HP and SanDisk Will Team up to Develop New Storage Device

December 8, 2015

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. giant / ˈdʒaɪ ənt / (n.) – a company that is successful in its field
Example: The company is a giant in the tech industry.

2. collaborate / kəˈlæb əˌreɪt / (v.) – to work together
Example: The team collaborated to develop a better smartphone application.

3. introduce / ˌɪn trəˈdus / (v.) – to make someone familiar with something
Example: Some people do not enjoy being introduced to new software programs.

4. innovative / ˈɪn əˌveɪ tɪv / (adj.) – pertaining to something that presents a different concept or way of doing things
Example: The new company is looking for people who are innovative.

5. startup / ˈstɑrtˌʌp / (adj.) – referring to a business that is newly built
Example:  She built her own startup company after resigning.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
Two tech giants are teaming up to create better memory chips for computers and other devices.

Hewlett-Packard (HP) and SanDisk are collaborating on a new storage device called the Storage-Class Memory, or SCM. According to the companies, compared to other storage devices that only run on random access memory (RAM), the SCM will run on dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or close to the speed of DRAM. This means that the SCM can transfer data at a faster speed. They claim that the SCM will run 1,000 times faster and will be 1,000 times stronger than other storage devices. In addition, the SCM will be sold at a cheaper price than current devices that run on DRAM.

HP and SanDisk predict that developing the SCM will help them create better solid-state drives, or hard drives for data centers.  Both companies are bringing their own expertise in the creation of the SCM. HP will provide its memristor technology—components that can retain memory without power—while SanDisk will be introducing their retrievable resistive random-access memory or ReRAM technology.

SanDisk Corporation is globally known for their flash storage products. The company has been successful in providing innovative products and quality service for 27 years. Currently, SanDisk products are being used in smartphones, tablets, and computers. On the other hand, HP is known for its software, printers, personal systems, services, and IT infrastructures.

Other than HP and SanDisk, there have also been other companies who are working on creating better storage devices. Some of these include Silicon Valley’s startup company called Crossbar, and Intel and Micron, who will work together in developing a new product.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Why do you think HP and SanDisk decided to team up?
·         How do you think this kind of collaboration will help both companies?

Discussion B

·         What other kinds of computer device do you think companies should improve on? Why?
·         Which companies do you think should team up? What should they create and why?

December 8, 2015