Microsoft has cut a deal with US Flash memory leader SanDisk to allow Flash cards to copy applications as well as data so that work is fully portable between computers. Commuters might take work home along with the applications they need, but without having to lug a laptop about, just a flash memory stick.
The deal replaces all that work that M-Systems did in building a similar service which was acquired by SanDisk when it bought the company.
Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will develop the software experience while SanDisk will stick to what it does best, developing controllers for Flash drives.
SanDisk will incorporate the combined software and hardware solution on removable flash memory cards and Cruzer USB flash drives and the system should be commercially available in the second half of 2008.
Microsoft will drop talks with other suppliers, and instead begin to license them the technology.
It is likely that Flash manufacturers, led by global leader Samsung would have been after Microsoft’s attention for a similar deal, but SanDisk has the retailer reach, the brand and the intellectual property to dominate Flash form factors and controller technology, and receives royalties from Samsung despite the Korean company’s huge manufacturing lead.
The U3 work that came out of M-Systems will be given a migration path for existing customers.
U3 drives already let users carry not only files but also Windows applications with their associated preferences and settings. Consumers simply plug a U3 smart drive into any Windows-based computer’s USB port to access e-mail programs, web browsers, productivity tools and multimedia applications. The new USB drives will accessible on Windows XP and Windows Vista based computers.