Micron Technology has announced the new encryption-enhanced M510DC solid state drive (SSD) for read-centric data center workloads. Seperately, the Idaho-based company could change ownership soon. The M510DC combines a suite of firmware data protection features with the TCG Enterprise-level data encryption for SSDs.

The cost-optimized SSD is available in capacities of 960GB/480GB/ 240GB and 120GB. Read/write speeds provided by Micron are up to 420MB/s - 380MB/s, depending on the model.

The M510DC is built with Micron's 16nm NAND technology using targeted enterprise-ready firmware. The drive features Micron's eXtended Performance and Enhanced Reliability Technology (XPERT) architecture, which delivers proprietary enhancements that improve performance, drive life and integrity. Using a third-generation architecture, called PLUS, the drive also delivers full power-loss protection, ensuring that all data is protected in the event of a sudden power loss. The M510DC introduces new TCG Enterprise encryption to protect data at rest, and ensure simplified drive management.

The M510DC is in production and is sold directly to data center equipment manufacturers and through Micron's distribution partners.

Chinese chipmaker makes $23bn bid for Micron

Seperately, China's state-owned Tsinghua Unigroup Ltd. has reportedly submitted a bid to buy Micron Technology Inc. for $23 billion, Nikkei reports citing people familiar with the matter said.

Tsinghua Unigroup, China's largest chip design company, offered $21 a share for Micron, a 19.3% premium over its Monday closing price, one of the people said.

Seperate reports from Reuters and the WSJ confirmed the $23 billion bid for the U.S. memory chip maker.

The bid reflects a widening push by the Chinese government to build more domestic sources of semiconductors for consumer products like smartphones as well as equipment used for defense purposes.

Micron makes both dynamic random access memory chips, or DRAM, and NAND memory chips for storing music, pictures and other data on smartphones, cameras and other mobile devices.

The company has large wafer-fabrication facilities in Asia, including in Singapore and Taiwan.

Tsinghua Unigroup has already acquired a controlling stake in Hewlett-Packard's China networking equipment unit in May. Intel announced last year it would buy a 20% stake in Tsinghua Unigroup for $1.5 billion.