SanDisk has joined forces with Microsoft  to deliver a next-generation software and hardware platform, which will allow application programs stored on USB flash drives and flash memory cards to be easily accessed on Windows XP and Windows Vista based computers.

SanDisk will develop the hardware for the new platform, which will include “TrustedFlash” technology, while Microsoft will develop the software.

This move will expand or replace SanDisk’s existing U3 Smart Technology, which allows users to transfer personal Windows applications, including Web browsers, e-mail programs, multimedia apps and productivity tools onto flash drives, without leaving behind information on the computer they plugged the drive into.

“Think of this as taking U3 to the next level,” said SanDisk spokesman Mike Langberg. “Microsoft’s involvement is important because it will bring better integration with the operating system; it’s a name other hardware manufacturers know and it’s not a competitor. For software developers, they will create a development environment that makes it easy to create [flash-able] apps or make existing ones flash-drive compatible.”

“SanDisk and U3 forged the category of smart USB devices, elevating simple flash storage to a whole new level of customer benefit,” said Will Poole, corporate vice president of Market Expansion Group at Microsoft.

“We are excited to work with SanDisk on this next-generation experience, which will allow hardware manufacturers to better differentiate their products and provide an even richer software and services experience for customers.”

Effective immediately, Microsoft will engage in discussions with third-party hardware vendors interested in licensing the new software offering. A new entity will be created to license compatible hardware designs, that uses ”TrustedFlash” and other intellectual property from both Microsoft and SanDisk, with revenues to be shared by the two companies.

The new offering is expected to be commercially available starting in the second half of 2008. Revenue will be shared by the two companies.

---

Related:

SanDisk blames product delays on Vista

PC gamers will need new hardware for Vista SP1

Creative charging $9.99 for its sound card to work perfectly on Vista

10 ways to speed up Vista

Best Vista desktop under $1,200; HP Pavilion Elite M9250F

Entry was posted on Saturday, May 12th, 2007 at 10:18 pm under Microsoft.  Print This Post

Read more entries by Ruben Francia.