Sandisk's write-once SD cards "lasts 100 years"

Sandisk on Tuesday introduced the "WORM," or "Write Once Read Many" SD card for professional uses such as storing evidence in police investigations, court testimony, medical records and electronic voting. Sandisk claims original data written to WORM cards are "effectively locked" and there is "no physical way to alter or delete the files." If stored properly, the company claims, WORM SD cards have an archive live of up to 100 years.

WORM cards are designed as an alternative to traditional storage methods, such as film, audio and video tape. Users can store video, audio, photos and documents on the same card -- replacing several analog alternatives that take up much more storage space in evidence lockers and document warehouses. Sandisk says it's partnering with manufacturers of digital cameras, camcorders, audio recorders, cash registers, medical equipment and other devices to add the firmware necessary to use WORM cards.

“As digital media volume has grown and surpassed traditional analog media such as film and audio cassettes in the consumer market, law enforcement agencies and other professionals are facing rising costs and lack of supply,” said Christopher Moore, director of product marketing for OEM memory cards at SanDisk. “SanDisk’s new SD WORM cards offer professionals a one-stop solution.”

Initially shipping in a 128MB version, Sandisk says the WORM cards will be available immediately. Pricing is not yet available.

Filed under: upgrades/storage
Other story tags: SanDisk, data, medical, SD, court, police