USB 3.0 tipped for take-off

Storage VARs urged to get on board with with new addition to portable storage family

Ready for launch:storage players predict demand for USB 3.0 will soon start to rocket

Storage resellers are being urged to start partnering with vendors stocking USB 3.0 products before the technology hits the mainstream.

USB 3.0, the latest addition to the portable storage device family, boasts data transfer speeds that are 10 times faster than its predecessor USB 2.0.

Darren Jackson, product manager at distributor VIP Computer Centre, said that the performance improvements would drive demand for the technology from business and consumer users.

“External storage is frequently relied on for data backup, but via USB 2.0, this process can take hours to run and USB 3.0 overcomes this inadequacy,” he said.

Paul Hudson, sales director for Northern Europe at vendor Buffalo, predicted uptake of the new technology will soon start to grow, despite a slow first few months.

“Once USB 3.0 starts to be incorporated into desktops and laptops the demand will start to build,” said Hudson. “So, it makes sense for the channel to prepare itself now.”