Hewlett Packard has announced an ambitious program through which it will attempt to fundamentally change the basic architecture of computers.
The basis of the program, which began two years ago, is the creation of a new type of computer that will incorporate new technologies developed by HP Labs, the research and development arm of Hewlett Packard.
According to Bloomberg, the "Machine", as the new computer was called, will be the model for a new computer architecture, which could "replace the equipment of today's data centers with a device the size of a household refrigerator".
Although not many details have been released, the "Machine" will incorporate a new memory technology called memristors, which is set to replace today's DRAM memory. It will also feature high-speed data transfer connections made of photonic silicon and a new operating system to be developed by HP, tentatively known as Machine OS.
The basic parameter of the program is the replacement of today's data storage technologies with a "global memory" that will consist of memristors. This new memory technology, which is still in the development stage, will use ions instead of electrons to represent the binary code of computers (1 and 0)
The combination of new processors, new memory technology and photonic cable connections will allow data transfer at speeds of up to 6TB per second.
In fact, although the "Machine" is intended to be used to replace current servers, HP is also working on a variant that will be based on the Android operating system and is believed to be able to lead to the creation of smartphones with 100TB of storage space.
For the program's needs, HP Labs of Hewlett Packard have committed three quarters of their total research staff and forecasts want the research to last another three years or even until the end of the decade, according to the Infoworld website.
Source: naftemporiki.gr
