Week 21 Tech Roundup – Enterprise Flash, AI Surveillance, NAS Lock-In & Next-Gen Storage Platforms

These sources collectively provide a snapshot of recent developments in the Network Attached Storage (NAS) and storage technology sectors, with a significant focus on Computex 2025 announcements. Several articles detail new NAS device releases from major players like Synology, QNAP, ASUSTOR, Minisforum, Ugreen, Orico, and Xikestor, showcasing a variety of models including rackmounts, compact units, and those integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) features. Other sources highlight advancements in SSD technology, including high-speed PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSDs, new controllers from companies like Phison, Realtek, and Silicon Motion, and innovations in memory such as LPCAMM2. Furthermore, the articles cover related products such as Thunderbolt 5 docks and enclosures and high-capacity enterprise storage solutions.

1. Western Digital Unveils Ultrastar Data102 ORv3 and OpenFlex Data24 4000

Western Digital launched two significant storage systems designed for hyperscale and composable infrastructure:

• Ultrastar Data102 ORv3: Supports up to 102 x 3.5″ drives in 4U, optimized for airflow and vibration reduction using IsoVibe and ArcticFlow technologies.

• OpenFlex Data24 4000: Offers NVMe-oF shared storage over 100GbE, using RapidFlex ASICs with up to 135 GB/s sequential throughput.
  These systems reflect WD’s push into modular architectures for cloud-scale deployments with enhanced manageability via OCCL 2.0.

2. QNAP Tech Summit 2025 Highlights AI, HA, and Composable Storage

QNAP showcased its dual-controller NAS, AI surveillance systems, and cloud-native platforms:

• myQNAPcloud One combines file/object storage with zero API fees.

• RAG-based NAS AI search introduces local LLM capabilities.

• ES1686dc R2 offers ZFS storage with active-active HA for critical workloads.
  QNAP also doubled down on surveillance, creative workflows, and SD-WAN networking via QuWAN and ADRA NDR for real-time threat detection.

3. QNAP TVR-AI200 – AI NVR for SMB Surveillance

QNAP released the TVR-AI200, a 16-channel PoE+ NVR with AI onboard processing.

• Includes facial recognition, people counting, and motion alerts via ARM NPU.

• Operates offline with RAID 1 support and HDMI 4K output.

• Works with 8,000+ camera models and supports centralized management of up to 10,000+ cameras via QVR Center.
  This unit offers robust edge analytics without cloud dependency, ideal for stores and offices.

4. Google Reverses Access Ban on Nextcloud Android App

After revoking broad file access permissions from the Nextcloud Files app in 2024, Google has now restored them following backlash.

• The change had crippled sync functionality on Android.

• Nextcloud accused Google of offering no workable alternatives (SAF/Mediastore) and resorting to generic responses.

• Full access remains functional via F-Droid, pointing to a Play Store-specific issue.
  This marks a notable open-source victory against closed-platform overreach.

5. Synology DS725+ – 2-Bay Plus NAS with Mixed Upgrades

The DS725+ replaces the DS723+ with mixed results:

• 2.5GbE LAN, 4GB ECC RAM, and USB-C expansion are welcome improvements.

• However, it removes the PCIe Gen3 x2 slot, eliminating upgrade paths like 10GbE.

• Now enforces Synology-verified drive lock-in, restricting 3rd-party options.
  It’s a modest update with a stricter ecosystem stance—aimed more at consistency than flexibility.

6. Synology RS2825RP+ – 16-Bay Rack NAS with Native 10GbE

The RS2825RP+ brings modest internal upgrades to Synology’s 3U lineup:

• AMD Ryzen V1780B CPU, 8GB ECC RAM, and native 10GbE copper LAN.

• Compatible with the new RX1225RP expansion chassis.

• Drops 4x 1GbE in favor of simplified 2x LAN setup.
  It’s a solid refresh aimed at small business rack deployments, but now bound to Synology-only drives.

7. Synology DS425+ – Entry 4-Bay NAS with 2.5GbE Upgrade

The DS425+ refresh is minimal but purposeful:

• Still uses Intel J4125 CPU with hardware transcoding.

• Gains a 2.5GbE LAN port, alongside the older 1GbE.

• Ships with 2GB DDR4 RAM (upgradable to 6GB).
  Despite light upgrades, its support for NVMe caching and clean performance make it appealing for SOHO setups—especially for those needing QuickSync.

8. Asustor Lockerstor R Pro Gen2 Rackmounts Introduced

The AS7212RDX and AS7216RDX bring Asustor to serious enterprise territory:

• AMD Ryzen 7 Pro, DDR5 ECC, PCIe Gen5, and dual 10GbE ports.

• Paired with Xpanstor 12R JBODs for scalable expansion.

• ADM 5 OS includes snapshotting, Btrfs support, SMB multichannel, and multi-gig NIC bonding.
  It’s the most capable rackmount series Asustor has launched, directly targeting QNAP and Synology’s Pro lineups.

9. Synology @ Computex 2025 – Full Product Lineup Revealed

Synology’s Computex lineup spans consumer and enterprise:

• New models include DS725+, DS425+, DS1525+, DS1825+, and BeeStation Plus.

• Enterprise flash systems PAS7700 (NVMe, U.3) and PAS3600 (SATA SSD) were detailed.

• Surveillance and flash media expanded via DVA7400 AI NVR and SPU7200D U.3 SSDs.
  Strict storage lock-in continues across the 2025 range, drawing criticism for its reduced third-party drive flexibility.

10. Synology PAS7700 – Flagship NVMe U.3 Rackmount with 100GbE

The PAS7700 is Synology’s most ambitious enterprise flash product to date:

• Dual active-active controllers with AMD EPYC CPUs, up to 1TB ECC memory.

• 30GB/s throughput, 2M+ IOPS, and up to 216 U.3 SSDs via PAX224 expansion.

• Requires Synology-verified U.3 drives, a contentious choice for enterprise buyers.
  With native 100GbE support and sustained IOPS design, it’s a bold push into Tier-0 flash territory.

11. Synology PAS3600 – Cost-Efficient SATA Flash for the Enterprise

The PAS3600 bridges the gap between traditional flash and full NVMe in Synology’s PAS series:

• Dual Intel Xeon controllers with up to 256GB ECC memory per node.

• Supports up to 25 SATA SSDs, scalable via PAX212 12-bay expansion units.

• Delivers multi-10GbE/25GbE networking and is designed for backup and hybrid flash environments.
  Though slower than the PAS7700, it targets budget-conscious deployments needing high availability without the cost of NVMe.

12. Synology DVA7400 – Rackmount AI Surveillance NAS with GPU Acceleration

Expanding its DVA lineup, Synology introduced the DVA7400 for high-density surveillance:

• Capable of supporting 100 camera feeds and 40 simultaneous AI tasks (motion, faces, people counting).

• Includes dual 10GbE, AI GPU with 190+ TFLOPS FP8, and 16GB VRAM.

• Runs Surveillance Station with ONVIF support; Synology cameras remain license-free.
  It’s the most powerful surveillance appliance Synology has built—but with restricted drive compatibility as expected.

13. Synology FS200T – Compact FlashStation for Quiet, SSD-Only Workloads

Formerly rumored as the DS625Slim, the FS200T is now a compact 6-bay FlashStation:

• Uses 2.5″ SATA SSDs only, with Intel Celeron J4125 and 4GB DDR4.

• Offers 2.5GbE + 1GbE ports but lacks PCIe or expansion.

• Geared toward read-heavy or noise-sensitive deployments like home studios.
  Its limited bandwidth may restrict full SSD potential, but it’s a tidy flash entry-point for niche environments.

14. Synology DS1525+ – New 5-Bay Plus NAS with Improved Throughput

The DS1525+ builds on the DS1522+ by increasing baseline specs:

• AMD Ryzen V1780B, up to 32GB ECC memory, and native 10GbE (no PCIe needed).

• Features 5x SATA bays, 2x M.2 NVMe (cache or pools), and 2.5GbE LAN.

• Supports DSM 7.2, Synology Photos, Surveillance Station, and snapshot tools out of the box.
  This is now one of the more balanced offerings for home-to-small business media and backup workflows.

15. Synology DS1825+ – 8-Bay Workhorse for Heavy Users

Targeting the upper-tier SMB segment, the DS1825+ brings both capacity and bandwidth:

• Uses Ryzen V1780B, includes native 10GbE, and supports up to 18 drives with expansions.

• NVMe and SATA hybrid deployment possible for tiered storage.

• Like all 2025 models, requires Synology-verified drives.
  Well-positioned for content creators and archival-heavy users—but offers less flexibility than its DS1821+ predecessor.

16. Synology BeeStation Plus – Consumer Cloud Appliance with Plex and AI Indexing

Designed for homes and small teams, BeeStation Plus simplifies private cloud deployment:

• Ships pre-configured with Synology Drive, Photos, and Surveillance Station Lite.

• Supports Plex streaming, AI photo tagging, and local backups.

• Built for zero-config setup—competing with My Cloud Home and UGREEN’s BeeDrive.
  It aims to attract those looking for simplicity without cloud lock-in, but it remains locked to Synology drives.

17. Synology DS225+ – Entry-Level 2-Bay NAS with DSM 7.2 Features

The DS225+ rounds out the lower end of the new Plus line:

• Uses Realtek RTD1619B CPU, supports Synology Photos, Drive, and Surveillance Station.

• Includes 2GB DDR4 RAM, 2-bay hot-swap, and 2x 1GbE ports.

• Lacks NVMe slots or expansion options.
  Aimed at beginners or small backups—especially those entering the Synology ecosystem.

18. Synology SPU7200D – U.3 Enterprise SSD Series for PAS Systems

The SPU7200D Series introduces dual-port U.3 NVMe SSDs for Synology’s PAS storage:

• Up to 140,000 IOPS (100% 4K write) with low-latency response.

• Supports crypto erase, OPAL 2.0, and in-system firmware upgrades.

• Mandatory for full functionality on PAS7700 and PAS3600 platforms.
  Drives are designed in-house but OEM origin is undisclosed—adding to transparency concerns.

19. Realtek Debuts PCIe Gen5 NVMe and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 SSD Controllers

At Computex, Realtek showcased next-gen SSD controllers:

• PCIe 5.0 NVMe controller promises ultra-low latency and >12 GB/s throughput.

• USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 SSD controller supports up to 2,000 MB/s over USB-C.

• Geared toward DRAM-less and external SSD form factors.
  These controllers may power the next wave of cost-effective Gen5 and portable SSDs in 2025.

20. Synology Launches Six New Plus NAS Units at Computex 2025

Synology revealed six new Plus models during the show:

• DS725+, DS425+, DS1525+, DS1825+, DS225+, and BeeStation Plus.

• All systems enforce Synology-verified drive requirements.

• Incremental upgrades focused on memory, networking (2.5GbE), and native NVMe support.
  While some fans appreciate tighter integration, criticism continues to grow over the loss of 3rd-party drive flexibility and hardware openness.

21. QNAP at Computex – Thunderbolt 5, AI NAS, and Switches Announced

QNAP used Computex to unveil multiple infrastructure-focused products:

• A Thunderbolt 5 expansion card, built for creative professionals and high-throughput editing workflows.

• New AI NAS units supporting local LLM workloads, RAG search, and smart backup indexing.

• Managed switches with QuWAN SD-WAN support and QoS optimizations.
  The company continues building a full-stack data and surveillance platform, from edge AI to 100GbE NAS.

22. Asustor Updates Lockerstor 6 Gen2 with Hardware Enhancements

The Lockerstor 6 Gen2 received incremental upgrades:

• Retains the familiar form factor but includes improved thermal handling, new PCIe Gen3 slot, and enhanced 2.5GbE connectivity.

• Supports Asustor’s ADM 5.0 OS with expanded RAID and snapshot options.
  Though not a major revamp, the update improves compatibility and system resilience for prosumers and small teams.

23. UGREEN Demos Six-Bay NASync and Thunderbolt 5 SSD Enclosure

UGREEN’s presence at Computex included:

• New six-bay NASync models with NPU acceleration, app integration, and surveillance-friendly firmware.

• A Thunderbolt 5 external SSD enclosure built for Gen5 NVMe drives, targeting video professionals.
  These devices reinforce UGREEN’s pivot from consumer accessories to serious NAS and SSD hardware—with promising specs at competitive pricing.

24. TeamGroup Expert P35S – SSD with Physical Kill Switch

TeamGroup revealed a unique enterprise/defense SSD innovation:

• The Expert P35S includes a physical kill switch to instantly destroy internal NAND in emergencies.

• Built for government and secure industrial use, it supports standard PCIe Gen4 speeds and AES encryption.
  This niche SSD marks the beginning of physical security blending into consumer-grade form factors.

25. TeamGroup @ Computex 2025 – Memory & SSD Innovation Showcase

In a wider showcase, TeamGroup detailed:

• DDR5-8800 memory modules, targeting overclockers and workstation users.

• Updates to its T-FORCE Gen5 SSD lineup, boasting >12 GB/s speeds with SM2508 controller.
  The company remains one of the few that actively addresses both enthusiast and enterprise flash segments at once.

26. QNAP 2025 Overview – New Hardware, Cloud, and AI Upgrades

NASCompares provided a full breakdown of QNAP’s 2025 stack:

• Dual-controller ZFS NAS units (like ES1686dc R2)

• Standalone AI appliances like TVR-AI200, and

• Cloud platforms (myQNAPcloud One) for hybrid object/file workflows
  Together, these launches mark QNAP’s strongest cross-market showing yet—especially in SMB AI integration.

27. Asustor Showcases ADM 5 and Lockerstor R Pro in More Detail

Asustor confirmed:

• ADM 5 brings folder-level access rules, Btrfs enhancements, and integrated remote VPN tools.

• Their LockerStor R Pro Gen2 rackmounts (AS7212RDX / AS7216RDX) compete directly with QNAP’s QuTS systems, with ECC DDR5 and Ryzen 7 Pro CPUs.
  The platform emphasizes modularity and openness—countering Synology’s lock-in strategy.

28. Synology Launches BeeStation Plus for Plex and AI File Sync

The BeeStation Plus aims at home users and prosumers:

• Preloaded with DSM Lite, Plex support, Synology Drive, and Photos indexing.

• Operates out-of-the-box with minimal setup.
  While clearly a response to WD My Cloud and BeeDrive, it inherits Synology’s strict drive restrictions, which limits long-term flexibility.

29. Phison SM2504XT Controller – 11.5 GB/s at Under 5W

Phison showcased its SM2504XT, a high-efficiency Gen5 controller:

• Delivers 11.5 GB/s sequential throughput using 8-channel design, at sub-5W power draw.

• Supports low-latency enterprise IOPS and improved thermals for laptop or PCIe 5.0 SSDs.
  This places Phison in a lead position for performance-per-watt metrics in upcoming enterprise flash deployments.

30. Crucial T710 and X10 SSDs Leverage Silicon Motion Tech

Crucial (Micron) launched two SSD lines:

• T710 Gen5 NVMe SSDs built for desktop/workstation use, boasting >12 GB/s reads.

• X10 portable SSDs for USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, ideal for photographers and remote backup.
  Both use Silicon Motion controllers and aim to bridge professional and consumer-grade performance.

31. Silicon Motion SM2324 Enables USB4 SSDs with 32TB Capacity

Silicon Motion’s SM2324 controller is built for USB4 external SSDs:

• Supports up to 32TB capacities with performance up to 4,000 MB/s.

• Leverages native USB4 (40Gbps) with no bridge chip required.

• Optimized for DRAM-less SSDs, targeting thin client, laptop, and creator backup markets.
  It marks a major step forward for ultra-portable high-speed storage, bypassing Thunderbolt licensing.

32. Kingston Showcases FURY CAMM2 Memory and Gen5 SSDs

At Computex, Kingston revealed:

• FURY Renegade Gen5 SSDs with SM2508 controller, hitting up to 14,800 MB/s read speeds.

• CAMM2 memory modules, the next-gen SODIMM successor with improved cooling and form factor.
  Kingston is positioning itself for high-performance gaming, workstation, and enthusiast builds with broad DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 coverage.

33. Patriot Memory Displays Full Storage and Mobile Lineup

Patriot brought a full portfolio of internal and mobile storage to the show:

• PCIe Gen4 NVMe drives for mainstream and gaming setups.

• Portable SSDs and high-capacity USB drives focused on content creators and field backup.
  No PCIe Gen5 drives were shown, but the brand maintains strong visibility across value-tier consumer segments.

34. Phison Unveils AI-Centric SSD Controllers and Future Storage Vision

Phison used Computex to preview upcoming innovations:

• AI-enhanced SSD controllers capable of local inferencing and faster media indexing.

• SSD firmware with deep telemetry and NVMe cloud orchestration compatibility.
  This aligns with trends in hybrid AI storage—where local SSDs assist AI tasks previously confined to cloud GPUs.

35. Micron Launches Crucial T710 and X10 SSDs for Gen5 and Portables

Micron unveiled its newest drives under the Crucial brand:

• T710: Gen5 M.2 SSD using Silicon Motion controllers, aimed at gamers and creators.

• X10 Pro: A rugged USB 3.2 Gen2x2 SSD, with transfer speeds around 2,000 MB/s.
  These reinforce Micron’s play for both enthusiast desktop and mobile creative workflows.

36. OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock Adds Bandwidth for Creators

Other World Computing (OWC) launched its Thunderbolt 5 Dock:

• Supports up to 240W passthrough, 40Gbps+ data, and 8K video output.

• Targets users with high-end Mac or Windows workstations who need external SSDs, displays, and fast networking in one unit.
  It reflects growing demand for consolidated, high-throughput creator hubs.

37. Transcend Reveals High-End Gen5 SSDs at Computex

Transcend’s Gen5 SSD prototype, shown publicly for the first time, is aimed at:

• Enterprise and enthusiast users needing >12 GB/s speeds.

• Future PCIe 5.0 SSD launches from Transcend are expected to use Innogrit or Phison controllers.
  This confirms Transcend’s intent to play in the upper tier of flash storage performance moving forward.

38. KLEVV (Essencore) Showcases LPCAMM2 and Gen5 SSDs

KLEVV (by Essencore) entered the Gen5 market with:

• LPCAMM2 memory modules, the upcoming mobile memory standard.

• M.2 Gen5 NVMe SSDs, expected to compete with Samsung and Kingston’s top offerings.
  These products aim to bridge mobile-first computing with workstation-grade storage and memory.

39. Lexar Debuts NM1090 Pro and NM990 Flagship SSDs

Lexar’s new NM1090 Pro and NM990 push performance boundaries:

• Use Phison E26 controllers, paired with Micron 232-layer NAND.

• Capable of 12,000+ MB/s read speeds, designed for creative workflows, gaming, and simulation.
  Lexar is increasingly positioning itself as a performance SSD brand—no longer confined to budget memory cards.

40. WD Launches Ultrastar Data102 ORv3 and OpenFlex Data24 4000

(Also covered in topic 1) Western Digital’s dual-platform launch revisited:

• Ultrastar Data102 ORv3 supports massive HDD arrays (up to 2.65PB in 4U).

• OpenFlex Data24 4000 delivers NVMe-oF shared flash storage with 100GbE links.
  Together, they show WD’s investment in open, scalable architectures for high-density enterprise environments.

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