UFS vs eMMC for BMC Boot Storage: Performance Analysis and Migration Considerations

Abstract

This overall technical article compares Universal Flash Storage (UFS) to embedded MultiMediaCard (eMMC) technologies in Baseboard Management Controller boot applications on enterprise server environments, in particular. Its performance features, implementation issues, and reasons for migration are studied using a systematic assessment system. The article proves that the UFS deployments have a strong benefit regarding boot-time performance, I/O responsiveness, and the capabilities of command execution against the conventional eMMC solutions. It indicates that the architectural benefits of UFS, such as the use of full-duplex mode, superior command queuing, and increased bandwidth, are discussed with respect to individual bottlenecks in enterprise firmware startup sequences. Although the price of UFS is slightly higher, there are strong operational advantages, which are enhanced system availability, shorter development cycles, and better remote management. The article offers assessment frameworks that enterprise system architects can use to decide on strategic migration, both quantitatively and qualitatively, and eventually proves that UFS is an architectural enhancement, and not another enhancement for next-generation BMC implementations.