Flash cache memory puts Robson in the middle

RECENTLY, both Microsoft and Intel have discussed their own upcoming takes on flash-based caching technologies.

Microsoft's 'ReadyBoost' allows the system to be aided by the addition of a USB flash-based memory device, allowing it to act as a system memory cache. Microsoft assures us that the accidental removal of an externally-fitted USB device shouldn't interfere with system stability, but this hardly seems the most ideal way of retro-fitting a PC with more system memory, which is how it is touted by the Vole.

This comes coupled with 'ReadyDrive', which supports the new hybrid hard-drives coming from the likes of Samsung and Seagate, where a large amount (128mb to 256mb) of Non-Volatile NAND-based flash memory is combined with the traditional magnetic platter. Similar benefits involving system performance and extended battery-life are touted for this hard-drive embedded method of caching.

No mention of support for other OSes (read: Linux) has been forthcoming from any manufacturer - unsurprisingly as this is a Microsoft initiative - and it looks like there will be some wait for any third-party drivers that take full advantage of the cache. Intel's take on flash-memory caching may be of more interest to advocates of other platforms.

Intel's Santa Rosa platform upgrade due in 2007, couples various processor and chipset upgrades with the introduction of its new Robson technology. Intel is also using flash memory and its offering is probably arriving on a separate motherboard based add-on card, to augment the system's hard-drive. Some industry commentators have argued that this is the least likely option as it would take both chipset and motherboard support, but seeing as this technology is to be co-launched along-side a new platform/chipset there's no reason Intel wouldn't take this route.

Various Mac rumour sites have indicated that Intel-based Apple laptops will be the first to deploy Robson technology. Intel has also demonstrated Robson technology along-side Microsoft, showing it working (and not working) on Vista. This suggests that Robson's flash-based initiative will be supported immediately by more than one operating system and considering Intel's recent (and fairly-decent) support of Linux this implementation should be available to the majority of PC users - as long as you buy an Intel processor on a motherboard with an Intel-chipset.

From the Vista + Intel demonstrations it seems probable that at least one of Microsoft's flash-grabbing technologies will work with and utilise the Robson cache. But information hasn't been forthcoming from any party as to whether each camp's technologies will complement one another or if in fact you can use a 'ReadyDrive' branded hard-drive to its full capacity in a system with an embedded Robson cache.

It seems to be a confusing mix of similarly functioning devices and technology - it begs the question as to why Microsoft and Intel couldn't adhere to one all-encompassing specification. Unfortunately Microsoft can't allow their Vista-branded tech to work on any other OS and Intel can't allow Robson to function on any-old third-party chipset.

Consumers will only end up being confused by the variety of offerings soon to be launched - the only benefactors here seem to be the flash manufacturers who must be rubbing their hands in glee. µ