Phase-Change Memory Debuts at IBM

Scientists at one of world’s most popular technology firms, IBM have readied what they call  phase-change memory (PCM). A new memory technology, phase-change memory has the ability to store multiple data bits per cell for long periods of time. This new technology, IBM claims would lead to further advancements in this sector by providing more durable, cost-effective, faster memory solutions for consumer devices.

Better than Flash?

The researchers are increasingly viewing the PCM technology as the one that is proving to be path-breaking, in the consumer devices sphere. Currently, systems worldwide rely on the memory technology of Flash. However, in order to ensure that the IT systems work to their fullest potential, researchers are looking for a memory technology, like PCM, which translates to a universal, non-volatile memory. Phase-change memory would significantly reduce a system’s start-up time, thereby improving the performance of the IT systems on a whole.

PCM shares a lot of Flash’s qualities, IBM added. For once, it is durable like Flash, in the sense that it can take at least 10 million write cycles, and also write and retrieve data 100 times faster than Flash. This bit comes just days after IBM celebrated its centenarian celebrations. Guess, they've scored a double whammy!