sounds similar to other tech
HP 3PAR adaptive sparing(2014, maybe earlier) closely integrates the SSD with the array, returning a chunk of space otherwise reserved for the SSD for bad blocks etc to the array. The array then uses it's own algorithms(which it was using regardless) to mark stuff as bad when there are read errors etc. Then there is adaptive read and write caching which optimizes the data going to the SSDs so they get the data in the most efficient means possible(reduces wear).
I believe more recently I have read other companies deploying similar tech in their arrays.
Obviously such tech generally hasn't been available to servers with internal storage(which is what the article seems to be targeting with software RAID etc)
Biting the hand that feeds IT
