Spot the difference
It's hard to argue that flash storage is anything other than a commodity. Surely the only thing that defines a USB flash drive or an SD card is its capacity. Despite that, memory outfit PNY has managed solid growth in a declining market.
HEXUS.channel spoke to key flash memory key account manager Richard Wells to find out how PNY has achieved this and what, if anything, can be done to differentiate one flash product from another.
Appearance appears to be one method. Like any other portable products, a flash drive is apparently considered by some to be a fashion accessory. Other minor bits of added value, like labels or pre-installed content also provide an added incentive to buy one product over another.
But ultimately, as is so often the case, strong channel relationships are key. There's nothing like having your product on the shelves to help sales.
With video camera functionality now commonplace on mobile phones, and HD set to become the norm, the need for compact digital storage is only going to increase. Yes, there will be ever more options for storing stuff in the cloud, but PNY is betting that there's still plenty to be got out of the flash market yet.
