Fash vendor Silicon Storage Technology (SST) has teamed up with BIOS developer Insyde Software to create hybrid hard drive technology that allows data to be read, even when the computer is switched off.

FlashMate technology combines the hardware, firmware and software architecture to provide hydrid-drive functionality and access to data even while the CPU is off.

The technology works in conjunction with Windows Vista “ReadyDrive” as “nonvolatile cache for the hard disk drive, thus transforming a standard hard disk drive to perform hybrid-drive functions.”

In addition, FlashMate enhances the functionality of Microsoft Windows Vista SideShow by giving notebook users access to hard-disk data and various applications via the notebook’s USB interface without having to engage the CPU.

Bing Yeh, SST president and CEO, described the existing technology solutions provided by the hybrid-drive products today as only a scratch of what is possible.

“Our FlashMate technology expands beyond hybrid-drive functionality by enabling notebook users to conveniently perform tasks without having to turn on the computer, such as transferring files from an external memory, getting contact information from an Outlook address book, listening to MP3 music or checking flight arrival times. FlashMate marks a new and exciting market opportunity for SST, one that will be well served by our years of experience in NAND flash controller technology,” Yeh said.

SST spokesperson told Ars that FlashMate is only available for Windows Vista at present. However, there are plans to support other operating systems in the future.

FlashMate technology is expected to hit the streets in the second quarter of 2008.

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Entry was posted on Thursday, October 11th, 2007 at 11:52 pm under Technology.

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