Dell, Intel, Microsoft consortium formed to increase NAND-based flash in PCs
By Ann Steffora Mutschler, Senior Editor -- EDN, May 30, 2007
To provide a standard interface for nonvolatile memory subsystems, industry giants Dell, Intel and Microsoft have joined forces to create the Non-Volatile Memory Host Controller Interface (NVMHCI) Working Group to increase adoption of NAND-based flash memory in PCs.
The NVMHCI Working Group is chaired by Intel, with Dell and Microsoft being called core contributors.
Intel has been active in the flash market as of late. Just last week, the chip leader announced it is teaming with STMicroelectronics and investment firm Francisco Partners to create a new independent flash company expected to help it compete more effectively with memory operations at Spansion and Samsung.
NVMHCI said it aims to provide a standard software programming interface for nonvolatile memory subsystems to be used by operating system drivers to access NAND flash memory storage in applications such as hard drive caching and solid-state drives.
Bob Rinne, general manager of Windows hardware ecosystem at Microsoft noted, “Several NAND solutions are coming on the scene to take advantage of the ReadyBoost and ReadyDrive features of the Windows Vista operating system," in a statement. “Standardizing on a common controller interface will enable more integrated operating system support of these solutions moving forward.”
The group believes industry momentum for standardization in NAND storage solutions is building, especially as NAND moves into the PC platform. NVMHCI aims to complement standardization work being done in the Open NAND Flash Interface (ONFI) Working Group.
Rick Coulson, senior fellow and director of I/O architecture at Intel said, “ONFI formed last year to standardize the interface between the flash controller and the NAND itself, and standardizing the register level interface between the flash controller and the operating system driver is the logical next step.”
“Nonvolatile memory solutions enable better system performance and lower power consumption as well as facilitate additional benefits such as smaller form factors, quieter systems and improved robustness,” added Liam Quinn, director of communications for technology strategy and architecture at Dell.
The group said it is actively expanding its membership to include other industry-leading companies and expects to deliver the specification in Q2.
