Orico, in partnership with Western Digital, has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the Data Matrix Ultra, a new storage solution designed for creative professionals. This system appears to be ideal for handling high-resolution 4K and 8K video and supports intensive post-production workflows.
The Data Matrix Ultra is designed to evoke the aesthetic of Apple products. It combines fast M.2 SSDs (with speeds up to 3000MB/s) with high-capacity WD Red HDDs and includes CFexpress Type-B slots capable of speeds up to 1500MB/s—fast enough to edit 8K video.
This storage system comes in a variety of capacities ranging from 5TB to 112TB, with options for future expansion and upgrades to meet growing project demands. It allows for daisy chaining of up to five devices, for a maximum potential of 560TB of storage. Data Matrix Ultra supports a variety of RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and JBOD), providing data security through redundancy and backup options.
Already funded
The Data Matrix Ultra also focuses on minimising operational noise with features such as anti-vibration mounts and magnetic levitation fans. Orico claims this will help achieve a quieter workspace – critical for creative professionals working in noise-sensitive environments.
To me, the Data Matrix Ultra reminds me of OWC’s ThunderBay Flex 8 storage solution, one of the fastest and most flexible storage options available that also has an Apple-inspired design (it doesn’t look much like the full-size Mac Pro). OWC’s solution offers 18TB to 172TB of storage and is priced at $2,479.00. Back-to-back pricing for the Data Matrix Ultra starts at $699 for a 1-bay 5TB model, a 36% discount off the $1,099 MSRP, and rises to $4,999 for the 112TB 5-bay model, marking a 62% reduction off the $12,999 MSRP.
Obviously, backing crowdfunded products comes with risks. Orico notes that “the Data Matrix mini’s high price tag could limit the pool of potential backers, especially in a competitive market where consumers may opt for more affordable alternatives.” That said, the Data Matrix Ultra has already found an audience, raising $46,885 of its $5,000 goal (via 28 backers) with more than two weeks left in the campaign.
