Tech Giants Push for NAND Flash Use in PCs

Three companies are teaming up to promote the use of NAND Flash memory in PCs, forming a consortium to push forward the technology's use in a variety of applications.

The Non-Volatile Memory Host Controller Interface Working Group will be chaired by Intel, with additional support from both Dell and Microsoft. The organization is aiming to provide a standard programming interface for non-volatile memory systems.

Microsoft hopes promoting the technology would also advance the use of ReadyBoost and ReadyDrive, and Intel is also working on similar technology called Intel Turbo memory.

Both technologies make computers faster and more responsive by using flash memory for caching purposes. NAND can be rewritten up to a million times, and is quickly becoming more inexpensive as its use in a variety of electronic products becomes more widespread.

"Nonvolatile memory solutions enable better system performance and lower power consumption as well as facilitate additional benefits such as smaller form factors, quieter systems and improved robustness," Dell's technology strategy marketing chief Liam Quinn said.

With flash's popularity growing, the NVMHCI says a standard for a common controller interface is necessary to continue that growth, especially into the PC sector. Additionally, using NAND Flash memory for such purposes could then be ported to other operating systems.

A specification will be delivered by the second half of this year, and the group is actively seeking other supporters across the industry.