This is the proximate cause of SNDK weakness yesterday and today: http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060511/20060511005414.html?.v=1 excerpt: FLSH announced a new "x4" technology; excerpt from the above article: As a proprietary msystems' technology encompassing unparalleled flash management and control algorithms, x4 technology is designed to enable utilization of 4-bit/cell NAND flash, previously considered to be a practical and physical impossibility. x4 NAND components, likely to be mass produced during 2007, are to be comprised of the first-ever 4-bit/cell NAND flash media and an indispensable x4 technology controller. Thanks to msystems' technological breakthrough, NAND flash manufacturers are expected to realize over 30% cost savings in comparison with the most advanced 2-bit/cell multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash wafers manufactured to date through equivalent lithography. This is accomplished by doubling bit density in comparison with such MLC NAND flash, and quadrupling it when compared with single-level cell (SLC) NAND flash. Furthermore, as msystems' x4 technology requires no changes to manufacturing processes, it stands to increase fab profitability.
"This is a phenomenal day for NAND flash manufacturers and the consumer electronics market, as well as for msystems," said Dov Moran, president and CEO of msystems. "x4 technology is msystems' highest peak in a sixteen-year trail of continuous innovation and systems-level expertise as well as the culmination of five years of dedicated research and development efforts. Based on msystems' robust flash management patent portfolio, x4 technology represents a quantum leap forward for the flash industry, underlining our ongoing commitment to making personal storage smarter. Judging by the undisputed success of 2-bit/cell MLC NAND flash technology and the significant cost savings x4 technology is designed to deliver to NAND flash manufacturers, we believe x4 NAND components are set to further push flash memory from prevalent to pervasive, ushering in new generations of affordable, multimedia-rich, personal storage for consumer electronics devices."
Some newcomers to the SNDK SI thread say it is based on SFUN's work. Do you have any idea if this is for real? If so, FLSH is a buy right now, even after its 40% or so runup of the past couple of weeks. And it would put a dent into SNDK royalties and competitive position after next year--presuming, of course, that SNDK does nothing in response, not a very good assumption generally speaking. Especially with their recent acquisition of Matrix. In any case, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts--you might want to look at it after the close if your time is short right now. tia, gl
Market Data 
Markets 
AI
