14 DAY TRIAL // Windows SuperFetch is designed as the intelligent memory management in Windows Vista. One aspect of SuperFetch is Windows ReadyBoost. Instead of adding RAM to a system to increase Vista performances, users have the possibility to use non-volatile flash memory. Allocating a part of the USB flash drive or a secure digital (SD) memory card to beef up the performances of the operating system is a streamlined and automated method that only requires the user to plug in the device in order to benefit from additional memory cache.
But in terms of technology, Microsoft and SanDisk has announced a new partnership that will result in the evolution of the USB flash drive and the flash memory card. The Redmond Company revealed that the SanDisk collaboration aims to expand on the existing foundation of the U3 Smart technology. The joint efforts of Microsoft and SanDisk will, at the end of the day, result in increased mobility and security but also in "seamless integration with Windows-based PCs." According to Microsoft, users will be able to benefit from the new technology in the second part of 2008.
"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 the 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."
"The U3 platform was established with the vision of giving customers a consistent and portable computing experience. The existing 20,000 U3 software developers that joined us show the potential for smart flash memory devices," said Yoram Cedar, executive vice president of the Mobile Business Unit and Corporate Engineering at SanDisk. "We expect this relationship with Microsoft will raise the overall experience for consumers given Microsoft's unique software expertise, and grow the momentum given the large community of third-party companies capable of utilizing Microsoft's technologies."
Microsoft and SanDisk will provide joint hardware and software solutions that will enable users to transition programs and customization settings on USB flash drives and flash memory cards.