Is PCM the Next Big Memory Technology?
Future Memory: What Will Replace DRAM? That’s the title for the panel I was asked to sit on at last week’s MemCon 2010 event. It may seem premature to think about replacing DRAM now (we still see several generations of DRAM development ahead with a long-term home in computing systems), until you think about HW and SW design cycles. Hardware platforms for 2015, 2016, and even 2017 are being developed right now. So we need to pick the best option that’s working today and start thinking about how we’ll use it, especially if it’s not drop-in compatible.
You can watch my arguments for why PCM will be that next-generation technology in this video. It was a great discussion, one that I’m happy to continue online—please post your comments and questions below.
2 Comments to “Is PCM the Next Big Memory Technology?”
Leave a Reply
Thank you Ed for the video.
Was there any Q&A after that? And would you happen to have a transcript of it?
You mentioned Microsoft briefly. How do you see Microsoft, linux kernel community, Apple, etc. react to a technology like PCM that will fundamentally remain incompatible with DRAM and will require a substantial re-architecture of their operating systems to benefit from it?
Alexandre,
Thanks for the question. Regarding the Q&A session it was exciting and unfortunately did not get posted. I believe the consensus was that there will indeed be a new technology required near the middle of the decade.
Regarding your question around the software communities reaction to PCM, I was pleasantly surprised that they are embracing the potential disruption. My team and I have worked closely with them to explain details around the characteristics of PCM and the value the technology can offer outside the obvious.
I look forward to continuing our efforts and realize that they will be fundamental to the adoption (or not) of any new technology.