Next-generation memory technology is the new buzzword sweeping around the technology sector that some experts say is the future of data storage. No, next-generation memory technology isn’t a by-product of Elon Musk’s Neuralink – it has nothing to do with our memories but is the storage of mass amounts of data. The need for next-generation technology is evident because data is amassing and advancing at astronomical rates than previous systems are struggling to cope with processing and storing safely.
Below, we’ll explore next-generation technology and how it works, the companies spearheading the future, and what it means for data storage.
What Is Next-Generation Memory Technology?
Next-generation memory technology is the advanced storage technology used in the field of computers. Memory technology you might recognize is DRAM, SRAM, and magnetic storage media. Next-generation memory storage has multiple applications – mobile phones, mass storage, computer electronics, and aerospace and defence are just a few of the applications.
It’s expected that next-gen memory technology will bridge the gap in the current storage hierarchy and deliver data effectively. The emerging technologies are primarily non-volatile and come without the high running costs of DRAM and SRAM. The emerging non-volatile memory technology, such as MRAM, STT-RAM, and FRAM, combines the speed and density of SRAM and DRAM to create more effective memory storage.
Why Do We Need It?
There are numerous reasons why we need new memory technology to propel us into a new era of data storage. One of the biggest drivers is the rising demand for universal memory devices. Most new memory technologies seek to become universal memories that replace part of the memory hierarchy with more sophisticated technology.
High-end laptops, for example, are using the cloud for backups rather than traditional tape drives. The only issue with that, as is with mass storage of any data, is security. The cloud uses open-source software, which can create application security software risks.
Another driver behind the new technology is the emergence and reliance on The Internet of Things, Big Data, and artificial intelligence that all collect mass amounts of data. There is a need for a memory technology that’s compatible and highly accessible to cope with the demands of the ever-growing amount of data that these applications can collect.
The Big Tech Brands Spearheading The Future Of Next-Gen Technology
There are numerous big tech brands spearheading the future of next-generation memory technology. In 2019, Intel announced Optane, which uses 3D XPoint technology, which is similar to universal memory storage.
The latest next-gen memory announcement, however, comes from Samsung. Samsung has announced that they’re partnering with Red Hat to create software technologies suitable for next-gen memory storage solutions. Specifically, they’re going to use open-source software that’ll support existing and emerging memory and storage products.
It’s a first for Samsung, which had yet to collaborate with an open-source software company to deliver products. Interestingly, Samsung has also announced that it will be launching the Samsung Memory Research Cloud, that’ll serve as an open collaboration hub to enable customers to evaluate new software products and configure the best memory hardware.
What The Development Means For Data Storage
The development of next-gen memory solutions means more efficiency, more data storage capabilities, and more sophisticated data storage solutions. Not only that, but they’re cost-effective and saving. Companies need to find cost-effective solutions to data storage and management, and only the next-gen memory solutions can solve that. There is also the understanding that these solutions will take less power to operate and be more easily accessible to the end-user.
The one limitation to the widespread adoption of next-gen memory storage is the lack of stability in extreme environmental conditions. That, however, should be something that companies like Samsung rectify with their solutions. Mass amounts of data and memory storage solutions will always create a degree of instability in extreme environmental conditions.
The next-generation memory storage solutions will soon become the new norm. The need for more effective and speedy storage solutions that facilitate mass amounts of data is creating a rapid acceleration in the development and release of new memory solutions. With the collaboration of big brands, it won’t be long until the market is flooded with next-generation memory solutions and associated software to support them.
