Anton, you write "decision will enable Toshiba to produce its own SSDs using proven IP, technologies, and product lines", but...
Doesn't Toshiba ALREADY have its own IP and technologies? They have a wide product line of M2 and BGA SSDs, and OCZ RD400 -- one of the best PCIe SSDs several years ago -- was in fact a consumer version of Toshiba XG3.
Toshiba does already have a lot of in-house SSD IP, but they could benefit from some more diversity and updates. Some of their controllers (especially on the client side) are severely outdated, but aside from using some Phison SATA controllers Toshiba has been oddly reluctant to use third party controllers. They've chosen instead to let their retail SSD product lines wither away to irrelevance.
At this point it probably doesn't make sense for Toshiba to do another in-house SATA controller, so they can benefit from Lite-On's experience with a variety of third-party controllers to cover that shrinking segment. Toshiba's in a great position for low-end client NVMe, but their high-end client NVMe controller (used in the XG5/6) is overdue for replacement. Lite-On doesn't have much to offer there at the moment, mainly because Marvell's fallen behind.
Overall, I think Toshiba's getting a good deal on a mix of IP, experienced staff, and manufacturing capacity.
In June of 2018 Toshiba sold off there memory division which was needed to keep them afloat. The failing Westinghouse nuclear business was killing them which they also sold that off as well. So if they want to get back into the memory related businesses they needed to get a hold of new IP.
I assume you are trying to clarify what I said? Anyhow they sold off there flash business in wholesale for $18bn which I have to assume for that price was everything from IP to physical manufacturing locations. Anyhow was just responding as to why they would do something like this purchase because I am sure many don't realize Toshiba sold off there flash business.
"Toshiba Memory" is the flash/SSD business that was split off from Toshiba the conglomerate and sold. Toshiba the conglomerate is not getting "back" into the SSD business; they own part of Toshiba Memory and are not going to start competing with Toshiba Memory. Toshiba Memory is who's buying Lite-On's SSD business, not Toshiba the conglomerate. Toshiba the conglomerate is basically done making news that's relevant to this site. Toshiba Memory will be changing their name next month to Kioxia, which may help you figure out what's going on.
I'm confused. If Toshiba wants to be vertically integrated, they need an in-house SSD controller. Does Lite-On make controllers? Are they good? The article doesn't say, and so leaves out the point I'm most interested in.
Toshiba already has some in-house controllers, but not enough to cover all market segments. Lite-On doesn't make controllers, but they do everything else: firmware, manufacturing, marketing, etc. Those resources can be useful to Toshiba even if it doesn't come with a controller ASIC team.
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bolkhov - Tuesday, September 3, 2019 - link
Anton, you write "decision will enable Toshiba to produce its own SSDs using proven IP, technologies, and product lines", but...Doesn't Toshiba ALREADY have its own IP and technologies?
They have a wide product line of M2 and BGA SSDs, and OCZ RD400 -- one of the best PCIe SSDs several years ago -- was in fact a consumer version of Toshiba XG3.
Billy Tallis - Tuesday, September 3, 2019 - link
Toshiba does already have a lot of in-house SSD IP, but they could benefit from some more diversity and updates. Some of their controllers (especially on the client side) are severely outdated, but aside from using some Phison SATA controllers Toshiba has been oddly reluctant to use third party controllers. They've chosen instead to let their retail SSD product lines wither away to irrelevance.At this point it probably doesn't make sense for Toshiba to do another in-house SATA controller, so they can benefit from Lite-On's experience with a variety of third-party controllers to cover that shrinking segment. Toshiba's in a great position for low-end client NVMe, but their high-end client NVMe controller (used in the XG5/6) is overdue for replacement. Lite-On doesn't have much to offer there at the moment, mainly because Marvell's fallen behind.
Overall, I think Toshiba's getting a good deal on a mix of IP, experienced staff, and manufacturing capacity.
bolkhov - Tuesday, September 3, 2019 - link
Thanks for your analysis!FreckledTrout - Tuesday, September 3, 2019 - link
In June of 2018 Toshiba sold off there memory division which was needed to keep them afloat. The failing Westinghouse nuclear business was killing them which they also sold that off as well. So if they want to get back into the memory related businesses they needed to get a hold of new IP.DanNeely - Tuesday, September 3, 2019 - link
It's the sold off flash memory division Toshiba that's buying Lite-on's IP; not broken by Westinghouse progenitor.FreckledTrout - Tuesday, September 3, 2019 - link
I assume you are trying to clarify what I said? Anyhow they sold off there flash business in wholesale for $18bn which I have to assume for that price was everything from IP to physical manufacturing locations. Anyhow was just responding as to why they would do something like this purchase because I am sure many don't realize Toshiba sold off there flash business.Billy Tallis - Tuesday, September 3, 2019 - link
"Toshiba Memory" is the flash/SSD business that was split off from Toshiba the conglomerate and sold. Toshiba the conglomerate is not getting "back" into the SSD business; they own part of Toshiba Memory and are not going to start competing with Toshiba Memory. Toshiba Memory is who's buying Lite-On's SSD business, not Toshiba the conglomerate. Toshiba the conglomerate is basically done making news that's relevant to this site. Toshiba Memory will be changing their name next month to Kioxia, which may help you figure out what's going on.magreen - Tuesday, September 3, 2019 - link
I'm confused. If Toshiba wants to be vertically integrated, they need an in-house SSD controller. Does Lite-On make controllers? Are they good? The article doesn't say, and so leaves out the point I'm most interested in.Billy Tallis - Tuesday, September 3, 2019 - link
Toshiba already has some in-house controllers, but not enough to cover all market segments. Lite-On doesn't make controllers, but they do everything else: firmware, manufacturing, marketing, etc. Those resources can be useful to Toshiba even if it doesn't come with a controller ASIC team.magreen - Wednesday, September 4, 2019 - link
Got it, thanks. Wonder if Toshiba will also look to acquire a controller design house to get vertically integrated.