SNIA Experts on Data

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Jun 2026

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Listen to interviews with SNIA experts on data who cover a wide range of topics on both established and emerging technologies. SNIA is an industry organization that develops global standards and delivers vendor-neutral education on technologies related to data.

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29 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 2944 min

When AWS S3 Keeps Changing, Who Keeps Up?

Your customers don’t care who wrote the code, they care that “AWS S3 compatible” actually works with the apps they already run. That’s why SNIA developed the Cloud Object Storage Plugfest Program – a collaborative, multi-vendor interoperability testing environment for S3 developers. In this episode, we sit down with Cloud Object Storage developers, Mark Trinh (Oracle), Jason CWIK (DDN), Veer Kumar (Nutanix) and Michael Hoard (Chair of the SNIA Cloud Storage Technologies Community), to explain why this Plugfest is the fastest path to real S3 interoperability and faster bug fixes. The Plugfest participants speak candidly about friction points in S3 compatible object storage: clients that behave differently than the documentation suggests, API options that leave too much room for interpretation, and edge cases that only appear when you test across many vendors. They highlight why AI-driven workloads are raising the stakes for S3 compatible storage and discuss why an NDA-based Plugfest model matters for fast troubleshooting, direct engineer-to-engineer collaboration, and practical fixes.SNIA is an industry organization that develops global standards and delivers vendor-neutral education on technologies related to data. In these interviews, SNIA experts on data cover a wide range of topics on both established and emerging technologies.About SNIA:Website Educational LibraryX/Twitter LinkedIn

June 9, 2026Episode 2847 min

How Standards Make DNA Storage Data Center Ready

DNA data storage is moving from a fascinating research topic toward something that can eventually live alongside enterprise storage in real data centers, but the leap is not only about chemistry or sequencing speed. It is about manageability, interoperability, and standardized APIs that let operators monitor, provision, and troubleshoot systems at scale. In this conversation, Vincent Franceschini, co-chair of the SNIA DNA Data Storage Alliance and Richelle Ahlvers, long-time chair of the SNIA Storage Management Community and primary author of the SNIA Swordfish® specification, connect the dots between a new storage medium and the standards-based management that makes it operable at scale.Archives are turning “active” because of AI, and long-term preservation is back in the spotlight. DNA data can become a durable data center technology if standards are built early, models are shared openly, and the community aligns on terminology, lifecycle operations, and monitoring so tomorrow’s archives remain readable and manageable for decades. SNIA is an industry organization that develops global standards and delivers vendor-neutral education on technologies related to data. In these interviews, SNIA experts on data cover a wide range of topics on both established and emerging technologies.About SNIA:Website Educational LibraryX/Twitter LinkedIn

January 9, 2026Episode 2750 min

Q&A Podcast for "From Data to Decisions: Understanding How AI Models Learn"

In the most recent webinar in the SNIA Data, Storage & Networking “AI Stack” webinar series, “From Data to Decisions: Understanding How AI Models Learn,” Cal Foshee and Eric Gamble provided an in-depth look at how computer vision models learn. They shared specific techniques and concrete examples of how to train and test these models, drawing on their many years of experience. In this interview, Cal and Eric, take a deeper dive on the questions around how computer vision really works in production: small models working in sequence, bounding boxes as signal gates, and the relentless pursuit of pattern over assumption. Practical tips cover OCR, rotation, error bucketing, versioning, and why “fail fast” is more than a slogan. And webinar moderator, Erik Smith, explains what the “AI Stack” series is all about. SNIA is an industry organization that develops global standards and delivers vendor-neutral education on technologies related to data. In these interviews, SNIA experts on data cover a wide range of topics on both established and emerging technologies.About SNIA:Website Educational LibraryX/Twitter LinkedIn

September 11, 2025Episode 2638 min

“AI Stack” Webinar Series: Intro to AI/ML & FAQ

The SNIA Data, Storage & Networking (DSN) Community launched a multi-part AI Stack Webinar Series designed to provide education and a comprehensive view of the AI landscape from data pipelines to model deployment. Hear experts, Erik Smith, Justin Potuznik, and Tim Lustig answer AI frequently asked questions: • Exploring the differences between AI (the broader concept), machine learning (systems learning from data), and deep learning (neural networks extracting features from massive datasets)• Understanding the "token economy" monetization model where AI services charge based on inputs/outputs • Examining the shift toward on-premises AI deployments driven by data sovereignty, security concerns, and cloud cost management • Implementing security through data validation, sanitization, and guardrails to protect AI systems from misuse • Recognizing AI's transformative potential beyond current generative applications into agentic systems and physical embodiments If you'd like to contribute to the AI Stack Webinar Series or have topics you'd like to see covered, contact the SNIA Data, Storage & Networking (DSN) chair at dsn-chair@snia.org or visit the SNIA website at snia.org. SNIA is an industry organization that develops global standards and delivers vendor-neutral education on technologies related to data. In these interviews, SNIA experts on data cover a wide range of topics on both established and emerging technologies.About SNIA:Website Educational LibraryX/Twitter LinkedIn

August 4, 2025Episode 2546 min

Introducing SNIA Storage.AI

SNIA Chair, J Metz, introduces SNIA Storage.AI™, an open standards project for efficient data services related to AI workloads. Storage.AI will focus on industry-standard, non-proprietary, and neutral approaches to solving AI-related data problems to optimize the performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of AI workloads. Hear about the industry leaders who have combined forces to solve AI-related data challenges.Learn more at snia.aiSNIA is an industry organization that develops global standards and delivers vendor-neutral education on technologies related to data. In these interviews, SNIA experts on data cover a wide range of topics on both established and emerging technologies.About SNIA:Website Educational LibraryX/Twitter LinkedIn

June 11, 2025Episode 2415 min

Agentic AI - Use Cases, Benefits, Risks - Webinar Preview

Agentic AI represents the next evolution in artificial intelligence, moving beyond generating content to executing actions autonomously on behalf of users. We explore how this technology differs from generative AI and why enterprise storage professionals need to prepare for its rapid adoption. On June 26, 2025, our SNIA experts will host a live webinar, "Agentic AI - Use Cases, Benefits, Risks," where they will discuss:• How Agentic AI generates actions, using tools or skills it has at its disposal• How Agentic AI is accelerating even faster than generative AI, making preparation essential• Finding appropriate fit-for-purpose use cases for successful and practical implementation• Real-world applications in actionSNIA is an industry organization that develops global standards and delivers vendor-neutral education on technologies related to data. In these interviews, SNIA experts on data cover a wide range of topics on both established and emerging technologies.About SNIA:Website Educational LibraryX/Twitter LinkedIn

March 21, 2025Episode 2313 min

Webinar Preview - Everything You Want to Know About RDMA But Were Too Proud to Ask

Our SNIA Experts on Data are here to explain the basics of RDMA and discuss why now is the right time for an “Everything You Want to Know About RDMA but were too proud to ask” webinar. Our expert panel, featuring Michal Kalderon, a Distinguished Engineer from Marvell and Rohan Mehta, a Senior Software Engineer from Microsoft have over a decade of experience developing RDMA solutions, they are joined by Erik Smith, Chair of SNIA Data, Storage & Networking Community and a Distinguished Engineer at Dell. Together, they share insights on this critical communication technology that enables direct memory-to-memory transfers without CPU involvement. This podcast is a quick preview of the SNIA webinar, "Everything You Wanted to Know About RDMA But Were Too Proud to Ask," which you can watch here https://bit.ly/RDMATooProudtoAsk .SNIA is an industry organization that develops global standards and delivers vendor-neutral education on technologies related to data. In these interviews, SNIA experts on data cover a wide range of topics on both established and emerging technologies.About SNIA:Website Educational LibraryX/Twitter LinkedIn

March 16, 2025Episode 2236 min

Why Data Storage Matters More Than Ever

Data storage technologies continue to evolve to keep pace with massive data creation. In this episode, SNIA experts discuss the innovations, challenges, and importance of data storage solutions and standards to handle ever-growing digital demands. Tune in to learn about the fundamental aspects of storage technologies and how SNIA and the industry are addressing data storage—from SSDs and HDDs—to cutting-edge solutions like DNA data storage as our experts discuss: • Introduction to the SNIA community and its objectives • Emphasis on the significance of data storage in today's technology landscape • Overview of key storage technologies: SSDs, HDDs, and archival solutions • Exploration of the "save-discard dilemma" impacting data management • Insights into storage needs driven by autonomous vehicles and AI applications SNIA is an industry organization that develops global standards and delivers vendor-neutral education on technologies related to data. In these interviews, SNIA experts on data cover a wide range of topics on both established and emerging technologies.About SNIA:Website Educational LibraryX/Twitter LinkedIn

March 10, 2025Episode 2143 min

Standard Data Management Formats: From Tape to Cloud

Tape storage is making a comeback. Hear why as SNIA experts highlight the evolution of tape storage and the importance of data formats and standardization in driving innovation within the storage industry. This discussion dives into the significance of security in data management, evolving roles of technologies like Linear Tape File System (LTFS) and the SNIA Cloud Data Management Interface (CDMI), and how collaborative efforts driven by SNIA shape the future of interoperability. You'll also learn how exciting new initiatives like the SNIA Cloud Object Storage Compatibility Plugfest pave the way for enhanced interoperability. Join this conversation on:• The resurgence of tape storage in the AI era• Standards to address cybersecurity challenges in the cloud• Emerging data structures like directed graphs reshaping data access• Security protocols becoming integral within data management frameworks• How LTFS enables interoperability between different vendor solutions• Call for new members to join SNIA and contribute to future standardsSNIA is an industry organization that develops global standards and delivers vendor-neutral education on technologies related to data. In these interviews, SNIA experts on data cover a wide range of topics on both established and emerging technologies.About SNIA:Website Educational LibraryX/Twitter LinkedIn

February 26, 2025Episode 2026 min

Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) Paving the Future for Modern Data Centers

This episode highlights ongoing SCSI and SAS technology innovations, demonstrating their essential roles in modern data management and infrastructure. As hyperscalers push for performance and capacity, legacy systems are evolving to meet needs while addressing sustainability, efficiency, and security challenges. Join Rick Kutcipal, Board Member of the SNIA STA (SCSI Trade Association) Community, as he discusses:• The roles of SNIA STA Community and the INCITS/SCSI standards organization • The latest SAS specifications • Innovations in storage technology tailored for hyperscalers• Sustainable practices emerging from technology improvements • RAID technology advancements • Prospects for SCSI in terms of security and innovationThe SAS Roadmap is a living document that can be viewed here: https://www.snia.org/groups/scsi-trade-association-sta-forum/sas-roadmaps to see progression in the standard and what’s to come.SNIA is an industry organization that develops global standards and delivers vendor-neutral education on technologies related to data. In these interviews, SNIA experts on data cover a wide range of topics on both established and emerging technologies.About SNIA:Website Educational LibraryX/Twitter LinkedIn