Feeds:
Wpisy
Komentarze

Posts Tagged ‘SanDisk’

SANDISK ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING ITC RULING OF NON-INFRINGEMENT OF TWO PATENTS
MILPITAS, California, April 10, 2009 – SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) was informed today that an Administrative Law Judge for the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) issued an Initial Determination which found that certain accused flash memory products did not infringe the remaining two SanDisk United States Patents.

SanDisk initially asserted five patents in the ITC on October 24, 2007 against 25 companies that manufacture, sell and import USB flash drives, CompactFlash cards, MultiMedia cards, MP3/media players and/or other removable flash storage products. Since then, SanDisk obtained judgments against the following companies: Zotek Electronic Co., Ltd. dba Zodata Technology Limited; Infotech Logistic, LLC dba Supertron Memory; Add-On Technology Co.; Behavior Tech Computer Corp.; Emprex Technologies Corp.; and Behavior Tech Computer USA Corp. dba BTC USA.

In addition, the following companies entered into settlement and license agreements with SanDisk: Trek 2000 International, Ltd., PNY Technologies, Inc., Verbatim Corp., Verbatim Americas, Add-On Computer Peripherals, Inc. and Add-On Computer Peripherals, LLC (collectively, Add-On USA), Edge Tech Corporation, Infotech Logistic, Interactive Media Corp. (Kanguru), Kaser Corporation, TSR Silicon Resources Inc., and Welldone Company.

Further, the following companies entered into settlement agreements that included consent orders where the companies agreed to limit their imports of specified products to the United States to SanDisk licensed products: A-DATA Technology Co., Ltd. and A-DATA Technology (USA) Co., Ltd. (collectively, A-DATA entities), Melco Holdings Inc., Buffalo Inc., and Buffalo Technology (USA), Inc. (collectively, Buffalo entities) and Corsair Memory, Inc.

“SanDisk is disappointed by the Initial Determination of the Administrative Law Judge,” said E. Earle Thompson, vice president and chief intellectual property counsel, SanDisk. “We will continue to vigorously pursue actions against companies that use SanDisk’s patented technology without a license. SanDisk expects that the Initial Determination will not adversely impact existing licensing agreements or the royalties expected from those agreements.”

About SanDisk
SanDisk is the original inventor of flash storage cards and is one of the world’s largest suppliers of flash data storage card products, using its patented, high-density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is headquartered in Milpitas, California, and has operations worldwide, with more than half its sales outside the United States.

Read Full Post »

SanDisk Schedules First Quarter 2009 Conference Call
MILPITAS, Calif., Apr 07, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) will host a conference call on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 2:00 PM, Pacific Time, to discuss its first quarter financial results. To listen to the conference call, please dial 913-312-0643 at least 10 minutes before the call commences. The dial-in password is 9477878.

The conference call will also be on listen-only mode webcast and it can be accessed live from SanDisk’s website at http://investor.sandisk.com/IR. The webcast will be made available on-demand following the conclusion of the conference call.

SanDisk is the original inventor of flash storage cards and is the world’s largest supplier of flash data storage card products using its patented, high-density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is headquartered in Milpitas, CA and has operations worldwide, with more than half its revenues outside the U.S.

SanDisk’s Web Site / home page address: http://www.sandisk.com

Read Full Post »

SANDISK SHIPS NEXT GENERATION USB MEMORY CARD READERS TO NORTH AMERICAN RETAIL OUTLETS
SanDisk ImageMate Memory Card Readers Transfer Files Quickly and Conveniently Across Wide Variety of Memory Card Formats
MILPITAS, Calif., February 24, 2009 – SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today announced that it has shipped the latest editions of its popular SanDisk ImageMate® memory card readers, which provide enhanced user experience through increased efficiency and faster data transfer rates. The new readers have shipped to retailers in North America and are available for purchase at this time.

Faster, smaller and sleeker than their predecessors, and featuring upgraded software applications, the new ImageMate All-In-One and Multi-Card readers quickly and conveniently transfer data between a wide range of memory card formats and a host computer. The All-In-One memory card reader can reach speeds of up to 34 megabytes per second (MB/s)1 when using a SanDisk Extreme® IV 45MB/s CompactFlash® card, and the Multi-Card reader is capable of up to 30MB/s2 read and 27 MB/s write data transfer rates when using a SanDisk Extreme® III 30MB/s Edition SDHC™ card. Sporting a stylish glossy black and metallic silver design, each reader’s tripod base is detachable, creating instant portability.

In addition to the traditional drag-and-drop method, the new SanDisk ImageMate readers streamline the process of transferring digital content by including a transfer button that automatically launches a user-defined application or web site. A single press of the reader’s button will open a designated application such as Adobe Photoshop™ or a flickr.com™ account, and from there the user can transfer or edit photos. SanDisk’s updated ImageMate software bundle enables customers to utilize the advanced features of both readers, simplifying the most common tasks that they want to perform—transferring photos to a PC, archiving and sharing them.

“The new SanDisk ImageMate readers are two of the fastest and most reliable USB readers, capable of transferring 1-gigabyte3 of data in less than 35 seconds,” said Jennifer Lee, senior product marketing manager, SanDisk. “The ImageMate readers’ space-saving vertical design makes them unobtrusive on your desk, but with such stylish looks they can’t help but stand out.”

Pricing and Availability

The ImageMate All-In-One reader supports virtually every industry-standard memory card format currently available, and multiple cards can be inserted simultaneously for card-to-card data transfers. Each card slot features a blue LED light, which indicates data transfer activity. Supported formats include SD™, SDHC, miniSDHC™, microSDHC™, MMC, Memory Stick®, Memory Stick Pro Duo™, xD and CompactFlash, among others. Suggested retail price is $29.99.

Featuring more format options than a single card reader, the ImageMate Multi-Card reader easily transfers files to and from multiple memory card formats, including xD, Memory Stick, SD, SDHC, and MMC. Suggested retail price is $19.99.

Both the ImageMate All-in-One and Multi-Card readers come with a two year limited warranty.*

About SanDisk

SanDisk Corporation, the inventor and world’s largest supplier of flash storage cards, is a global leader in flash memory – from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk’s product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk (www.sandisk.com/corporate) is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States.

Read Full Post »

SANDISK 8GB INAND EMBEDDED FLASH DRIVE UTILIZED BY LG’S ADVANCED ARENA MULTIMEDIA HANDSET
LG’s Flagship Arena Handset Offers 8GB of Internal Storage, Using SanDisk’s iNAND Device for Both Storage and System Boot
MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS, HALL 8, Booth #8C 129, Barcelona, Spain, February 17, 2009 – SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today announced that LG Electronics’ latest fully loaded LG Arena (LG-KM900) multimedia handset will include SanDisk’s iNAND™ 8 gigabyte1 (GB) Embedded Flash Drive (EFD). The iNAND storage device will be utilized by the handset as both a boot and data storage device, eliminating the need for a separate boot device.

Announced at the 2009 Mobile World Congress exhibition, the LG Arena multimedia handset is the company’s flagship model for the first half of 2009, featuring greatly enhanced audio and video technologies as well as LG’s new 3D S-Class user interface. SanDisk’s iNAND EFDs are designed specifically for advanced multimedia handsets such as the LG Arena, providing a fast and reliable storage solution in a small and power efficient package.

In addition to high capacity MLC NAND flash based storage, iNAND is fully capable of storing system boot code. Using iNAND as a system boot device means there is no need for the additional boot code storage device used in traditional designs. This conserves precious board space, reduces handset design complexity, lowers handset power consumption and saves the cost of an otherwise needed separate boot device. SanDisk’s flash based EFDs have been catering to personal storage and boot needs based on NAND MLC flash since 2003.

“LG is amongst the leading figures of the mobile industry, quick to embrace new technologies ahead of the game. The advanced storage architecture of the LG Arena handset is no exception and SanDisk is proud to be a part of this ongoing success,” said Dan Inbar, senior vice president, OEM group, SanDisk. “SanDisk iNAND embedded flash drives act as two devices in one, with both storage and boot capabilities, reducing the number of storage devices required in the handset. Optimizing storage architecture in this manner gives handset designers like LG an edge in the highly competitive mobile landscape.”

“Fast and reliable digital storage is essential to LG’s mobile multimedia user experience,” said Mr. Kwak Woo Young, Executive Vice President of LG Electronics Mobile Handset R&D Center. “Because of this, we’ve chosen top-of-the-line SanDisk memory for our new LG Arena multimedia phone.”

SanDisk iNAND EFDs come in a wide range of storage capacities, utilizing eSD and eMMC standard interfaces and packages for quick integration into handset designs. With managed physical partitions, customizable attributes and power failure immunity, SanDisk iNAND features a highly reliable code storage and boot device in addition to being a mass storage solution. iNAND offers design flexibility to OEMs through its ability to scale up from 1GB to 32GB and more, in both discrete and multi chip package configurations.

About SanDisk

SanDisk Corporation, the inventor and world’s largest supplier of flash storage cards, is a global leader in flash memory – from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk’s product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk(www.sandisk.com/corporate)is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States.

Read Full Post »

SANDISK ANNOUNCES SERVICE DELIVERY CARD DESIGNED FOR MOBILE NETWORK OPERATORS

Custom Flash Memory Product Integrates MNO Applications and Services to Increase MNO Service Revenues

Mobile World Congress, Hall 8, Booth #8C 129 – Barcelona, Spain, February 16, 2009–SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK), the inventor and world’s largest supplier of flash storage cards, today announced the SanDisk® Service Delivery Card (SDC), a high capacity custom memory solution based on a microSD™ card and designed specifically for the Mobile Network Operator (MNO). The unique capabilities of the SanDisk Service Delivery Card enable MNOs to configure local storage to streamline data delivery, improve high capacity memory performance and integrate with network applications and services to enhance the user experience.

This new product family comes with Operator-managed features and options to reserve memory for key applications and services. To address Operators’ needs for in-store and out-of-box consumer education, the SanDisk SDC can be pre-loaded with a Service Discovery experience, customized for each MNO, to promote awareness and increase adoption of Operator services.

“We’re introducing our first products in a new family of high performance, microSD memory solutions specifically designed to meet the custom needs of MNOs worldwide,” said Yoram Cedar, executive vice president and general manager, OEM and Corporate Engineering, SanDisk. “These customized cards highlight applications and services for the MNO and show end users how to get the most out of their mobile experience.”

The SanDisk Service Delivery Card provides Operators with the freedom to deliver the latest applications, content and access to services through a physical media channel to the handset. The SDC can be customized to deliver a complete MNO-branded experience that includes unique packaging, accessories and customizable Service Discovery software. SanDisk will also provide services to pre-load data, applications and promotional offers, as well as integrate with existing MNO services.

Sample Benefits of the SDC for MNO:

Custom MNO branded service discovery experience that introduces end users to Operator applications and services that result in increased Service Attach Rates

A physical delivery mechanism to quickly deliver a consistent MNO-branded user experience across a wide range of handsets from multiple vendors

Customized card capabilities for integration with “value added network service offerings”

Intelligent, network-aware memory solution binds data to the network

Launch and install of MNO applications on handsets
Supports Smart Card Web Server and Delivery of Web Applications to Mobile Devices

SanDisk’s new family of Service Delivery Cards for MNOs features the latest Smart Card Web Server (SCWS) technology. Service Delivery Cards with the embedded web server provide the necessary high speed interface and storage capacity for web content and services on today’s handsets. In addition, powerful search and content management capabilities of the IP-enabled SDC can be utilized by handset manufacturers to speed access to local data.

Cedar continued, “The establishment of global high speed cellular networks has given rise to a new era of mobile computing, featuring access to applications, services and data right from the palm of your hand. The embedded Smart Card Web Server opens a channel to our Service Delivery Cards using industry-standard IP protocols to facilitate Operator delivery of these new services.”

As an active member of the SIMalliance, SanDisk recently demonstrated IP-enabled memory technology with the ability to interface with the SIM as a means to accelerate the deployment of popular entertainment, social networking, enterprise and Internet-based services.

The SanDisk Service Delivery Card for MNOs is available in capacities that range from 1-gigabyte 1 (GB) to 16GB. For more information or to view a demonstration of the SDC at Mobile World Congress, stop by the SanDisk booth in Hall 8, Booth #8C 129 or contact Liat Weinblat at Liat.Weinblat@sandisk.com

For more information please visit http://www.sandisk.com

About SanDisk

SanDisk Corporation, the inventor and world’s largest supplier of flash storage cards, is a global leader in flash memory – from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk’s product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk (www.sandisk.com/corporate) ) is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States.

Read Full Post »

SANDISK ANNOUNCES WORLD’S FIRST HIGH PERFORMANCE 4-BITS-PER-CELL (X4) FLASH MEMORY TECHNOLOGY
Highest capacity flash memory—enables 64Gb single die memory chip
Maintains performance on par with today’s MLC technology
Production of 64Gb X4 based on SanDisk’s mature 43nm technology is planned for the first half of 2009
ISSCC CONFERENCE, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF., Feb. 10, 2009– Building on its leadership in multi-level cell (MLC) technology, SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today announced that it will begin mass-production of the world’s first high performance 4-bits-per-cell (X4) flash memory. Using 43-nanometer (nm) process technology, this breakthrough enables 64-gigabit (Gb) memory in a single die – the highest capacity in the industry and suitable for the most demanding storage applications. SanDisk has also produced an advanced X4 controller, which is necessary to effectively manage the complexities and performance requirements of X4 memory. The X4 memory chip combines with the X4 controller chip in a multi-chip package (MCP) to provide a complete, integrated and low-cost storage solution.

“The development of X4 memory and controller technologies is a major milestone for flash memory storage that will provide significant long term benefits to SanDisk and play a critical role in future NAND flash scaling,” said Khandker Quader, senior vice president, memory technology & product development, SanDisk. “64Gb X4 is the result of numerous key innovations, and demonstrates SanDisk’s leadership in driving multi-bit flash memory with performance and cost suitable for storage-intensive applications such as music, movies, photos, GPS, games and more.”

X4 Flash Memory Breakthrough
SanDisk co-developed the 64Gb X4 flash memory chip on 43nm technology with Toshiba Corporation, which cooperates with SanDisk in the development and manufacturing of advanced flash memory. The new 43nm 64Gb X4 chip is the highest capacity and highest density flash memory die in the world to enter production this year, boasting a 7.8MB/sec memory write performance that is comparable with current multi-level cell technologies. SanDisk’s patented All-Bit-Line (ABL) architecture as well as the newly introduced three-step programming (TSP) and sequential sense concept (SSC) serve as key enablers to X4’s impressive performance.

X4 Controller Technology Is Key
SanDisk developed a number of innovative solutions for advanced system management that address the difficulties posed by this complex 4-bits-per-cell technology. The X4 controller, developed and owned by SanDisk, utilizes a first-of-its-kind error correcting code (ECC) scheme specifically developed for use in storage systems, and tailored to support the 16 levels of distribution needed for 4-bits-per-cell.

“The inherent challenges in producing 4-bits-per-cell technology with good performance and low costs require advanced system level innovations in multi-level storage,” said Menahem Lasser, vice president, future technologies and innovation, SanDisk. “Our X4 controller technology with its memory management and signal processing schemes is crucial to meeting the unique demands of 4-bits-per-cell memory, and demonstrates SanDisk’s ability to conceptualize and produce sophisticated flash memory solutions.”

Today, at the 2009 International Solid State Circuits Conference (ISSCC), SanDisk and Toshiba presented a technical paper describing the key technology advancements that led to the development of 64Gb 4-bits-per-cell NAND flash memory on 43nm technology node. This announcement comes one year after SanDisk unveiled its X3 (3-bits-per-cell NAND) technology at the 2008 ISSCC and was subsequently honored with the ISSCC 2009 Lewis Winner Outstanding Paper Award

About SanDisk
SanDisk Corporation, the inventor and world’s largest supplier of flash storage cards, is a global leader in flash memory – from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk’s product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk (www.sandisk.com/corporate) is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States.

Read Full Post »

SANDISK DEVELOPS 32-NANOMETER NAND FLASH TECHNOLOGY — SMALLEST, MOST ADVANCED FLASH MEMORY CHIP IN THE WORLD
Combination of X3 and 32 nanometer Represents Breakthroughs in Size and Density; Significantly Reduces Manufacturing Cost While Maintaining Performance
Will allow for higher capacity of microSD cards not possible with existing technologies
Maintains performance levels of 43nm process technology due to SanDisk’s advanced All Bit-Line (ABL) architecture and 32nm process technology advancements
ISSCC CONFERENCE, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF., Feb. 10, 2009 — SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) and Toshiba Corporation today announced the co-development of multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash memory using 32-nanometer (nm) process technology to produce a 32-gigabit (Gb) 3-bits-per-cell (X3) memory chip. The breakthrough introduction is expected to quickly bring to market advanced technologies that will enable greater capacities and reduce manufacturing costs for products ranging from memory cards to Solid State Drives (SSD).

“The development of our third-generation 3-bits-per-cell technology on 32nm within one and a half years after the introduction of the first generation of 3-bits-per-cell on 56nm shows the incredibly fast pace necessary to be a world-class producer in today’s industry,” said Sanjay Mehrotra, co-founder and president, SanDisk. “This allows us to offer higher capacities at compelling form factors while reducing manufacturing costs – all helping to expand our various product lines. This new development highlights SanDisk’s deep level of technical expertise and innovation that ultimately benefits consumers.”

32nm X3 Technology—Ideal for microSD Applications
The 32Gb X3 on 32nm technology is the smallest NAND flash memory die reported so far, able to fit into the fingernail-sized microSD™ memory card format that has enjoyed widespread adoption in mobile phones and other consumer electronics devices. The 32nm 32Gb X3 is the highest density microSD memory die in the world, providing twice the capacity of a microSD chip on 43nm while still maintaining a similar die area. Advances in 32nm process technologies and in circuit design significantly contributed to a 113mm2 die-size while SanDisk’s patented All-Bit-Line (ABL) architecture has been a key enabler to maintain a competitive X3 write performance.

“The 32nm X3 die’s small footprint and incredible density will allow for the production of higher capacities of microSD cards than could be manufactured without this technology,” said Yoram Cedar, executive vice president, OEM business unit and corporate engineering, SanDisk. “The microSD form factor has grown in popularity due to rising demand for high capacity storage on mobile phones, and X3 will enable us to bring exciting new products to this market.”

Based On Key SanDisk Technologies
32nm is the most advanced flash memory technology node to date, requiring advanced solutions to manage the challenges of feature size scaling. 32nm technology combines several innovative technologies to reduce die area more aggressively than the trend-line of Moore’s Law.

“32nm technology builds upon SanDisk’s successful deployment of immersion lithography in 43nm to implement spacer process without incurring additional investment in capital-intensive lithography equipment,” said Klaus Schuegraf, vice president, memory technology, SanDisk. “SanDisk brings its industry-leading 64-bit NAND string length to 32nm, while compensating for bit-to-bit interference effects with innovative programming algorithms and system design.”

SanDisk and Toshiba today presented a joint paper on 32nm 32Gb X3 NAND flash memory at the 2009 International Solid State Circuits Conference (ISSCC), highlighting the technical advancements that made 32nm possible. Production for the 32nm 32Gb X3 is expected to begin in the second half of 2009.

About SanDisk
SanDisk Corporation, the inventor and world’s largest supplier of flash storage cards, is a global leader in flash memory – from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk’s product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk (www.sandisk.com/corporate) is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States.

Read Full Post »

SANDISK RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD AT 2009 INTERNATIONAL SOLID STATE CIRCUITS CONFERENCE
IEEE Honors SanDisk’s Groundbreaking X3 Technology And Innovative Multi-Level Cell Solutions 

ISSCC CONFERENCE, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF., February 9, 2009 – SanDisk Corporation today announced that it has received the Lewis Winner Outstanding Paper Award at the 2009 IEEE International Solid State Circuits Conference (ISSCC), which is being held Feb 8-12 at the San Francisco Marriot Hotel. The award was presented to Yan Li, who delivered a paper at last year’s conference entitled “A 16Gb 3b/Cell NAND Flash Memory in 56nm with 8MB/s Write Rate,” which detailed key advancements leading to the development of 3-bit-per-cell (X3) memory on 56 nanometer (nm) technology.

“On behalf of the team at SanDisk, I am honored to receive this prestigious award in recognition of our successful development of the 3-bit-per-cell technology,” said Yan Li, senior design manager, SanDisk. “Utilizing patented All Bit Line (ABL) architecture with advanced proprietary programming algorithms and multilevel data storage management schemes, we produced the X3 NAND flash memory chip without sacrificing performance or reliability.”

“Multi-level flash memory design is a complex topic, particularly when one is concerned with achieving high write-rate. This outstanding paper describes a clear advance in the combination of high level and high rate, achieving 3 bits-per-cell at 8 MB/s,” said Dr. Kenneth C. Smith, ISSCC Awards Chair.

SanDisk co-developed 3-bit-per-cell technology with its memory technology and manufacturing partner, Toshiba. X3 enables high manufacturing efficiency and lower die cost, while maintaining performance and reliability found in conventional multilevel cell (MLC) chips.

About SanDisk
SanDisk Corporation, the inventor and world’s largest supplier of flash storage cards, is a global leader in flash memory – from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk’s product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk (www.sandisk.com/corporate) is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States.

Read Full Post »

SANDISK ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND FISCAL 2008 FINANCIAL RESULTS
Milpitas, CA, February 2, 2009 – SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK), the world’s largest supplier of flash storage card products, today announced results for the fourth quarter ended December 28, 2008. Total fourth quarter revenue of $864 million declined 31% on a year-over-year basis and increased 5% on a quarter-over-quarter basis. Total revenue for fiscal 2008 of $3.35 billion declined 14% from $3.90 billion in fiscal 2007.

Fourth quarter net loss, in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), was $(1.86) billion, or a loss of $(8.25) per share, compared to GAAP net income of $106 million, or $0.45 per share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. The GAAP net loss for fiscal 2008 was $(2.07) billion, or $(9.19) per share, compared to net income of $219 million, or $0.93 per share in fiscal 2007.

“Despite a very difficult pricing environment, macroeconomic turmoil and the impact on consumer purchasing, we delivered sequential revenue growth in the fourth quarter. However, we are very disappointed with our fourth quarter bottom line results, which included significant asset impairment and inventory related charges. We are focused on managing our business through the difficult global economic climate and limited visibility in 2009. We are taking significant steps to curtail our captive output, conserve cash, and reduce capital and operating expenditures. We continue to invest in technology leadership while creating new demand with the exciting products we announced at the January 2009 Consumer Electronics Show,” said Eli Harari, Chairman and CEO. “We believe that drastic industry-wide capital expenditure cuts announced for 2009 will contribute to a better balance between supply and demand and an improved pricing environment in our markets later in 2009 and into 2010.”

Fourth quarter 2008 GAAP results include:

A combined pre-tax goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge of $1.02 billion, due to a sustained decline in SanDisk’s market capitalization, among other factors.
A valuation allowance of $464 million recorded against net deferred tax assets, due primarily to the fiscal 2008 net loss.
Charges to cost of sales of $388 million including inventory related charges of $184 million, idle capacity costs of $121 million for reduced fab output in Q109, and an impairment of fab investments of $83 million partially offsetting the foreign exchange appreciation of these Japanese yen denominated investments in the fabs. These cost of sales charges are also included in the non-GAAP results.
Restructuring and other charges of $31 million. These charges are also included in the non-GAAP results.
These charges in the aggregate amounted to $1.91 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

FOURTH QUARTER 2008 METRICS

Total cash, short-term, and long-term investments at the end of fiscal 2008 was $2.5 billion, compared to $2.9 billion at the end of fiscal 2007.
Cash flow from operations for the fourth quarter was $65 million, compared to $149 million in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Product revenue was $742 million, down 34% year-over-year and up 8% quarter-over-quarter.
License and royalty revenue of $122 million, was down 5% year-over-year and down 8% quarter-over-quarter.
Total megabytes sold in the fourth quarter increased 123% year-over-year and 49% sequentially.
Average price per megabyte sold in the fourth quarter declined 70% on a year-over-year basis and 28% sequentially.
Average retail card capacity in the fourth quarter was 3.79 gigabytes, an increase of 114% on a year-over-year basis and 31% sequentially.
For fiscal 2008 total megabytes sold increased 125% and average price per megabyte sold declined 62%, both on a year-over-year basis.
Non-GAAP net income (loss) was ($372) million in the fourth quarter, compared to $162 million in the fourth quarter of 2007 and ($132) million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
Non-GAAP earnings per share were $(1.65) compared to $0.69 per share in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and $(0.59) per share in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

OTHER RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

SanDisk and Toshiba signed a definitive agreement to transfer more than 20% of SanDisk’s captive fab capacity to Toshiba for a total value of approximately $890 million. This considerably strengthens SanDisk’s financial position, lowers inventory commitments, and enables a more rapid return to a captive/non captive supply model.
SanDisk introduced ExtremeFFS™, a new Flash Management System for improving SSD performance and reliability. ExtremeFFS technology is being implemented on SanDisk’s 3rd generation MLC SSDs, launched at the January 2009 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), at 60 gigabyte, 120 gigabyte, and 240 gigabyte (GB)* capacities.
SanDisk launched slotMusic™ cards in the U.S. in conjunction with the four major record labels. slotMusic is a new physical format for music – high-fidelity, DRM-free MP3 music on a microSD™ card – which gives consumers the ability to easily listen to their favorite songs among a mobile phone, PC, and MP3 player with a microSD slot.
SanDisk unveiled the Sansa® slotRadio™ player and companion line of slotRadio music cards designed especially for the casual music consumer. Available in Spring 2009, the small, stylish device comes bundled with a slotRadio card preloaded with 1,000 songs, professionally arranged into genre-themed playlists. The plug-and-play model offered by the (microSD) card-plus-player format dramatically lowers barriers and ushers in a new way for consumers to easily and immediately enjoy music.
SanDisk was named an International CES Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree for its 16 gigabyte microSDHC™ and Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) mobile phone memory cards.

CONFERENCE CALL

SanDisk’s fourth quarter 2008 conference call is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. PST, Monday, February 2, 2009. The conference call will be webcast and can be accessed live, and throughout the quarter, at SanDisk’s website at http://www.sandisk.com/IR. To participate in the call via telephone, the dial-in number is 913-312-0835. The dial-in password is 4452969. A copy of this press release will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission on a current report on Form 8-K and will be posted to our website prior to the conference call.

A complete reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP information referred to in this release is provided in the attached tables.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements about our business prospects and outlook, anticipated increased demand for products including our mobile products, our expectations of a more balanced supply/demand environment and improved pricing environment and expected growth in international retail, that are based on our current expectations and involve numerous risks and uncertainties that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate and may significantly and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Risks that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include among others:

slower than expected growth in market demand for our products including, for example, our solid state drives, or a slower adoption rate for our products in current and new markets that we are targeting including, for example, the mobile phone market,
level of demand and consumer confidence due to a continuing global economic downturn,
continued significant over-supply in the markets that we serve,
continued significant declines in average selling prices,
any interruption of or delay in supply from any of the semiconductor manufacturing or subcontracting facilities, including test and assembly facilities that supply products to us,
slower than expected expansion of our global sales channels,
fluctuations in operating results, unexpected yield variances and delays related to our conversion to smaller geometries of NAND flash technology or the ramp-up of the 300 millimeter flash fabrication facility,
failure of or delays in the closing of our recently announced joint venture restructuring with Toshiba,
increased memory component and other costs as a result of currency exchange rate fluctuations to the U.S. dollar, particularly with respect to the Japanese yen,
business interruption due to earthquakes, hurricanes or other natural disasters, particularly in areas in the Pacific Rim and Japan where we manufacture and assemble products,
adverse results in litigation or regulatory actions affecting us, and
other risks detailed from time-to-time under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2007 and our subsequently filed fiscal 2008 quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
Future results may differ materially from those previously reported. We do not intend to update the information contained in this release.

ABOUT SANDISK
SanDisk Corporation, the inventor and world’s largest supplier of flash storage cards, is a global leader in flash memory – from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk’s product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders, digital audio/video players, USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise, embedded memory for mobile devices, and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk (www.sandisk.com/corporate) is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States.

Read Full Post »

SANDISK LAUNCHES SLOTRADIO PLAYER AND CARDS
Plug-and-Play Model Offered by the Card-Plus-Player Format Radically Lowers the Entry Barriers to Enjoying Digital Music, Ushering in a New Medium for Digital Music Consumption

CES 2009, South Hall, Booth # 30659, LAS VEGAS — January 7, 2009 – SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), the inventor and world’s largest supplier of flash storage cards, today unveiled the new Sansa® slotRadio™ player and companion line of slotRadio music cards designed especially for the casual music consumer. The Sansa slotRadio player is a small, stylish, portable music device that comes bundled with a slotRadio card preloaded with 1,000 songs handpicked from the Billboard® charts, and professionally arranged into a variety of genre-themed playlists.

“slotRadio’s unprecedented simplicity will have even the most time-pressed music fans enjoying a huge range of music in no time,” said Daniel Schreiber, senior vice president and general manager, SanDisk. “1,000 handpicked songs in your pocket with zero downloads makes enjoying digital music easier than ever. Never before has music been this accessible.”

The immediacy of the plug-and-play model offered by the card-plus-player format ushers in a new way for consumers to enjoy music. To date, portable music devices typically required software installations, followed by time-consuming music selection and file-by-file downloading, topped off with cable connections and synchronization.

“slotRadio dramatically lowers these barriers, offering a genuine alternative to existing options,” said Noam Kedem, vice president of product management, SanDisk. “This makes slotRadio a perfect player for the pressed-for-time mom, the harried traveler, the can’t-stop-now fitness fanatic, as well as anyone who just wants to kick back and discover new songs, or re-discover a timeless favorite.”

The player comes bundled with a slotRadio mix card containing 1,000 songs. It features a variety of playlists from Billboard’s charts, including rock, contemporary, country, and others organized into themes such as “chillout,” “workout” and more. While songs cannot be removed from the card, users can easily navigate between the playlists, and skip through songs at the press of a button.

„slotRadio offers a uniquely uncomplicated portable digital music experience, combining the music discovery aspects of radio with consumer choice in genre selection,” said Susan Kevorkian, Program Director, Consumer Markets at IDC. „Solutions like slotRadio that offer competitively priced, straightforward new ways to acquire and interact with music will play a key role in driving demand among new and existing digital music device and service users as those markets continue to evolve.”

Priced at $99.99 (MSRP)—including the 1,000 song card—the die-cast aluminum player also features a 1.5” OLED screen for viewing artist and song information, a FM radio and even an integrated, handy belt clip for hands-free listening. Additional 1,000 song, genre-specific and themed slotRadio cards will be sold separately at $39.99 MSRP.

The Sansa slotRadio player is expected to be available for purchase online at sansa.com and at more than 4,400 RadioShack stores nationwide in Early 2009.

The Sansa slotRadio cards are designed to be interchangeable with any slotRadio player and will be also compatible with the Sansa® Fuze™ line of MP3 players.

The Sansa slotRadio Player expands SanDisk’s Sansa audio/video product family, which includes the recently introduced slotMusic™ player and cards for avid fans, the popular Sansa Fuze™ and the small Sansa® Clip. For more information on SanDisk’s Sansa audio/video product line, visit http://www.sansa.com.

About SanDisk
SanDisk Corporation, the inventor and world’s largest supplier of flash storage cards, is a global leader in flash memory – from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk’s product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States.

Read Full Post »

Older Posts »