A unitary solid state drive (SSD) assembly includes a non-volatile memory (NVM), and a processor communicatively coupled to the NVM. The processor is configured to implement a communication protocol configured for accessing solid state memories over a communication network. The unitary SSD assembly also includes a network interface device communicatively coupled to the processor, and network connector coupled to the network interface device. The network interface device is configured to communicate via a network fabric according to a network communication protocol. The NVM, the processor, and the network interface device are arranged in a unitary assembly.