Microsoft and SanDisk Join Forces to Mobilise Workspaces

May 14, 2007: Microsoft and SanDisk are teaming up to develop new USB flash drive hardware and software to increase operating system and application mobility.

The tow will be working to extend SanDisk’s U3 Smart Technology, enabling users to carry not only files but also popular Microsoft Windows applications, preferences and settings wherever they go.

The companies say that the new offering will be designed so that users can carry their entire personal computing environment around on a flash storage device. This can already be done with U3 technology, however, the aim is to streamline the process and include extra features such as enabling customised user interfaces, applications and data to be included.

Simply plugging the devices into a Windows XP or Vista machine will boot a users working environment in its entirety, enabling them to work without fear of leaving personal information behind.

Microsoft will says it will be focussing on the “software experience” while SanDisk will develop new hardware, including adding TrustedFlash security technology to its products. SanDisk will then incorporate the combined software and hardware solution on removable flash memory cards and Cruzer USB flash drives.

“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 new drives are expected to be available in the second half of 2008.

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