Because they contain their own CPUs to manage data storage, they are a lot faster (18MBps for SCSI-II and 35 MBps for UltraWide SCSI interfaces) than conventional rotating hard disks ; therefore, they produce highest possible I/O rates.

SSDs are most effective for server applications and server systems, where I/O response time is crucial. Data stored on SSDs should include anything that creates bottlenecks, such as databases, swap files, library and index files, and authorization and login information.

While solid state disk (SSD) is the most common acronym, SSD is also used for solid state drive or solid state disk drive, replacing disk with drive in the acronym.

See "Technology Terms to Know for 2009" in the Did You Know...? section of Webopedia.

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