The PCIe SSD appliance for SQL Server reference architecture from HGST and NEC uses an Express 5800 server with HGST's PCIe flash storage.

Compared with the previous generation, the appliance provides more than twice the compute power, occupies 69% less rack space, and consumes 27% less power.

Up to 8.8TB of HGST FlashMax II PCIe flash storage can be installed in the server.

"With the need for high-performance being a driving force in data center operations, the FlashMax II was built from the ground up to provide unconditional and consistent levels of IOPS across a broad range of applications and workloads at all capacity utilisation levels," said HGST flash platforms group senior vice president and general manager Mike Gustafson.

The FlashMax II became part of HGST's product range following the acquisition of Virident Systems by Western Digital in October 2013. Mr Gustafson was the CEO of Virident.

NEC IT platform division general manager Tomoyasu Nishimura said the appliance provides unmatched performance. "We have a proven track record with HGST FlashMax II technology, and we look forward to bringing this appliance as well as others to the market with a superior value proposition."