USB smart drives provide users the power of a desktop in a flash drive, including the ability to run personalized programs from virtually any computer, anywhere, including games, instant messaging and photo editors, browsers with personal setting and bookmarks, as well as encryption to keep information safe, UFDA said last week.
In an era of increasing mobility and increased security risk for critical information, USB smart drives meet evolving demands by enabling ultra-portable access to personalized computing, with encryption technology readily available for safe-keeping of files, according to UFDA. USB flash drives sales this year are forecasted to reach 150 million units, with that number growing to 340 million in 2008, consisting of approximately 75 percent smart drives, according to Web-Feet Research Inc. in Monterey, California .
UFDA members are united in support of an open platform and standardization for USB smart drives, allowing maximum interoperability and innovation to drive development. Consumers have already embraced the convenience of USB flash drives for storing their personal files and sharing things like photos and presentations. Smart drives will give users so much more functionality and freedom with computing, UFDA said. The smart drive functionality is a powerful development that takes portable computing to a new level of ubiquitous computing, it added.
The UFDA was formed to educate consumers about the benefits of portable, easy-to-use, powerful devices. USB flash drives are powerful storage and mobile desktop devices that require no additional software or connectors, and are powerful enough to store up to 8 GB (gigabyte) of data, providing consumers and businesses with a fast and easy way to store and transport digital information, UFDA said. Sponsor members of the UFDA include Lexar Media, Inc., PNY Technologies, Inc. and Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. UFDA members include: Lexar, PNY Technologies, Samsung Semiconductor, Buffalo Inc., Crucial Technology, Infineon Technologies, International Microsystems Inc., Kingston Technology Corp. and Peripheral Enhancement.
USB Smart Drives are currently available from select manufacturers, with many more expected to release products for the holiday season this year. Additionally, software is available for download, including from Ceedo Technologies Ltd. in Israel, to make existing USB flash drives "smart", UFDA said.
