Although there are already cheaper flash and DRAM memory, IBM decided to explore future memory solutions.

IBM announced today a partnership with Infineon and Macronix. They will be working to research a new type of computer memory technology called phase-change memory (PCM).

PCM is a technology that stores data by changing the state of a special material from an amorphous to a crystalline structure, rather than storing data as an electrical charge. The main advantages of the new memory will be the potential of high speed, high density storage of data and could be useful in applications such as high performance servers and consumer electronics.

"This collaborative effort reinforces IBM's commitment to explore new phenomena for memory applications," said T.C. Chen, vice president of science and technology, IBM Research. "The project will aim to develop the materials for high performance, advanced nonvolatile memory and evaluate these materials in realistic memory chip demonstrations."

The research work will be conducted at IBM's TJ Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, New York and the IBM Almaden Research Lab in San Jose, California. Between 20 to 25 employees from IBM, Infineon and Macronix will work together on the PCM project.