Uses for Your Flash Drive

Uses Overview   |   At Work   |   At Home   |   At School

USB flash drives are packaged by manufacturers in a variety of forms ranging from simple plug and play memory sticks, to specialized MP3 players, to advanced data-protected versions requiring either a password or fingerprint authentication for activation.

The business applications are diverse and generally fall into one of six categories:

• Data transfer, backup, and archive
  USB flash drives are excellent media for saving, protecting, and transferring your data. Combined with built-in hardware security, USB flash drives provide unparalleled data storage and transfer. With storage capacity exceeding 4GB, USB flash drives can store entire corporate databases for safe, secure, and rapid emergency reinstallations.
  
  
• File security
  USB flash drives provide enhanced data security including file encryption and electronic digital signatures or certificates. USB flash drives protect your digital certificates by providing a safe media for long-term storage and transfer. Specialized software provides efficient document signing, data encryption, and custom PKI integration.
  
  
• User authentication
  USB flash drives enable highly secure authentication (hardware-based plus password). Advanced models support public key infrastructure (PKI) security including hardware-based private keys and hardware "tokens" stored in hidden or inaccessible locations on the flash memory device.
  
  
• Specialized application software
  USB flash drives provide many new and exciting business applications. Documentation "key chains" containing engineering specifications can be attached to products during manufacturing. A person's entire medical record can be saved to USB flash devices for easier portability and long-term storage. 'Hot-Desk', Briefcase applications improve file synchronization between System applications and USB flash drives. "Portable User Desktops" enable IT managers to configure standard Desk tops Operating systems for complete portability. No matter what computer you are working on, your desktop, documents, shortcuts - all information remains the same.
  
  
• Alternative system software
  USB flash drives make using alternative computer operating systems such as Linux much easier. Instead of installing two operating systems or overwriting Windows, you can plug in the USB flash drive and reboot to a new operating system.
  
  
• Intellectual property protection
  USB flash drives help protect software from illegal copying. Developers can easily program software to check for hidden hardware-based tokens (stored on the USB flash device) prior to running or activation. Unlike installing software from a CD-ROM, a flash drive application runs in place, remaining exclusively on the protected hardware device.

Considerations to take into account before buying a flash drive
There is more to consider than price alone when purchasing a flash drive. Prior to purchasing, thoroughly evaluate the USB flash drive's capabilities and features in relationship to your company's specific needs and budget. Look for existing software development kits and actual product examples. Rely on your sales contact to provide information on the technology and product that best fit to your specific needs.