SanDisk, provider of flash memory cards, is pioneering a new type of archival product, SD WORM (Write Once Read Many), designed to meet the new archival demands for mobility, compliance, long-term preservation, data integrity, forensic chain-of-custody, and ease of use. The product takes advantage of SanDisk’s expertise, combining the NAND Flash technology with custom built controllers to provide superior memory management in the popular SD card format.

SD WORM ensures unalterable storage of data due to SanDisk’s controller that prevents changes or deletions to the stored data. Data stored by SD WORM technology is unalterable and maintains a 100 year viable record life, as shown by accelerated data retention internal testing. The product also provides a lower TCO (total cost of ownership) when compared to the cost of documenting, protecting, and preserving data stored for extended periods using other archival media.

Before a host such as a digital camera can write to the SD WORM cards, a verification process must first take place. In order to support this WORM process, host manufacturers need to perform a simple firmware update to the host device. Since 2008, SanDisk has worked closely with major camera companies including Nikon and HOYA to develop cameras that support SD WORM cards. Additional camera manufacturers are currently developing and introducing products based on SD WORM technology.

SD WORM technology uses the standard SD card format. When the card is inserted into an SD WORM compatible digital camera, the camera initiates a special “handshake” with the card to confirm compatibility and enables SD WORM to save unalterable images to the card.

For more information, visit www.sandisk.com.