that HDD exabyte shipments are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% between 2023 and 2027. He noted that the rise of AI, big data, and cloud technologies will continue to push storage requirements higher, making HDDs an indispensable tool in data management.

The Cloud and Data Growth

Azzi also pointed to the increasing role of the cloud in data storage. “Virtually everything today, from social media to enterprise systems, is powered by the cloud,” he said. This shift has led to massive volumes of data being moved to cloud environments for storage, processing, and analysis.

Quoting IDC data, Azzi stated that global data creation is projected to increase from 132.4 zettabytes (ZB) in 2023 to 393.9 ZB by 2028. While not all of this data will be stored, Azzi pointed out that around 13.6 ZB will be stored by 2028. He emphasized that “approximately 85% of enterprise data is still stored on HDDs, and this percentage is only expected to decline slightly over the next five years.”

Innovations in HDD Technology

Recent advances in HDD technology, according to Azzi, are helping to solidify the role of hard drives in large-scale data storage environments. With technologies like conventional magnetic recording (CMR) and shingled magnetic recording (SMR), HDD capacities have reached new heights—up to 26 terabytes (TB) for CMR and 32TB for SMR.

“These capacity advancements enable organizations to optimize their storage infrastructure for lower TCO,” Azzi said. He illustrated the cost-saving benefits by citing the example of a data center needing 192 petabytes (PB) of storage. By utilizing 32TB HDDs instead of 24TB models, the data center could reduce the number of racks needed from eight to six, saving both physical space and cutting TCO by up to 25%.

In addition to lower TCO, Azzi mentioned that businesses are increasingly focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, making efficient, high-capacity storage solutions a priority. “High-capacity HDDs can reduce physical footprints and energy consumption, making them a key part of meeting sustainability targets,” he added.

The Future of Data Storage

Looking to the future, Azzi stated that industries generating massive amounts of data, such as media, healthcare, and financial services, will continue to rely on HDDs to meet their storage needs. “As data continues to grow exponentially, the role of HDDs will only become more critical,” he remarked, underscoring that HDD innovations will keep pace with rising data storage demands.

Azzi affirmed that the demand for scalable, efficient data storage solutions will only intensify. “HDDs, with their unmatched capacity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, are well-positioned to remain the backbone of data storage for years to come,” he said.

In a world where data is growing at an unprecedented rate, Ghassan Azzi’s insights underscore the ongoing importance of HDDs in providing businesses with the scalable, efficient storage they need to navigate the challenges of the digital age.

 


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E-Business

Tech Expert Unveils BAT-BOT AI App to Curb Fake News ahead of 2027 Elections

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An artificial intelligence (AI) application has been developed to help combat the spread of fake news, misinformation and political propaganda as political activities gradually build toward the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

Tech Expert Unveils BAT-BOT AI App to Curb Fake News ahead of 2027 Elections

The app, known as BAT-BOT AI, was unveiled in Abuja by Mr. Gunu Usman, its founder, who said the platform is designed to assist the federal government in addressing the growing challenge of false information within nation’s digital space.

‎Mr Usman explained that the new platform was created to ensure that factual information circulates faster than falsehood.

He noted that the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and manipulated narratives targeting the administration of Bola Tinubu, the ruling All Progressives Congress, and national institutions poses risks to democratic stability and public trust.

According to Mr. Usman, BAT-BOT AI was developed to support public access to verified information while countering misleading narratives online.

The Technology expert described the system as a sovereign AI-powered civic information and fact-verification platform designed to strengthen Nigeria’s digital information ecosystem ahead of the 2027 general election.

He added that the initiative aligns with the government’s policy direction under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, which seeks to promote transparency and encourage informed civic participation.

The founder further explained that the platform is currently accessible to Nigerians through multiple digital channels, enabling users to verify claims, seek clarification on government policies and obtain information on national development initiatives.

Mr.  Usman expressed optimism that the tool would help curb the spread of false information and contribute to a more credible digital environment as the country prepares for the next electoral cycle.

 

 


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Why JustMarkets Is a Strong Choice for Gold Trading

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Over the past four years, gold has risen by more than 400%. The precious metal has long been one of the most traded assets in global financial markets. From its role as a traditional store of value to its sensitivity to inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty, gold continues to attract traders seeking efficient and predictable trading opportunities during a period of global uncertainty and high volatility.

Why JustMarkets Is a Strong Choice for Gold Trading

JustMarkets

For traders looking to effectively access gold markets, choosing the right trading environment is as important as timing their entry. One of the most popular and effective gold trading platforms is JustMarkets, offering the tools, conditions, and infrastructure to enable traders to achieve their most ambitious gold trading goals.

Tight Spreads on XAU/USD

Cost efficiency is a critical factor in gold trading, especially for active day traders. JustMarkets offers extremely competitive XAU/USD spreads, allowing traders to open and close positions with reduced transaction costs. Lower spreads can significantly impact short-term strategies, where precision and timing are key to effectively entering a trade. By minimizing trading costs, JustMarkets helps traders focus more on market analysis and finding the ideal entry point, and less on overhead.

Fast and Reliable Execution

Gold is recognized for its volatility, especially during the day, especially with economic announcements or geopolitical events. Speed is of the essence in volatile markets. JustMarkets provides high-speed execution of orders, which helps minimize the risks of delays, especially during periods of high volatility. This ensures that traders are able to respond better to market conditions, thereby having better control over trade management.

Flexible Trading Conditions

Each trader has their own approach to gold, ranging from intraday trading to position trading. JustMarkets offers flexible leverage and account types, enabling traders to adjust their exposure based on their risk tolerance and trading style. This flexibility is suitable for both conservative and aggressive traders while still allowing them to access the same global gold market.

Advanced Platforms and Tools

Successful gold trading is based on thorough technical and fundamental analysis. JustMarkets provides access to industry-standard trading platforms equipped with advanced charting tools, multiple timeframes, and a wide range of indicators for recognizing divergences and clear entry points. These features help traders analyze price trends, identify key levels, and plan their trades with greater confidence.

Accessibility via mobile devices and computers via the JustMarkets Mobile Trading app also ensures traders can monitor positions and market movements from anywhere and at any time.

Education and Market Support

Gold is also affected by factors such as inflation rates, central bank policies, and currency fluctuations. Understanding these factors is important for developing a structured trading strategy.

JustMarkets offers resources for traders, which provide information on how global events can impact the price of gold like case studies, daily, bank and weekly analysis. This is a knowledge-based system, which enables the trader to make more informed decisions rather than relying on the price movements of gold.

Trading Activities That Keep Gold Traders Engaged

In addition to the competitive trading environment, JustMarkets also runs various special activities and campaigns that aim to make the trading experience more interesting. At certain intervals, the special activities may include trading contests on specific trading instruments, such as gold, which are highly sought after by traders. This will give the traders an added impetus to keep trading.

The special activities are designed to encourage trading, consistency, and skill-building among the traders, along with the additional motivation for the trading strategies. This is also in line with the overall philosophy of JustMarkets to create a dynamic trading environment where trading, learning, and motivation are linked together.

A Trading Environment Built for Gold Traders

Gold is still one of the most dynamic markets with the greatest number of opportunities in the world. With tight spreads on XAU/USD, fast execution, flexible trading terms, and access to advanced analytical tools, JustMarkets creates an optimal trading environment for those who want to trade gold efficiently.

In addition to the comprehensive educational assistance, JustMarkets continues to position itself as a strong competitor for traders who are looking for professional trading conditions combined with growth opportunities.


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Microsoft Expands Africa AI Push while DeepSeek Gains Users

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Microsoft is stepping up its push to expand artificial-intelligence adoption across Africa as competition intensifies with Chinas DeepSeek for influence in one of the worlds youngest and fastest-growing digital markets.

Microsoft Expands Africa AI Push while DeepSeek Gains Users

The company plans to train 3 million Africans on its AI technologies this year through partnerships with schools, universities and other institutions, with a focus on South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Morocco.

The effort reflects Microsofts broader attempt to accelerate adoption of its AI ecosystem across emerging markets where developers and enterprises are increasingly experimenting with generative AI tools.

Alongside the training initiative, Microsoft is working with MTN Group (MTNOY), Africas largest telecommunications company, to distribute Microsoft 365 and its Copilot digital assistant to about 300 million subscribers.

The Elevate program is designed to expand AI literacy and reduce cost barriers that might otherwise limit adoption, according to regional leadership.

The push comes as Chinese technology firms expand their footprint across the continent, with DeepSeeks open-source models accounting for roughly 11% to 14% of chatbot use in several African markets and reaching about 20% in countries such as Ethiopia and Zimbabwe following investments tied to digital infrastructure and telecom networks.

Microsoft is also increasing its infrastructure investment in the region.

In South Africa, the company plans to invest 5.4 billion rand, or about $330 million, to expand its cloud and AI capacity by the end of next year, while it is also exploring plans for a geothermal-powered data center in Kenya.

Early corporate adoption is emerging across the continent, with South African grocer Spar Group using Copilot in ways that save more than 700 employee hours annually and Nigerias Access Holdings integrating AI into daily workflows.

Regional leadership has suggested broader AI adoption could potentially contribute up to $1.5 trillion to Africas gross domestic product by 2030 if governments and businesses continue investing in digital infrastructure and AI skills.

 


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