In the face of a new computing era, where mobility, cloud-based applications and services play key parts, memory module firms should consider including software designs on their hardware devices, according to Kingston Technology co-founder John Tu. Tu revealed Kingston has recently developed portable application software, which he views as a "value-added" business for the company.
A newspaper or magazine, for instance, attracts readers with its specialty content, Tu said. Tu brought up the idea of transforming a conventional flash drive into a storage device with applications and software preloaded for storing, organizing and protecting personal data on any PC. A portable flash drive can also operate as a media platform where software developers deliver or promote their latest offerings, Tu indicated.
Kingston has introduced its "urDrive" software which will be preloaded exclusively with select Kingston USB drives. With urDrive, users get access to applications through an App Store on the drive. It also allows users to bookmark their favorite sites and access them on any PC without leaving behind traces or temporary files, and to easily store, organize and share their favorite photos and music through the built-in photo viewer and music player.
Tu believes more software and networking companies will be looking to cooperate with flash drive makers. For leading companies such as Kingston, sizable shipments give them more bargaining power to negotiate deals. Just like the number of newspaper subscribers, the more people there are buying your products, the more content providers want to do business with you, Tu said.
According to industry sources, Kingston's NAND flash drive shipments for 2010 totaled about 99 million units.