M-Systems and SanDisk present new USB flash platform9 January 2005
The first U3-compliant devices are expected to ship by this summer.
"The goal of U3 LLC, based in Redwood City, California, is to transform the USB flash drive market from simple storage devices into exciting new consumer products that people can use to carry, store and launch their own applications and data on any PC wherever they go," the companies' announcement said.
The U3 platform includes a hardware specification as well as Application Program Interfaces (APIs) for software developers.
U3 drives will contain a Launch Pad desktop interface to simplify viewing, launching, downloading and managing all U3 compliant applications stored on the devices.
“U3 creates a new, open, standard platform that will take USB flash drives from the simple storage devices they are today to portable devices that are empowered by rich applications, harnessing the creative energy of a multitude of independent developers, ” said SanDisk president and chief executive officer Eli Harari. “This platform will dramatically increase the value of USB drives to consumers and developers alike. SanDisk and M-Systems intend to strongly support and promote the U3 platform creating what we hope will become the U3 Economy.”
M-Systems president and chief executive officer Dov Moran said, “U3 plans to build a robust infrastructure for consumers, developers and manufacturers of USB flash drives. The vision of U3 is to expand the USB Flash Drive from its current role as a simple, convenient storage device into a new consumer product that people can use to carry, store and launch their own applications on any PC.”
“Software applications for flash drives have been largely developed for proprietary devices with limited market opportunity,” said Gartner analyst Joe Unsworth. “Without a standard, developers were lacking key features to enable mobility and robust security, lacking multi-vendor interoperability, and lacking open, standards-based development tools. Creating a unified standard for USB drive application development will fuel innovation and foster cross-vendor compatibility.”
Source: Globes Online
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