45 Drives Co-Founder Doug Milburn – HGG647

Doug Milburn, co-founder of 45 Drives, joins me as we talk about the evolving storage server industry. We discuss the shift towards efficient data management solutions for both enterprises and home lab enthusiasts. Doug shares insights from his journey in computing, highlights the demand for high-reliability storage systems, and explains the advantages of using enterprise-grade components. We look at the current trends, including the move back to on-premises storage and the importance of RAID configurations. Finally, Doug previews upcoming innovations from 45 Drives aimed at enhancing performance for developers and video editors. Thanks for listening!







































Doug Milburn, co-founder of 45 Drives, a company revolutionizing the storage server industry. We dive deep into the world of data storage solutions for both enterprise and home lab enthusiasts, reflecting on the evolution of technology and the increasing importance of efficient data management solutions.







Our conversation kicks off with Doug sharing insights on his extensive background in computing, starting from his early days programming with 6502 microprocessors to co-founding Protocase and eventually 45 Drives. He paints a picture of the origins of 45 Drives, highlighting how collaborations with companies like Backblaze influenced their product development, leading to innovative storage solutions that cater to both cost-effectiveness and high-speed performance.







We then explore the increasing demand for storage servers in home labs, particularly as more enthusiasts seek to create robust systems that can manage vast amounts of data. Doug elaborates on how 45 Drives has adapted its enterprise-level capabilities for the home user, offering machines that provide high reliability and flexibility without the overwhelming footprint typically associated with heavy-duty servers. He emphasizes the balance between performance and space, likening their offerings to a powerful pickup truck that gets the job done without wasting resources.







Our dialogue shifts to current trends in hard drive technology, including the shift from cloud storage back to on-premises storage solutions due to cost considerations. Doug explains the limitations of USB-attached storage and the advantages of assembly into larger arrays that improve data throughput and reliability. He shares insights on the importance of using enterprise-grade drives for continuous use and how they consistently outperform consumer-level variants under heavy workloads.







Throughout the discussion, we dive into crucial aspects such as the reliability of components when building a home server and the significance of RAID configurations to protect against data loss. Doug’s anecdotes about real-world use cases highlight the unique challenges faced by home lab users, including the need to balance speed, capacity, and redundancy.







As we near the end of our conversation, Doug reflects on emerging technologies in the storage domain, including the ongoing innovation in hard drive capacities and the introduction of new architectures that facilitate even faster data access. He also gives us a preview of upcoming developments from 45 Drives, including new products targeting developers and video editors, which aim to meld high-performance tools with usability for the home environment.







With a wealth of knowledge shared throughout the episode, listeners will walk away with a better understanding of the evolving landscape of data storage, practical tips for home labs, and a sense of the community built around shared passions in technology and innovation.







Full show notes,